Where to Play and Listen
Sons of the Beach
Every Saturday, 10am-12pm. Sing and play along. On the sand at the Santa Cruz Yacht Harbor near the Crow’s Nest.
Capitola Ukulele Player’s Acoustic String Ensemble
Every Sunday, 10-11:30am. Sing and play along. At the Bandstand in Capitola’s Esplanade Park.
Third Wednesday Club Meeting
Third Wednesday of the month,
5:30 – 7:45pm
A new leader and new surprises every month. June-September at Abbott Square Market, October-May at VFW 2259 7th Ave. Sign up for details sent by email below.
Ukulele Club First Thursday Sing and Strum Along
First Thursday of the month, 5:45-7:15ish. Jug Band Music sing along
September 3 & October 1: meeting at Shanty Shack Brewing, 138 Fern St. Santa Cruz.
November 5 & December 3: meeting at the Crepe Place, 1134 Soquel Ave, Santa Cruz.
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Second Thursday of the month, 6-8pm. Open mics and Sing Alongs
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue Suite B-8 Capitola
Even More Places to Play and Listen
Smouldering Uke
TBA
Making Music With Our Friends
One Saturday in June and August, dates to be announced
Eat, Sing Dance and be Merry. Potluck, dance band, and a sing along.
Burning Uke
Burning Uke info (confirm the year)
Classes
Peter Thomas
Group Lessons:
Email Peter
Rhan Wilson
Private and small group lessons on uke, guitar, bass, and percussion
Email
About The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
A short review by Stanley Sokolow
In January of 2002, when Andy Andrews and Peter Thomas first invited folks to meet at Peter’s house in Santa Cruz, California, to start a ukulele club, they expected only a handful to appear, but to their surprise and delight, 20 to 30 showed up. Thus the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz was born. Named with an acronym matching that of the local university, they claimed the club was the “UCSC where you could get a real (ukulele) education,” the first monthly Third Thursday meetings consisted of everyone playing a few songs together following the chord and lyrics on song sheets they handed out, entertainment by accomplished ukulele musicians, a little ukulele education, and of course good company, while eating and drinking at the pub where they held the meetings.
And from those humble beginnings the club has grown over the years to claim hundreds, maybe even thousands, of fun-loving ukulele players in its ranks, meeting on various days, for various reasons, in various venues all over Santa Cruz County. And there is always room for more: if you want to get more involved, start up a new ukulele band, a new weekly sing along, or just host a party, go for it! We will help you let everyone know about your ideas and plans.
The first rule of Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz is, “there are no rules,” and that rule has served the club well. There’s no formality, no dues, no by-laws, no roster, you just show up with your ukulele at any of the places ukulele players gather in Santa Cruz, join in the fun, and you are a member. (That said, you can signup for the email newsletter at the bottom of the page, or join the Facebook groups.). Beginners need not feel unworthy – the volume of the many ukuleles strumming along will mask any little mistakes you make. Peter Thomas said to me the other day, “The club has lasted much longer than Andy or I ever imagined in our wildest dreams.” It’s still going strong, like a big family with lots of siblings, there are more ukulele things happening in Santa Cruz than anywhere in the world (at least per capita.) So if you’re anywhere nearby, or even far away but yearning for the fun, come to Santa Cruz, to one of the events listed on this web site, and join in the fun.
PS. After the 20 year anniversary we decided it was time to change up the format for the Third Thursday Club Meeting. Moving forward each meeting will have a different leader, and what happens at the meeting will be up to that leader, so we have some fun to look forward to. If you want to lead a meeting let us know by sending a message using the form below. The only requirement is that you set up a sound system so everyone can hear you and anyone you invite to do anything at the meeting.
News & Events
October Uke News Update
There are four items in this update
1. Saturday chair issue
2. Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club
3. Burning Uke info
4. Ukulele lessons at the monthly meeting next Wednesday.
1. Attention Sons and Daughters of the Beach:
Last weekend at Crow’s Nest a number of people grabbed the black steel chairs near the Java Junction coffee shop and pulled them towards the concrete benches by the band to sit on. These were people obviously here for the Uke Club. The owner of the Coffee Shop asked that those chairs be reserved for his patrons, as the chairs aren't cheap and he doesn't want to buy more. I told him I'd pass the word to the club members. So...if you, your friends or any other uke people need a chair please encourage them just to sit on the concrete benches or bring a chair if they require one. As an aside, the owner was very polite, just concerned.
2. Ukulele Club to play for annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club
Would anyone like to play for annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club on Saturday, December 12, 2026 r 5:30pm? If so contact Evelyn Drew
PJ Panzica wrote the following about it:
With the holiday season approaching, I'm looking forward to our annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club on Saturday, December 12, 2026. I am working to finalize the plans, and we were hoping the Ukulele Club could be part of the event again this year, as it has always been a highlight in the past.Please let me know if this will be possible. I hope you all can make it.
3. Burning Uke Info:
Burning Uke is Back for 2026!
October 25-27, 2026
Burning Uke ’26 is this year’s continuation of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz’ iconic festival that began in 2003. It offers the chance for ukulele lovers to come together for a weekend of great music, activities, workshops, fun and, or course, the spectacular burning of the uke! This year’s theme is Harvest Moon.
This year’s event is October 25-27 at the Sweet Water Farms in Watsonville.
Sunday Campers
Check-in any time after Sunday 12:00 PM
Check-out by Tuesday 12:00 PM
Check-in any time after 9:00 AM
There will be a CATERED TAMALE DINNER on Monday Night. The cost is $20. This needs to be paid in advance so we can tell the caterers how much food to bring. Call Sue 831-266-8570 to place your order.
Carpooling will be helpful: due to limited space carpooling is recommended. If you can offer rides or need a ride, give Sue a call at 831-226-8507.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Camping Kickoff on Sunday, Oct. 25th, at noon. Campers may arrive any time after noon to pitch tents and get organized before dark. (Note: Camping is in an apple orchard on an uneven, semi-bumpy surface, so bring lots of padding and a tarp for under your tent. Amenities include a porta potty and a wash basin. Bring flashlights, headlamps, warm clothes, and a cooler with food and drinks for 2.5 days. On Sunday we will share lunch and strumming, games, rock painting, pumpkin carving, and more music. Hula hooping, corn hole, badminton, volleyball? You choose – it’s free time to play. Bring your favorite games. Happy hour – bring pu pus to share. Dinner – bring your own dinner, drinks, utensils, and a wine glass if you like wine. After dinner there will be an evening campfire, time to share camping adventures and favorite stories, and time for more music. – BYO smores.
MONDAY SCHEDULE
Activity Locations:
Party Central – by the firepit
Garden Glade – down from Party Central on gravel
Dance Floor – down from Party CentralCental on red plywood floor
SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
9:00 – 10:30 Check-in
10:30 – 11:30 Line Dancing (Dance Floor) (Ann Gross and Lynne VanDerKamp) Have fun and get your body moving while you learn two easy line dances to songs we commonly play.
10:30 – 11:30 Spin Flags & Hula Hoop Dancing (Dance Floor or Garden Glade?) (Claudia Renee Burgin) More ways to have fun and get your body moving! Learn some basic moves for flag dancing and/or hula hoop dancing. No equipment or prior experience needed; I’ll have a limited number of hoops on hand, so bring your own if you have one. I have enough flags for up to 8 workshop participants. Questions? Send them my way in advance: cgburgin@gmail.com
11:30-12:30 Getting Away From the Books, or “Why do I Want to Know Anything About Music When I Just Want to Be Singing and Strumming Along with Everyone Else?” (Party Central) (Peter Thomas) In this fun and easy workshop, you will learn tips for not relying on written music for chords, and will build your confidence as Peter helps you put theory into practice.
12:30-1:30 BYO Lunch
1:30-2:30 Ukulele Chords: Going Beyond the Basics (Party Central) (Leonard Kaufer) In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to do barre chords up the neck of the ukulele, as well as how to play suspended chords.
3:00-4:00 Caribbean Calypso Uke (Party Central) (Peter Meuse) Yes, we are going to the Caribbean learning an uptempo Calypso song: Hot Hot Hot! We will be using handout picks and learning syncopated strums and uke percussion, along with some whole-hearted singing. All levels welcome.
4:00-5:00 Open Mic (Party Central) This is a chance to sing your own song or lead the group in a sing-along. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got for us!
5:00–6:00 Dinner: Two options: #1. Pre-order tamale dinner with beans, veggies and salsa from D’LaColmena in Watsonville. $20 per person. Pay by October 19). #2. Dinner on your own. BYO food and drinks; we’ll supply plates, napkins and utensils. People are invited to bring a dessert to share if you like.
6:00–8:00 Sing-along and Burning Uke (Party Central)– (Cheri Fischer, Mary Heeney, Brian Schutz and Friends) – As the sun goes down and the full moon rises, we’ll top off the day with a group sing-along featuring Harvest Moon- and Halloween-themed songs from our songbooks. We’ll also light Jay Holiday’s custom-made Burning Uke as we commune with the aloha spirit of the ukulele.
8:00–10:00 Campfire After-Party (Party Central) After a full day’s activities, unwind as you settle into some laid-back singing, ukulele playing, story-telling, etc…
B. ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES
10:00–4:00 Jam Session (Garden Glade) – This on-going, informal gathering will allow you to play and sing with other musicians. Participants are encouraged to take turns choosing songs, and to allow for lots of instrumental solos. Bring out whatever instruments you have to add to the fun, and let’s just jam!
11:30–5:00 Rock Painting, Mini-Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Carving. (Party Central) We’ll have all the supplies you’ll need to create your own little work of art. Mini-pumpkins and full-sized pumpkins will be available to purchase directly from Sweet Water Farm.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Register and pay. COST: Monday only, $25 per person; Camping, $50 per person or $75 for two people sharing a campsite.) Contact Sue to register and pay (831-266-8570). Event has limited space and may fill up. Register early.
Tamale dinner: (Held on Monday). $20 per person. Contact Sue for payment (831-266-8570) or Brian (408-398-1051) for questions.
This is a BYO event! Bring your own food, drink, ukulele, chair, SC Ukulele Club music books with stand and lights sufficient to read music books at night.
Campers: Expect rustic unimproved camping conditions. Porta-potties are available, but otherwise bring all you need. There is room for tent camping and small vans; no large RV’s. The ground is not perfectly flat, so come prepared.
PARKING IS LIMITED!! Please try to carpool. If you are willing to pick up others for Monday or are hoping to ride with someone else, please contact Sue at 831-266-8570.
Arrive as early as possible after 9:00 AM as parking and registration assistants will soon become busy attending events!
Burning Uke signup form:
Harvest Moon Burning Uke ’26
Sweet Water Farms, 848 Buena Vista Rd., Watsonville, CA
Full Day of Music & Activities & Workshops on Monday, 10am – 10pm, October 26th ($25.)
Rustic Camping Adventure: Sunday, 12pm, October 25th to Tuesday, 12pm, October 27th ($50./ $75 for 2)
Mexican Dinner from Cardenos Market: ($20.) Tamales, Beans, Veggies and Salad.
Bring: Ukulele Club Song Books, Ukuleles, Harmonicas, Other Instruments, Folding Chair, Food and Drinks, Music Stand, Flashlights & Headlamps, Warm Clothes & Blankets (as needed), flashlights, headlamps, and a Smile.
Bring a tarp for under your tent and lots of padding for your tent – bumpy ground. Amenities: Porta Potty and Wash Basin. (No sissies, please)
Halloween Costumes Welcome!
Please Circle: Camper: $50. Two Campers: $75. Day Uker: $25. Mexican Dinner: $20.
Please Carpool. Call Sue Andre: 831-266-8570 if you need a ride or have space in your car.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name(s): _______________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________
Car Type, License Number, Van Height: _____________________________________________
Amount Paid: _________________
Circle One:
Cash Check Zelle (Code attached – payable to Santa Cruz Burning Uke Account)
Questions? Sue 831-266-8570 or Lynne 831-291-1340 for information & details
Write checks payable to Burning Uke – Sue Andre
Mail Registration: Sue Andre, 721 Bay St., Apt. 15, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Please pay so we can pay Sweet Water Farms for accommodating our festivities.
QR Code Attached
4. Uke lessons at the monthly meeting
David Guarente and I are planning to start a series of ukulele lessons for club members. David will be arriving early to the meeting on Wednesday at the VFW to meet with anyone who is interested in classes or lessons to assess what is needed and the best to offer. Show up before things get rolling, at 5, to talk with David about your desires.
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting Detalis
Wednesday, October 21
5:30–8:00 p.m.
VFW Hall
7th Avenue, Santa Cruz
Celebrate autumn, harvests, the positive energy of the feminine, and Halloween! The Winsome Witches (Galina, Cindy, Eileen and a special guest) will beguile you with a few tunes to kick off the evening.
Then we’ll dive into projected charts, including songs from the club songbooks and some “out of book” selections. And, Monster Mash-of course! With our own Boris aka Pat Tracy!
Food: Let’s have a potluck! Bring a food item to share and serving utensils. Plates, napkins, and cutlery will be provided. Please plan to purchase your beverages from the VFW cantina. The VFW generously allows us to use this space at no charge, and we’ll have a donation jar available.
Plan to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to have time to eat, chat with your friends, and make some new ones. It seems like there is never enough time to share stories and laughs.
Costumes? Yes! We’ll have a costume contest where you can sashay or strut around the VFW hall. You do you!
⸻
Happy Ukuing and have fun..... faithfully submitted to the membership by your own club "what ever he is".....Peter Thomas
Button
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
facebook
You received this email because you signed up on our website or at one of our local events. We hope you appreciate our efforts to keep our community informed and connected.
Unsubscribe
Sent by MailerLite
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Jug Band Jam: Sing & Ukulele Strum Along
Thursday, October 1
5:45–7:30 p.m.
Shanty Shack Brewing
138 Fern Street, Santa Cruz
Note the new venue! Shanty Shack turns out to be a perfect venue for a Jug Band jam session. The bench seating leaves more room for guitars and larger instruments. Bring a music stand, and a chair if you would rather have a seat with a back.
Songbooks will be passed out at the meeting. The songs we play are hokum blues, folk jazz, and novelty tunes from the 1920s and ’30s. That’s jug band music!
Everyone is encouraged to bring your voice, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor, and to sing and play along. You are invited to lead a song if it fits the genre.
Street parking is available nearby. Grab a parking permit from the bar.
Beer, wine, cider, sodas, and food from the SC Eatery food truck are available.
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Here are some videos from the club meeting last Wednesday: Nate from the Coffee Zombie Collective won the battle of the bands against Peter and Michele, but the jury is still out regarding the club members battle of the bands
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News September 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. Books 1–6 are all in stock and available. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
Subscribing to the Newsletter
We now have a self-service form for subscribing to the newsletter. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, direct them to the bottom of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz web page:
ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com/#contactform
Ukes4Peace (Northern California)
There is a growing Northern California “Ukes4Peace” community organizing musical outreach events supporting peace, love, and harmony.
For more information and upcoming events, join the Facebook group “Ukes4Peace Uke Jam.” If you are interested in hosting a Ukes4Peace gathering in the Santa Cruz area, contact Rachelle Chong at:
ukes4peaceca@gmail.com
⸻
Monthly Events
Ukulele Night (On the Other Side of the Hill)
Tuesday, September 1 — coming very soon!
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Ludwig’s Biergarten
383 Castro Street, Mountain View
Our monthly gathering continues on the first Tuesday of each month, and we just keep having a ton of fun. If you find yourself on the other side of the hill, stop by and join in. Songs from the 21st century are a common feature!
⸻
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, September 3
5:45–7:30 p.m.
Shanty Shack Brewing
138 Fern Street, Santa Cruz
Note the new venue! We think Shanty Shack is going to be a better venue for a jam session. The bench seating will leave more room for guitars and larger instruments. Bring a music stand, and a chair if you would rather have a seat with a back.
Songbooks will be passed out at the meeting. The songs we play are hokum blues, folk jazz, and novelty tunes from the 1920s and ’30s. That’s jug band music!
Everyone is encouraged to bring your voice, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor, and to sing and play along. You are invited to lead a song if it fits the genre.
Street parking is available nearby. Grab a parking permit from the bar.
Beer, wine, cider, sodas, and food from the SC Eatery food truck are available.
⸻
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Thursday, September 10
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Buddy, John, Lew, Pat, Johnny G, and Mary will once again lead an exploration of some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks. There are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Books 5 and 6.
Open mic opportunities and chances to lead songs are always welcome. This intimate and supportive venue is a wonderful place to experiment and try out new material.
Optional items to bring include your ukulele (or other stringed instrument) and a tablet with charts or songbooks. Charts will be projected. A big thanks to Gary Steed!
Enjoy delicious wine (including a sparkling rosé), beer, wonderful company, and great food—not necessarily in that order.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, September 16
5:00–7:00 p.m.
Abbott Square Market
Santa Cruz
Join us for another summer evening of ukulele at Abbott Square. The sun will be setting earlier, so we are starting earlier too. This will give you time to eat while Peter and his opening band play some entertaining background music that you can play along with if you choose.
Band Scramble Battle of the Bands
We will pass out slips of paper for everyone to write their names on and then draw names from a hat to form bands. Each band will be given a choice of songs to perform and 10–15 minutes to practice. Then each band will have the opportunity to perform the song it has practiced.
Abbott Square management asks that we encourage everyone to purchase meals and drinks from the market vendors rather than bring their own. That is how we give back to the market for hosting our meetings at no charge.
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, September 24
Location TBD
We will be singing songs from UCSC Books 1–6. If you have the books on a tablet, consider bringing them to share. Hopefully we can find a location that allows us to project songs.
Bring your ukes, voices, and song requests. You may also want to bring a music stand and a chair if you prefer not to stand.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
Our very own Grammy Award-winning slack key guitarist and ukulele player, George Kahumoku Jr., has two charity fundraising events coming up in September.
Aloha in the Redwoods
Saturday, September 5
Doors: 3:00 p.m. | Music: 4:00 p.m. | Dinner: 6:00 p.m.
La Honda Gardens
8865 La Honda Road
La Honda, CA 94020
This fundraiser for La Honda Elementary School is hosted by the La Honda Educational Foundation.
The event also features a hula performance by Hālau Nāpuaokaleimaoliola, directed by Kumu Kamaolipua Grace.
Tickets and more information:
www.lahondakids.org/aloha
⸻
Ten Years of Ohana with the Cali Project
Sunday, September 13
4:00–9:00 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
George Kahumoku Jr. will be playing with Dave Abrahams, a multi-instrumentalist, singer, and songwriter.
There are no tickets and no cover charge. Fifteen percent of the evening’s proceeds will support The Cali Project, which empowers differently-abled adults to live independently in Santa Cruz.
For more information about The Cali Project:
thecaliproject.org
⸻
Burning Uke 2026
Sunday, October 25 – Tuesday, October 27
Sweet Water Farms
848 Buena Vista Drive, Watsonville
Once again, the popular Burning Uke event is taking place, this time at nearby Sweet Water Farms in Watsonville. The event begins on Sunday, October 25, runs all day Monday, October 26, and wraps up Tuesday morning, October 27.
Sweet Water Farms is an attractive U-pick farm with plenty of oak trees for shade. The location supports basic tent camping and has ample parking for smaller camper vans.
This will be a bring-your-own event, so plan to bring your own food, chairs, and other supplies. Camping is $50; day use is $25.
Contact Sue Andre or Lynne Van Der Kamp to reserve a spot. More details will follow as the date approaches. Save the dates!
⸻
Community Outreach Invitation
George Kahumoku Jr. invites club members to consider sharing their ukulele skills with younger generations and the broader community.
Opportunities include helping start ukulele programs in local schools and bringing music to senior centers and retirement communities.
Contact George:
Georgekahumoku@gmail.com
808-280-9948
⸻
1 CommentsComment on Facebook
⸻
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News August 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. Books 1–6 are all in stock and available. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
Subscribing to the Newsletter
We now have a self-service form for subscribing to the newsletter. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, direct them to the bottom of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz web page:
ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com/#contactform
Ukes4Peace (Northern California)
There is a growing Northern California “Ukes4Peace” community organizing musical outreach events supporting peace, love, and harmony.
For more information and upcoming events, join the Facebook group “Ukes4Peace Uke Jam.” If you are interested in hosting a Ukes4Peace gathering in the Santa Cruz area, contact Rachelle Chong at:
ukes4peaceca@gmail.com
⸻
Monthly Events
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, August 6
5:45–7:15 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
This month's Jug Band Sing Along will kick off the four-day Second Annual Santa Cruz Jug Band Festival.
Come help us give festival visitors a warm Santa Cruz welcome and show them how much fun it is to play ukulele and kazoo together! Bring your ukulele, kazoo, harmonica—or all three—and join the fun.
The songs will be simple jug band standards with great sing-along choruses. Gary Steed will project the chords and lyrics, and songbooks will be available for anyone who needs one.
Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue available — please support the venue.
⸻
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Thursday, August 13
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Buddy, John, Lew, Pat, Johnny G, and Mary will once again lead an exploration of some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks. There are still plenty of hidden gems waiting to be discovered in Books 5 and 6.
Open mic opportunities and chances to lead songs are always welcome. This intimate and supportive venue is a wonderful place to experiment and try out new material.
Optional items to bring include your ukulele (or other stringed instrument) and a tablet with charts or songbooks. Charts will be projected. A big thanks to Gary Steed!
Enjoy delicious wine (including a sparkling rosé), beer, wonderful company, and great food—not necessarily in that order.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, August 19
5:30–7:30 p.m.
Abbott Square Market
Santa Cruz
Join us for another summer evening of music at Abbott Square.
We'll open with a star-studded lineup as Vince Tuzzi and Bob Burnett perform a set of favorites, followed by Mick Marlar performing several of his beautiful original songs.
Linda Baker will then lead everyone in a joyful sing-along to round out the evening.
Abbott Square offers plenty of food and drink options and a wonderful outdoor atmosphere. We hope you'll join us!
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, August 27 — 6:00 p.m.
Covered Bridge (inside), Felton — weather permitting
We will be singing songs from UCSC Books 1–6. If you have the books on a tablet, consider bringing them to share.
Bring your ukes, voices, and song requests. You may also want to bring a music stand and a chair if you prefer not to stand.
Evenings near the river can be chilly, so dress accordingly.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
International Play Music on the Porch Day
Saturday, August 29
Time: TBD
Brady's Yacht Club
413 Seabright Avenue, Santa Cruz
Tom Clark and Mary Heeney are planning our second annual International Play Music on the Porch Day at Brady's Yacht Club. We will once again gather on the back patio for an afternoon of music in a beautiful outdoor setting.
Plans are still being finalized and additional details will be announced in the coming weeks. All instruments are welcome. If you'd like to help organize the event or lead a song or two, your help is most welcome.
⸻
Community Outreach Invitation
George Kahumoku Jr. invites club members to consider sharing their ukulele skills with younger generations and the broader community.
Opportunities include helping start ukulele programs in local schools and bringing music to senior centers and retirement communities.
Contact George:
Georgekahumoku@gmail.com
808-280-9948
⸻
You are receiving this email because you asked to be included on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz mailing list at a gathering or by contacting a list organizer.
⸻
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
facebook
You received this email because you signed up on our website or at one of our local events. We hope you appreciate our efforts to keep our community in
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz —
Uke News June 2026
⸻
Weekly Gatherings
Saturdays — 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.
Yacht Harbor Beach (in front of the Crow’s Nest)
Facebook group: Sons and Daughters of the Beach
Sundays — 10:00 a.m.–11:30 a.m.
Capitola Esplanade Bandstand
Facebook group: Capitola Ukulele Players
Most Mondays — 3:00–4:30 p.m.
Bonny Doon gathering
For address and weekly confirmation contact Becca Moeller: becca@cruzio.com
Fridays — 10:00–11:00 a.m.
Mid County Senior Center, Bay Avenue, Capitola
All levels welcome, especially beginners. The group plays from its own songbook.
Cost: $4 (members) / $6 (non-members)
Contact Gigi: 831-662-8728
⸻
Club Announcements
Ukulele Club Songbooks
Brian Schutz is selling the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz songbooks. Books 1–6 are all in stock and available. The price remains $35. We cannot mail books, so they must be purchased locally.
Brian also has clip-on chromatic tuners available for $10.
You can contact Brian via Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bdschutz
Subscribing to the Newsletter
We now have a self-service form for subscribing to the newsletter. If you know someone who would like to subscribe, direct them to the bottom of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz web page:
ukuleleclubofsantacruz.com/#contactform
Ukes4Peace (Northern California)
There is a growing Northern California “Ukes4Peace” community organizing musical outreach events supporting peace, love, and harmony.
For more information and upcoming events, join the Facebook group “Ukes4Peace Uke Jam.” If you are interested in hosting a Ukes4Peace gathering in the Santa Cruz area, contact Rachelle Chong at:
ukes4peaceca@gmail.com
⸻
Monthly Events
Jug Band Sing & Strum Along
Thursday, June 4
5:45–7:15 p.m.
Pono Hawaiian Grill
120 Union Street, Santa Cruz
This month we’ll give special attention to the contribution of the washtub bass to the jug band tradition. A few special guests will be bringing theirs along, and if you have one, bring it too.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to sing and play along. The chords are simple and the songs are fun. Bring your voices, ukes, jugs, kazoos, washboards, guitars, fiddles, and good humor. Chord and lyric charts will be projected or available in books. Lots of nearby parking. It’s fun and it’s free.
Full bar and Hawaiian barbecue available — please support the venue.
⸻
Cork & Fork Ukulele Night
Thursday, June 11
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Cork and Fork
1955 41st Avenue, Suite B-8, Capitola
Buddy, John, Lew, Mary, and Pat will once again lead an exploration of some of the 1,000+ songs in the club songbooks. The West Side Serenaders — Debra, Amanda, Linda, Nancy, Tim, and Kathie — will join us to lead a few songs. Jeff and his sound bowls may also make an appearance.
Open mic opportunities and chances to lead songs are always welcome. This intimate and supportive venue is a wonderful place to experiment and try out new material.
Optional items to bring include your ukulele (or other stringed instrument) and a tablet with charts or songbooks. Charts will be projected. Thanks Gary Steed!
We had a wonderful time at our May gathering at this welcoming venue — thanks to Cathy and her terrific staff for making the “ukers” feel at home.
⸻
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting
Wednesday, June 17
6:00–8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square Market
Santa Cruz
Our June meeting moves to Abbott Square for a special evening of music and sing-alongs.
We are fortunate to have four-time Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr. and founding club member Vince Tuzzi opening the evening with a delightful selection of songs.
The sing-along begins at 6:30 p.m., featuring songs from Books 1, 3, 4, and 5. George and Vince will close out the evening with a final song at 8:00 p.m.
Abbott Square offers many food options, lots of space, and a wonderful atmosphere. We hope you’ll join us.
⸻
Mountain Ukers Gathering
Thursday, June 25 — 6:00 p.m.
Covered Bridge (inside), Felton — weather permitting
We will be singing songs from UCSC books 1–6. If you have the books on a tablet, consider bringing them to share.
Bring your ukes, voices, and song requests. You may also want to bring a music stand and a chair if you prefer not to stand.
⸻
Special Appearances and Outings
Hawaiian Weekend at Chaminade
Friday, May 29 – Sunday, May 31
Chaminade Resort & Spa
Santa Cruz
Join Chaminade Resort & Spa for a family-friendly Hawaiian celebration featuring a luau and dinner buffet, live music by Grammy winner George Kahumoku Jr., hula dancing, ukulele lessons, cooking demonstrations, movie screenings, and more.
Open to resort guests and non-guests.
www.chaminade.com/santa-cruz-restaurants/hawaiian-weekend/
⸻
Ukulele Night (On the Other Side of the Hill)
Tuesday, June 2 (Election Night)
5:30–8:00 p.m.
Ludwig’s
383 Castro Street, Mountain View
This monthly gathering continues on the first Tuesday of each month. If you find yourself on the other side of the hill, stop by and join in.
⸻
Kanekoa String Trio Workshop & Concert
Sunday, June 7
Pono Hawaiian Grill, Santa Cruz
Workshop: 3:00–4:00 p.m. — $35
Concert: 5:00–7:00 p.m. — $35
Both: $60
The award-winning Kanekoa String Trio from Maui brings its high-energy blend of Hawaiian, roots, and jam-inspired ukulele music to Santa Cruz for a special workshop and mini-concert. Players of all skill levels are welcome — bring your ukulele and join the fun.
Information or tickets:
kanekoasounds@gmail.com
www.kanekoasounds.com
⸻
World’s Shortest Parade — Ukulele Brigade
Friday, July 4
Aptos Village
Save the date to join the annual ukulele brigade in Aptos’s famous “World’s Shortest Parade.”
Details, including song selections, will be included in next month’s newsletter.
⸻
Community Outreach Invitation
George Kahumoku Jr. invites club members to consider sharing their ukulele skills with younger generations and the broader community.
Opportunities include helping start ukulele programs in local schools and bringing music to senior centers and retirement communities.
Contact George:
Georgekahumoku@gmail.com
808-280-9948
⸻
You are receiving this email because you asked to be included on the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz mailing list at a gathering or by contacting a list organizer.
⸻
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
facebook
0 CommentsComment on Facebook
October Uke News Update
There are four items in this update
1. Saturday chair issue
2. Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club
3. Burning Uke info
4. Ukulele lessons at the monthly meeting next Wednesday.
1. Attention Sons and Daughters of the Beach:
Last weekend at Crow’s Nest a number of people grabbed the black steel chairs near the Java Junction coffee shop and pulled them towards the concrete benches by the band to sit on. These were people obviously here for the Uke Club. The owner of the Coffee Shop asked that those chairs be reserved for his patrons, as the chairs aren't cheap and he doesn't want to buy more. I told him I'd pass the word to the club members. So...if you, your friends or any other uke people need a chair please encourage them just to sit on the concrete benches or bring a chair if they require one. As an aside, the owner was very polite, just concerned.
2. Ukulele Club to play for annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club
Would anyone like to play for annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club on Saturday, December 12, 2026 r 5:30pm? If so contact Evelyn Drew
PJ Panzica wrote the following about it:
With the holiday season approaching, I'm looking forward to our annual Holiday Party at the Santa Cruz Yacht Club on Saturday, December 12, 2026. I am working to finalize the plans, and we were hoping the Ukulele Club could be part of the event again this year, as it has always been a highlight in the past.Please let me know if this will be possible. I hope you all can make it.
3. Burning Uke Info:
Burning Uke is Back for 2026!
October 25-27, 2026
Burning Uke ’26 is this year’s continuation of the Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz’ iconic festival that began in 2003. It offers the chance for ukulele lovers to come together for a weekend of great music, activities, workshops, fun and, or course, the spectacular burning of the uke! This year’s theme is Harvest Moon.
This year’s event is October 25-27 at the Sweet Water Farms in Watsonville.
Sunday Campers
Check-in any time after Sunday 12:00 PM
Check-out by Tuesday 12:00 PM
Check-in any time after 9:00 AM
There will be a CATERED TAMALE DINNER on Monday Night. The cost is $20. This needs to be paid in advance so we can tell the caterers how much food to bring. Call Sue 831-266-8570 to place your order.
Carpooling will be helpful: due to limited space carpooling is recommended. If you can offer rides or need a ride, give Sue a call at 831-226-8507.
SUNDAY SCHEDULE
Camping Kickoff on Sunday, Oct. 25th, at noon. Campers may arrive any time after noon to pitch tents and get organized before dark. (Note: Camping is in an apple orchard on an uneven, semi-bumpy surface, so bring lots of padding and a tarp for under your tent. Amenities include a porta potty and a wash basin. Bring flashlights, headlamps, warm clothes, and a cooler with food and drinks for 2.5 days. On Sunday we will share lunch and strumming, games, rock painting, pumpkin carving, and more music. Hula hooping, corn hole, badminton, volleyball? You choose – it’s free time to play. Bring your favorite games. Happy hour – bring pu pus to share. Dinner – bring your own dinner, drinks, utensils, and a wine glass if you like wine. After dinner there will be an evening campfire, time to share camping adventures and favorite stories, and time for more music. – BYO smores.
MONDAY SCHEDULE
Activity Locations:
Party Central – by the firepit
Garden Glade – down from Party Central on gravel
Dance Floor – down from Party CentralCental on red plywood floor
SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES
9:00 – 10:30 Check-in
10:30 – 11:30 Line Dancing (Dance Floor) (Ann Gross and Lynne VanDerKamp) Have fun and get your body moving while you learn two easy line dances to songs we commonly play.
10:30 – 11:30 Spin Flags & Hula Hoop Dancing (Dance Floor or Garden Glade?) (Claudia Renee Burgin) More ways to have fun and get your body moving! Learn some basic moves for flag dancing and/or hula hoop dancing. No equipment or prior experience needed; I’ll have a limited number of hoops on hand, so bring your own if you have one. I have enough flags for up to 8 workshop participants. Questions? Send them my way in advance: cgburgin@gmail.com
11:30-12:30 Getting Away From the Books, or “Why do I Want to Know Anything About Music When I Just Want to Be Singing and Strumming Along with Everyone Else?” (Party Central) (Peter Thomas) In this fun and easy workshop, you will learn tips for not relying on written music for chords, and will build your confidence as Peter helps you put theory into practice.
12:30-1:30 BYO Lunch
1:30-2:30 Ukulele Chords: Going Beyond the Basics (Party Central) (Leonard Kaufer) In this interactive workshop, you will learn how to do barre chords up the neck of the ukulele, as well as how to play suspended chords.
3:00-4:00 Caribbean Calypso Uke (Party Central) (Peter Meuse) Yes, we are going to the Caribbean learning an uptempo Calypso song: Hot Hot Hot! We will be using handout picks and learning syncopated strums and uke percussion, along with some whole-hearted singing. All levels welcome.
4:00-5:00 Open Mic (Party Central) This is a chance to sing your own song or lead the group in a sing-along. We can’t wait to hear what you’ve got for us!
5:00–6:00 Dinner: Two options: #1. Pre-order tamale dinner with beans, veggies and salsa from D’LaColmena in Watsonville. $20 per person. Pay by October 19). #2. Dinner on your own. BYO food and drinks; we’ll supply plates, napkins and utensils. People are invited to bring a dessert to share if you like.
6:00–8:00 Sing-along and Burning Uke (Party Central)– (Cheri Fischer, Mary Heeney, Brian Schutz and Friends) – As the sun goes down and the full moon rises, we’ll top off the day with a group sing-along featuring Harvest Moon- and Halloween-themed songs from our songbooks. We’ll also light Jay Holiday’s custom-made Burning Uke as we commune with the aloha spirit of the ukulele.
8:00–10:00 Campfire After-Party (Party Central) After a full day’s activities, unwind as you settle into some laid-back singing, ukulele playing, story-telling, etc…
B. ALL-DAY ACTIVITIES
10:00–4:00 Jam Session (Garden Glade) – This on-going, informal gathering will allow you to play and sing with other musicians. Participants are encouraged to take turns choosing songs, and to allow for lots of instrumental solos. Bring out whatever instruments you have to add to the fun, and let’s just jam!
11:30–5:00 Rock Painting, Mini-Pumpkin Painting, Pumpkin Carving. (Party Central) We’ll have all the supplies you’ll need to create your own little work of art. Mini-pumpkins and full-sized pumpkins will be available to purchase directly from Sweet Water Farm.
ATTENDEE INFORMATION
Register and pay. COST: Monday only, $25 per person; Camping, $50 per person or $75 for two people sharing a campsite.) Contact Sue to register and pay (831-266-8570). Event has limited space and may fill up. Register early.
Tamale dinner: (Held on Monday). $20 per person. Contact Sue for payment (831-266-8570) or Brian (408-398-1051) for questions.
This is a BYO event! Bring your own food, drink, ukulele, chair, SC Ukulele Club music books with stand and lights sufficient to read music books at night.
Campers: Expect rustic unimproved camping conditions. Porta-potties are available, but otherwise bring all you need. There is room for tent camping and small vans; no large RV’s. The ground is not perfectly flat, so come prepared.
PARKING IS LIMITED!! Please try to carpool. If you are willing to pick up others for Monday or are hoping to ride with someone else, please contact Sue at 831-266-8570.
Arrive as early as possible after 9:00 AM as parking and registration assistants will soon become busy attending events!
Burning Uke signup form:
Harvest Moon Burning Uke ’26
Sweet Water Farms, 848 Buena Vista Rd., Watsonville, CA
Full Day of Music & Activities & Workshops on Monday, 10am – 10pm, October 26th ($25.)
Rustic Camping Adventure: Sunday, 12pm, October 25th to Tuesday, 12pm, October 27th ($50./ $75 for 2)
Mexican Dinner from Cardenos Market: ($20.) Tamales, Beans, Veggies and Salad.
Bring: Ukulele Club Song Books, Ukuleles, Harmonicas, Other Instruments, Folding Chair, Food and Drinks, Music Stand, Flashlights & Headlamps, Warm Clothes & Blankets (as needed), flashlights, headlamps, and a Smile.
Bring a tarp for under your tent and lots of padding for your tent – bumpy ground. Amenities: Porta Potty and Wash Basin. (No sissies, please)
Halloween Costumes Welcome!
Please Circle: Camper: $50. Two Campers: $75. Day Uker: $25. Mexican Dinner: $20.
Please Carpool. Call Sue Andre: 831-266-8570 if you need a ride or have space in your car.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Name(s): _______________________________________________________________
Address: __________________________________________________________________________________
Phone Number: ____________________________________________
Email Address: ____________________________________________
Car Type, License Number, Van Height: _____________________________________________
Amount Paid: _________________
Circle One:
Cash Check Zelle (Code attached – payable to Santa Cruz Burning Uke Account)
Questions? Sue 831-266-8570 or Lynne 831-291-1340 for information & details
Write checks payable to Burning Uke – Sue Andre
Mail Registration: Sue Andre, 721 Bay St., Apt. 15, Santa Cruz, CA 95060
Please pay so we can pay Sweet Water Farms for accommodating our festivities.
QR Code Attached
4. Uke lessons at the monthly meeting
David Guarente and I are planning to start a series of ukulele lessons for club members. David will be arriving early to the meeting on Wednesday at the VFW to meet with anyone who is interested in classes or lessons to assess what is needed and the best to offer. Show up before things get rolling, at 5, to talk with David about your desires.
Ukulele Club Monthly Meeting Detalis
Wednesday, October 21
5:30–8:00 p.m.
VFW Hall
7th Avenue, Santa Cruz
Celebrate autumn, harvests, the positive energy of the feminine, and Halloween! The Winsome Witches (Galina, Cindy, Eileen and a special guest) will beguile you with a few tunes to kick off the evening.
Then we’ll dive into projected charts, including songs from the club songbooks and some “out of book” selections. And, Monster Mash-of course! With our own Boris aka Pat Tracy!
Food: Let’s have a potluck! Bring a food item to share and serving utensils. Plates, napkins, and cutlery will be provided. Please plan to purchase your beverages from the VFW cantina. The VFW generously allows us to use this space at no charge, and we’ll have a donation jar available.
Plan to arrive at 5:30 p.m. to have time to eat, chat with your friends, and make some new ones. It seems like there is never enough time to share stories and laughs.
Costumes? Yes! We’ll have a costume contest where you can sashay or strut around the VFW hall. You do you!
⸻
Happy Ukuing and have fun..... faithfully submitted to the membership by your own club "what ever he is".....Peter Thomas
Button
Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, California
ukuleleclubofsantacruz@gmail.com
facebook
You received this email because you signed up on our website or at one of our local events. We hope you appreciate our efforts to keep our community informed and connected.
Unsubscribe
Sent by MailerLite ...
0 CommentsComment on Facebook