Detailed Activities | Paul Bakeman's website

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Activity Block 1 (Friday)

Activity Block 1A – Choose between these 3 options:

Uke Jam – Jam Party (1A-i)

The “Jam Party” is a ukulele group jam intended for participants of all playing levels, which will include playing through a variety of songs. At least one song will be posted on Youtube, so everyone that participates will have the opportunity to be on Youtube. Hosted by Paul Bakeman of The Midnight Ukulele Society. The songbook for all of the songs will be included in the Virginia Ukapalooza 2025 Jam Packet, which will be sent out electronically to all attendees prior to the Ukapalooza event.

Workshop – Playing by Ear: Common Chord Progressions and Remembering Songs by Curt Sheller (Beginning/Intermediate) (1A-ii)

This workshop will cover common chord progressions and chord sequences that show up a lot in popular music played at jams and festivals:

Three Chord Progressions
Four Chord Pop Progressions
Fifties (1950s) Chord Progressions
The Andalusian Chord Progression
Blues Chord Progressions
Backdoor Chord Progressions

Remembering a song is a lot like remembering the directions for a road trip. There are the turn-by-turn directions, road maps, signs and landmarks that will get you to where you are going. Turn here, turn there, remember this and remember that landmark. With a song it's the chords, the melody, style, the harmonic cells, the form, etc that are part of the song that you want to remember.

With a few music tools and an understanding of the basic principles of how chords and chord progressions - the songs work. You can start unraveling what's going on in any song.

Mentoring – Individual Mentoring Sessions by Bob Tigert and Lisa Web (1A-iii)

As a mentoring duo team, Bob and Lisa, will host individual mentoring sessions for attendees that would like to receive feedback on anything ukulele related. Perhaps an attendee would like to perform a song to the mentoring duo for feedback prior to the Ukapalooza open mic, discuss a specific music related hurdle, or just talk to the mentoring duo about what they should be practicing next. A total of 4 sessions are available (15 minutes each) during this hour block (and a total of 8 sessions available total at Ukapalooza) which are available for $20/each on a first-come-first-served basis by purchasing them as an “add on” on eventbrite.

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Activity Block 1B – Choose between these 3 options:

Workshop – From Seat to Stage: Mapping your Musical Journey by Mim (All Levels!) (1B-i)

When you see people on stage do you think, "I could never do that!" Well, sorry to break this to you, but EVERYONE can! From finding your unique voice, conquering your fears, stagecraft, skipping the school of hard knocks, and taking the stage like a seasoned performer. Learn the little mistakes performers have made and how to avoid them. This workshop is about finding where you are now, setting goals, finding your musical self, taking the first step and you... yes YOU... will be on your way to taking the stage! This workshop is for musicians of any playing level (from novice and up), and even intermediate to advanced players are sure to learn at least something about improving their performance chops!

Workshop – Ukulele Fundamentals by Paul Bakeman (Novice/Beginner) (1B-ii)

Learn fundamental strum, chords, and ukulele techniques to be able to play ukulele by yourself, and with others. No experience necessary, yet Paul will gear the workshop to the experience of the attendees, and questions asked.

Mentoring – Individual Mentoring Sessions by Bob Tigert and Lisa Web (1B-iii)

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Activity Block 1C – Choose between these 3 options:

Open Mic (1C-i)

A total of 8 open mic slots will be made available the day of Ukapalooza (Friday 11/7) via a sign in white board, on a first come first serve basis starting at registration
The open mic slots are intended for a solo artist or duo only. No larger sized groups, please.
Each performer will be given a 4 minute performance time (which includes any talking/intro of the song, plus performance of the song)
Microphones, mic stands, DI’s, a few guitar amps, bass amp, condenser mics, and a full PA will be provided
This open mic is intended for experienced open mic performers, yet all performers are welcome. Note that a “beginner open mic” is also available (Saturday 11/8) for first time open mic performers.

Workshop – Music of Steely Dan by Gracie Terzian (Beginner/Intermediate) (1C-ii)

In this fun and laid back workshop, we will learn the chords to several Steely Dan songs and play them together as a group. We will also discuss some of the unique things about Steely Dan, and analyze what makes them such an awesome band – from their chord choices and lyrics to their recording process and producer mentality.

Workshop – Songwriting by Clark Holmes (Beginner/Intermediate) (1C-iii)

Clark will lead the group through his process of how to begin writing your own songs, and how to finish writing a song based on wherever you may have left an old idea. He will also add some extra techniques and tips to your songwriting toolbox, for even the experienced songwriter.

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Activity Block 1D – Choose between these 3 options:

Clark Holmes Concert (1D-i)

Clark Holmes has been performing all over the world with his uke trio “The Birdwatchers” for over 10 years. He is passionate about the power of music and its ability to connect people to each other. Clark currently resides in Richmond, VA.

Workshop – We Do It Island Style: The Evolution of Hawaiian Music by Keith Fukumitsu (Beginner/Intermediate) (1D-ii)

This workshop is an informal exploration into the evolution of Hawaiian music as experienced by the local islanders. There will be an explanation of: key Hawaiian words and phrases; pronunciation; and various influences (hula, tourism, Tin Pan Alley, Rock and Roll, and Reggae) in Hawaiian Music as we play songs from each era.

Workshop – How to Step Up to the Plate and Rip the Solo, Thorough by Stu Kindle (Intermediate/Advanced) (1D-iii)

In this workshop, Stu will enforce his ultimate wisdom of solo and riff construction into your mind using brute force and strength. Once imparted with this wisdom, you will be able to enforce the ultimate solo upon everyone within earshot, boasting your physical and mental prowess.

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Activity Block 2 (Saturday Morning)

Activity Block 2A – Choose between these 3 options:

Uke Group Performances

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – the Shenandoah Valley Ukulele Players (Harrisonburg, VA) and the Ukesters (Richmond, VA)! Each uke group will incorporate a song into their set which is an audience strum-along (a song chart will be provided in the jam packet).

Workshop – It’s Not You It’s Your Uke by Mim (Notice/Beginner) (2A-ii)

"My fingers are not strong enough for barre chords." "My ukulele buzzes, I think I am not pressing hard enough." Well, it may not be you... it may be your uke. And it may need a proper set-up. What exactly is a set-up, anyway? Why does my ukulele buzz? How do I fix it? What does my ukulele want from me? Mim will be breaking down the mysterious “set-up” everyone talks about! She will lead you in an informative workshop that will cover everything from changing your strings and daily ukulele maintenance to diagnosing ukulele problems and even fixing them yourself! You are invited to not only come with questions but to ask them as we go along! No question too small, because most-likely, someone else in the class was wondering the same thing.

Workshop – Ukulele Fundamentals by Paul Bakeman (Novice/Beginner) (2A-iii)

Learn fundamental strum, chords, and ukulele techniques to be able to play ukulele by yourself, and with others. No experience necessary, yet Paul will gear the workshop to the experience of the attendees, and questions asked. This is a repeat workshop in case you missed it, or want to retake it, from the 1B block.

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Activity Block 2B – Choose between these 3 options:

Workshop – Owning the Song: The Art and Purpose of Song Arrangement by Bob Tigert and Lisa Webb (Beginner/Intermediate) (2B-i)

Performance, either with or without a group, demands creativity in putting your distinctive, and differentiating, personal stamp on each song. Like every creative discipline, there are specific steps that enable you to understand how to arrange and present songs with your own interpretative flair. Bob and Lisa bring their arrangement techniques into 7 specific considerations that will dramatically affect and improve your arrangements for your group or for your solo performances... and we'll play through examples of each technique.

Workshop – We Do It Island Style: The Evolution of Hawaiian Music by Keith Fukumitsu (Beginner/Intermediate) (2B-ii)

Workshop – Exploring Jazz Chords on Ukulele by Curt Sheller (Intermediate/Advanced) (2B-iii)

Exploring contemporary 4-part, a.k.a. "Jazz" chords on ukulele all start with the “Big 6” Core Chords – Seventh, Minor Seventh, Major Seventh, Diminished Seventh, Half-Diminished Seventh, Augmented Seventh. You most likely already know the open position chords they're based on. From the “Big 6” and the principles of chord construction, and learning the notes of the ukulele fingerboard – you WILL be able to create ANY chord you come across just from the name. These jazz chords are simply 4-part contemporary chords that find their way in a lot of music - not just jazz. From these 6 chords you'll never be at a loss looking for that individual chord you need.

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Activity Block 2C – Choose between these 3 options:

Stu Kindle’s Concert (2C-i)

Stu Kindle is a local Richmond musician and owner at Fan Guitar and Ukulele. His unique and intricate take on the ukulele is shocking and potentially offensive to some, and he's sure to blow your socks off should you get the chance to see him perform or better yet attend one of his mind flexing clinics.

Workshop – The Baritone Boogie (Beginner/Intermediate) (2C-ii)

This is THE workshop for Baritone ukulele players! We'll take open chords and move them up the neck to add more pop to your playing. Also we will learn some familiar riffs to give you the "happy hands". Rick Shaffer began playing guitar in the 1980’s and was a member of several local bands in Central Pennsylvania through the 1990’s. He was introduced to the baritone ukulele in 2018 and now currently plays with The Midnight Ukulele Society.

Workshop – Singing Harmony by Clark Holmes (Beginner/Intermediate) (2C-iii)

Learn how to harmonize when playing with others by just using your ukulele! Clark will explain and demonstrate his “sing the strings” technique.

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Activity Block 3 (Saturday Early Afternoon)

Activity Block 3A – Choose between these 3 options:

Uke Group Performances (3A-i)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – The Midnight Ukulele Society (Richmond, VA) and RVAloha (Richmond, VA)! Each uke group will incorporate a song into their set which is an audience strum-along (a song chart will be provided in the jam packet).

Beginner Open Mic (3A-ii)

Mim will curate this open mic, which is geared for players that have never or seldom performed at an open mic (or seldomly performed solo in public) before. It will be conducted in a breakout room (aka for a smaller audience).
A total of 10 beginner open mic slots are available via a sign in white board, on a first come first serve basis at this activity’s start time.
The open mic slots are intended for solo artists only. No groups, please.
Each performer will be given a 6 minute performance time (which includes any talking/intro of the song, plus performance of the song)
A microphone, microphone stand, and ukulele amp will be provided
This open mic is intended for beginner/less experienced open mic performers. Note that a traditional open mic for more experienced players is also available (Friday 11/7).

Workshop – Music of Steely Dan by Gracie Terzian (Beginner/Intermediate) (3A-iii)

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Activity Block 3B – Choose between these 3 options:

Workshop – Deep Dive Into One Song by Gracie Terzian (Beginner/Intermediate) (3B-i)

This workshop will consist of a deep dive into the song “Can’t Help Falling in Love With You” (made famous by Elvis). First, we will take it to the next level, practicing different strumming and picking patterns, AND different time signatures (4/4 and 6/8). Next, we will also dive into music theory, learning about diatonic chords, analyzing the chord changes in the song as roman numerals, and playing the song in two different keys to train your ear! Who knew you can learn so much with just one song? Don’t miss out on the fun!

Workshop – All About that Bass by Ron Knobler (Beginner/Intermediate) (3B-ii)

This workshop is all about that bass, no treble! This workshop will focus on the mindset of the bass player, must know music theory knowledge, improvisation ideas, and repertoire of how to construct bass lines. This knowledge can be applied to playing bass in uke groups and playing bass with other musicians in any group/band situation. This workshop isn’t just for bass players – concepts learned can help with general music theory knowledge and playing with other musicians in general.

Ron has been an avid bass player and enthusiast for over 30 years. He was both classically trained on upright bass, and learned by ear playing electric bass in dozens of bands in all musical styles in Northern Virginia and Richmond. Ron is the uke bass player in The Midnight Ukulele Society. In addition to also playing electric bass in various Richmond area bands, he arranges and records solo bass compositions (@RonKnoblerMusic), and teaches bass lessons (@RVASoundDoctor).

Workshop – Ukulele Jazz: Jazz up your Playing for the Great American Songbook (Intermediate/Advanced) (3B-iii)

Oh those great songs of the 20’s, 30’s & 40’s! What made them so fabulous and enduring? What made them so jazzy? Have fun with Bob and Lisa as they take you cool cats through some chord extensions, intros & outros and strumming techniques to put a little Jazz in your style!

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Activity Block 3C – Choose between these 3 options:

Mim’s Concert and Gracie Terzian’s Concert (3C-i)

Back-to-back concerts by two of our resident artists!

A Vaudeville inspired act, Mim’s Sideshow combines elements of circus, novelty, and forgotten favorites! Expect the unexpected! Her show is a high-energy, smile inducing set that takes the audience along on a musical journey that will have them laughing and singing along! She always brings something new to the stage with a fresh group of songs, jokes, and tricks every season. The audience helps Mim’s dreams become a reality as they participate as her own personal backup singers. With her unique take on songs, Mim always leaves the audience with something to talk about the next day! Mim is based in Meadows of Dan, VA.

A native of Oakton, Virginia, Gracie Terzian is a singer, songwriter, ukulelist and actor now living in New York City. She recently gained attention in the jazz world with the release of her debut EP, Saints and Poets, which debuted at #23 on the Billboard jazz charts and quickly became the #3 jazz album on iTunes. As an ukulelist, she is known for playing unusual instruments, including the harp ukulele and electric ukulele. She teaches ukulele and music theory lessons on her YouTube channel (which has over 125,000 subscribers) as well as her Patreon.

Ted Gioia, jazz critic and author of History of Jazz, calls her “a genuine talent” and ICON Magazine says “she’s a beguiling singer and modern song stylist with an astute sense of swing.” A member of Actors’ Equity Association, Gracie has also worked extensively in theatre and film as an actor, singer, dancer/acrobat and composer. She has performed at many theatres including The Kennedy Center, Ford’s Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, Folger Theatre and the American Theatre of Actors. She is a graduate of the University of Virginia.

Activity Block 3C – Choose between these 3 options:

Workshop – Uke-le-lead: Soloing Deep Dive by Jeff Patelski (Intermediate/Advanced) (3C-ii)

Jeff will demonstrate two easy to remember pentatonic scale patterns that will fit many rock, pop, country, folk and blues tunes. In addition, he'll explore phrasing, bends, slides, vibrato, hammer ons, pull offs and double stops to spice up your solo. He'll show you how to find what key you're playing in and demonstrate the fun of jamming along to backing tracks.

Jeff has been playing ukulele for 10 years and also plays guitar and bass. He’s been in rock bands which performed everywhere from the National Mall on the 4th of July to the Daytona Beach Bandshell (and numerous less savory establishments). He currently plays in several formal and informal groups including The Barn Owls (bass) and The Midnight Ukulele Society (lead uke). When not managing freight cars at work, he messes around with model trains, that is, when he finds time to put down one of his instruments.

Workshop – Songwriting by Clark Holmes (Beginner/Intermediate) (3C-iii)

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Activity Block 3D – Choose between these 3 options:

Uke Group Performances (3D-i)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – Sonic Ukes (Eastern Shore, VA) and Tracksuit Cowboys (Chesterfield, VA)! Each uke group will incorporate a song into their set which is an audience strum-along (a song chart will be provided in the jam packet).

Uke Karaoke and Dance Party! (3D-ii)

A uke strum-along and karaoke all in one – a brand new addition to Virginia Ukapalooza! Individual singers can sign up to sing in front of a small audience (like karaoke), while the audience strums ukulele (active audience participation). Bass and percussion will also accompany the uke strummers and singer. Dancing along is optional but encouraged!

A signup for singers will be provided at the start of this 3D block while uke karaoke continues for 2 hours (3D block into the 4A block). All audience members are encouraged to either strum along on their ukes, dance, or both! Mim will curate this activity!

Workshop – Playing by Ear: Common Chord Progressions and Remembering Songs by Curt Sheller (Beginning/Intermediate) (3D-iii)

This workshop will cover common chord progressions and chord sequences that show up a lot in popular music played at jams and festivals:

Three Chord Progressions
Four Chord Pop Progressions
Fifties (1950s) Chord Progressions
The Andalusian Chord Progression
Blues Chord Progressions
Backdoor Chord Progressions

With a few music tools and an understanding of the basic principles of how chords and chord progressions - the songs work. You can start unraveling what's going on in any song.

This is a repeat workshop in case you missed it, or want to retake it, from the 1A block.

Activity Block 4 (Saturday Late Afternoon)

Activity Block 4A – Choose between these 3 options:

Tigert-Webb Uke Duo Concert (4A-i)

Lisa Webb and Bob Tigert are seasoned Nashville pros, both for LIVE gigs and in recording

studios, who are playing Americana, country, rock and roll, R&B, jazz, blues and more..., using an assortment of ukuleles in amazing and engaging ways.

They write much of their material (and they write REALLY well!); and their performances as theytravel across the United States have been glowingly described in national media as “awesome,” “compelling,” and “a force to be reckoned with;” and they have been written up as “genuinely nice people.” The most common comment they hear is "I never knew ukuleles could sound like that!"

Uke Karaoke and Dance Party! (4A-ii)

A signup for singers will be provided at the start of the 3D block while uke karaoke continues for 2 hours (3D block into the 4A block). All audience members are encouraged to either strum along on their ukes, dance, or both! Mim will curate this activity!

Workshop – How to Step Up to the Plate and Rip the Solo, Thorough by Stu Kindle (Intermediate/Advanced) (4A-iii)

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Activity Block 4B – Choose between these 3 options:

Uke Group Performances (4B-i)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – Fredericksburg Ukulele eNsemble (Fredericksburg, VA) and The Ukelles (Bon Air, VA)! Each uke group will incorporate a song into their set which is an audience strum-along (a song chart will be provided in the jam packet).

Workshop – It’s Not You It’s Your Uke by Mim (Notice/Beginner) (4B-ii)

Workshop – Owning the Song: The Art and Purpose of Song Arrangement by Bob Tigert and Lisa Webb (Beginner/Intermediate) (4B-iii)

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Activity Block 4C – Choose between these 3 options:

Curt Sheller’s Concert (4C-i)

Curt Sheller is a Professional Musician/Graphic Artist/Computer Programmer/Competitive Racewalker for over 40 years, having studied jazz with his main instrument being the guitar – until 2003 when the ukulele took over fill-time. Curt is based in Boyertown, PA. “He’s generous, good-hearted and has empowered countless players to expand their view of the ukulele.” — James Hill

Workshop – Uke-le-lead: Soloing Deep Dive by Jeff Patelski (Intermediate/Advanced) (4C-ii)

This is a repeat workshop in case you missed it, or want to retake it, from the 3C block.

Workshop – Deep Dive Into One Song by Gracie Terzian (Beginner/Intermediate) (4C-iii)