2026 Featured Artists
Jake Shimabukuro
Jake Shimabukuro is a world-renowned ukulele virtuoso whose groundbreaking artistry has redefined the instrument for the 21st century. Hailed as the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro has captivated audiences across the globe with his masterful technique, innovative spirit, and deeply expressive performances that seamlessly blend elements of jazz, rock, classical, blues, folk, and traditional Hawaiian music.
Born and raised in Honolulu, Hawai‘i, Jake began playing the ukulele at age four, quickly developing a unique style that pushed the instrument far beyond its traditional boundaries. He first gained international recognition after his jaw-dropping rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral, introducing millions to the ukulele’s untapped potential.
Over the course of his career, Shimabukuro has released numerous acclaimed albums, collaborated with an array of legendary artists—including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Ziggy Marley, and Mick Fleetwood—and performed everywhere from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl and the Kennedy Center. His most recent projects showcase both his dazzling technical command and his growing focus on emotional storytelling through music.
Beyond the stage, Jake is a passionate advocate for music education and community outreach, frequently performing at schools and benefit concerts to inspire the next generation of musicians. Whether playing an intimate solo show or headlining with a full band, Shimabukuro continues to prove that the ukulele is an instrument of infinite possibilities—one that speaks a universal language of joy, connection, and hope.
Jake will be teaching a workshop and performing a concert at our festival!
https://www.facebook.com/jakeshimabukuromusic/
https://www.instagram.com/jakeshimabukuro/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHvWv6d-IWyWquyq_xuFAuQ
Stu Fuchs
Stu Fuchs (https://www.stufuchs.com/) is a Vermont-based, lifelong musician, and award-winning teaching artist who blends mindfulness practice with creative play. As a celebrated educator on the ukulele circuit, he has shared his unique workshops and concerts at festivals around the world for more than a decade. His popular YouTube channel, Ukulele Zen, offers holistic ukulele lessons to over 117,000 subscribers:Stu Fuchs (https://www.stufuchs.com/) is a Vermont-based, lifelong musician, and award-winning teaching artist who blends mindfulness practice with creative play. As a celebrated educator on the ukulele circuit, he has shared his unique workshops and concerts at festivals around the world for more than a decade. His popular YouTube channel, Ukulele Zen, offers holistic ukulele lessons to over 117,000 subscribers: https://www.youtube.com/@ukulelezenStu’s approach combines playful, heart-centered instruction with accessible practices from yoga and mindfulness. His Ukulele Zen retreats and workshops create a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere where players can deepen their skills, quiet the mind, and enjoy the simple joy of making music.
With over 25 years as a professional artist, Stu’s background includes theater, classical and improvised music, and gypsy jazz guitar. His former band Babik was featured on Public Radio International and performed with symphony orchestras across the U.S.
Stu is deeply committed to sharing music as a path of meditation and healing. He received a prestigious National Endowment for the Arts grant for his work offering healing music and meditative arts to cancer patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute, where he served as artist-in-residence for eight years.
He has also toured and recorded with the renowned sacred chant artist Snatam Kaur, performing on her Grammy-nominated album Beloved (Best New Age Album, 2018).
Stu will perform a concert, teach workshops, and teach individual mentoring sessions at this year's festival!
Ukulele Gent
Greg Gent (aka Ukulele Gent https://www.facebook.com/ukulelegent) is an Orlando, FL-based musician and educator who hosts weekly high-energy online play-a-longs with viewers from across the country and world; local play-a-longs; and ukulele festivals.
At 10 years old, Greg’s parents gave him the choice between two things he really wanted: guitar lessons or an aquarium. Guitar lessons required work, so he chose the aquarium. 40 years later, he decided to learn a musical instrument, this time the ukulele. Greg has an ever-growing Patreon learning platform, is an Ambassador for KLOS brand ukuleles and also represents Mya-Moe brand ukuleles.
https://www.patreon.com/c/UkuleleGent
https://www.youtube.com/@ukulelegent
Greg will lead ukulele jams, teach workshops, and teach individual mentoring sessions at this year's festival!
Amy Kucharik
Amy Kucharik (https://www.facebook.com/4stringserenade) is a Somerville, MA-based singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist known for her "ukulele-slinging" performances that blend blues, ragtime jazz, and folk. Her work often features a Vaudevillian charm combined with modern storytelling.
https://amykucharik.bandcamp.com
www.youtube.com/4StringSerenade
Amy will perform a concert, teach workshops, and teach individual mentoring sessions at this year's festival!
Sam Anderson
Sam Anderson (also known as "Suitcase Sam" and Hillbilly Uke https://www.facebook.com/HillbillyUkulele) is a Southern Indiana-based musician specializing in bluesy, honky-tonk ukulele. He performs, hosts open mics, and is recognized for his bluesy "ukulele voodoo" style, incorporating influences from hot rods, hula girls, and Tiki culture.
https://www.facebook.com/UkuleleVoodoo
https://www.facebook.com/HillbillyDeville7
Sam will perform a concert, teach a workshop, and teach individual mentoring sessions at this year's festival!
Loopy G
We're excited to welcome Garrett Loomis (Loopy G https://www.facebook.com/LoopyGmusic), a Richmond based solo loop artist, to this year's festival. He blends lyrical stories of life experiences sung passionately over his ukulele with home grown beats on his looper.
https://www.instagram.com/loopyg_/
Loopy G will perform a concert at this year's festival!
Stu Kindle
Stu Kindle (https://www.facebook.com/stuthemusic) is a Richmond-based ukulele instructor and local legend. He is an owner of Fan Guitar and Ukulele and offers lessons there focusing on diverse genres including jazz, rock and roll, and Gypsy Jazz.
Stu has blown the roof off our venue multiple times with his electrifying performances. He will be back at this year's festival to perform a concert, teach a workshop, and teach individual mentoring sessions!
Mim's Ukes
Mim Ukes (https://www.facebook.com/mimsukes) is a highly respected, passionate ukulele dealer and player known for her meticulous, personal, and professional setup skills, based in Floyd, VA.
Uke karaoke and the open mics were a smash hit at last year's festival, and we are thrilled that Mim will be back at our 2026 festival to lead these activities as well as teach a workshop and individual mentoring sessions!
