Detailed Activities

Detailed Activity Descriptions

Friday 11/6 Activity Details

All Friday attendees are automatically enrolled in the following activities on Friday.

Workshop – Ukulele Skills by Jake Shimabukuro

Enhance your playing through an interactive session focused on strumming and picking techniques:

Technical Proficiency: Hands-on demonstration of diverse rhythmic patterns and fingerstyle picking.
Q/A with Jake: Jake will answer questions related to common technical ukulele related hurdles.

Jam Party with Ukulele Gent

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 Ukulele Gent!

Uke Group Performance

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

Jake Shimabukuro Concert

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. There will be an opportunity to meet Jake after his concert!

Saturday 11/7 Activity Details

Registration will begin at 8am, with opening remarks at 8:30am and a uke group performance starting at 8:40am to kickoff the event (Tracksuit Cowboys from 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).

The remainder of Saturday’s activities are divided into hour-long timeslots in which attendees may choose an individual mentoring session from a uke pro (limited slots, must purchase as an Add-On item from Eventbrite) and 4 other activities to choose from as described below. The first activity listed in each timeslot for each block is open to all attendees (in the main room), while the other 3 options (in various breakout rooms) have limited seating and must be selected explicitly from the activity signup form (sent to each attendee automatically from Eventbrite after purchasing a ticket).

Activity Block 1A (9-10am) – Choose between these 4 options:

1Ai – Uke Jam with Paul Bakeman (Main Room)

This ukulele group jam is intended for participants of all playing levels, which will include playing through a variety of songs. Hosted by Paul Bakeman of The Midnight Ukulele Society.

1Aii – Workshop – Funky Ukulele: Rhythm, Groove, and Flow by Stu Fuchs (Breakout Room 1)

Want to get out of your head and into the groove? In this upbeat, feel-good workshop, you’ll learn how to bring funk rhythm to life on the ukulele by coordinating your whole body—hands, breath, and movement—into one relaxed, rhythmic flow. This isn’t just about strumming patterns… it’s about feeling the music in a way that sticks. We’ll start with a playful, funky scratch pattern that trains both hands to lock in with precision and ease. From there, you’ll build toward tight, expressive strum grooves that you can actually feel in your body—not just think through.

Along the way, Stu will guide you through simple, powerful techniques drawn from mindfulness, breathwork, and decades of real-world playing experience. You’ll learn how to release tension, find your natural timing, and develop that elusive “pocket” that makes rhythm come alive. Expect to move, tap, breathe, and smile your way into a deeper groove.

You’ll explore:
• Funk-inspired scratch strumming patterns
• Coordinating strum hand and fretting hand with ease
• Body-based rhythm techniques (movement, breath, and pulse)
• Relaxation methods for better timing and tone
• Building groove with simple, repeatable patterns
• Playing along with steady beats to lock in your feel

This workshop is designed for beginner to intermediate players who want to develop stronger rhythm, loosen up their playing, and have a whole lot more fun with their instrument. Advanced players—you’re warmly invited too. There’s nothing like coming back to the fundamentals… that’s where the real groove lives. Come as you are, bring your uke, and get ready to feel the funk.

1Aiii – Workshop – Blues & Honkeytonk Essentials by Sam Anderson (Breakout Room 2)

Sam will introduce playing concepts common in Blues and Honkytonk Music – the heart of American roots music – adding some basic tips, riffs and turnarounds that may help set you apart from the rest and make you a ukulele blues player too.

1Aiv – Workshop – It’s Not You, It’s Your Uke by Mim (Breakout Room 3)

"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.

Activity Block 1B (10-11am) – Choose between these 4 options:

1Bi – Uke Group Performances (Main Room)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – The Sonic Ukes (Eastern Shore, 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).

1Bii – Workshop – Bo Diddley and Beyond: The Clave Strum by Amy Kucharik (Breakout Room 1)

Learn how to strum one of the most instantly recognizable, fun-to-strum rhythms in blues and rock history: The clave! With roots in Afro-Cuban music and known as the signature rhythm used by performer Bo Diddley, this 5-beat rhythm is key to playing dozens of songs, from "Willie and the Hand Jive" to "Faith" to U2's "Desire." We'll first break down the strum, then play as many tunes as time allows.

1Biii – Workshop – Spotlight on Soloing by Jeff Patelski (Breakout Room 2) (Intermediate/Advanced)

Amaze your friends, stun your enemies and step into the spotlight when you take the solo! We'll learn ukulele-friendly versions of the guitar solo from "A Hard Day's Night" by the Beatles and the sax solo from "Kokomo" by the Beach Boys, along with the ukulele riff from The Mana'o Company's version of "Drop Baby Drop". We'll learn techniques like hammer ons, pull offs, slides and more!

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.

1Biv – Workshop – Ukulele Fundamentals by Paul Bakeman (Breakout Room 3) (Novice/Beginner)

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.

Activity Block 1C (11am-noon) – Choose between these 4 options:

1Ci – Sam Anderson’s Concert (Main Room)

Sam Anderson 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.

1Cii – Workshop – Beginning Songwriting by Ukulele Gent (Breakout Room 1)

Join Ukulele Gent for a songwriting workshop focused on those aspiring to write songs! Perfect for beginners, you’ll learn hooks, rhymes, song structures and more. Collaborate, share ideas, and transform inspiration into music. No experience required—just a knowledge of basic chords and some playing ability... just bring your passion! Build skills, gain confidence, and kickstart your songwriting journey in a fun, creative space.

1Ciii – Uke Group Performances (Breakout Room 2)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups on a small stage for a set of intimate performances by The Bayside Strummer (Hampton, 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).

1Civ – Baritone Boogie Workshop by Rick Shaffer (Breakout Room 3)

Ready to move past the basic "down-up" strum? It’s time to unlock the percussive, soulful, and rock-and-roll side of the baritone ukulele. This workshop focuses on the techniques that add polish, rhythmic drive, and dynamic flair to your playing. Master the textures and rhythms that define iconic hits. This session covers:

Arpeggios: Picking chords for melodic flow (Let It Be, Free Bird, Every Breath You Take).
Palm Muting: Creating a driving, dampened sound (Come Together, Blues Shuffle).
Left-Hand Muting: Mastering "Z" chords and ghost notes (Rock and Roll All Night).
The Chuck: Executing the percussive "click" rhythm (Moondance).
The Charleston: Mastering syncopated jazz-age pulses (Stand By Me).

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.

Activity Block 2A (noon-1pm) – Choose between these 3 options:

2Ai – Open Mic hosted by Mim (Main Room)

A total of 8 open mic slots will be made available the day of the open mic (Saturday 11/7) via a sign in white board at the bottom of the main stage, 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 11/7 in the 2C block) for first time open mic performers.

2Aii – Uke Gospel Ensemble Workshop by Paul Bakeman (Breakout Room 1)

In this workshop, Paul Bakeman (music director at the church) will prepare the group of attendees for performing uplifting gospel music as the Ukulele Gospel Ensemble at the church services on Sunday. This will be the only practice prior to the church service performance, therefore it is mandatory that all festival attendees that would like to participate in the festival on Sunday must attend this workshop in its entirety. During this focused practice, Paul will explain the arrangements of the beloved gospel hymns and contemporary worship songs that will be performed, practice the chord progressions, strumming, and overall timing/logistics with the church service.

[Picture of Paul at church]

2Aiii – Island Style Workshop by Keith Futumitsu (Breakout Room 2)

An overview of the history of local (Hawaii) music and pronunciation of Hawaiian words, followed by learning two songs not routinely performed in Mainland Ukulele Clubs.

Song 1, “E Huli Makou” – a traditional, simple 3 - chord (G7, F, C7) hula tune used for beginner hula dancers, all lyrics are in Hawaiian, but repetitive enough for easy recall. Translations in English will be provided to make the lyrics understandable.

Song 2, “He Aloha Mele” – a contemporary song written by Iva Kinimaka, a Hawaiian entertainer. Most lyrics are in English, with a few Hawaiian terms and phrases (translations provided). Four chords (C, C7, F, G).

Keith Fukumitsu (born and raised in Honolulu, Hawaii) learned ukulele in elementary school but did not seriously start playing it until 2015. He is a former member of Tennessee Valley Uke Club (Huntsville Alabama), and taught beginner ukulele classes at the Madison County Senior Center and at LearningQuest (Huntsville). Keith moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 2022 and joined the Midnight Ukulele Society. He is also a member of RVAloha, a group that focuses on Hawaiian music and dance (hula). He is the Secretary of Virginia Ukapalooza.

Activity Block 2B (1-2pm) – Choose between these 4 options:

2Bi – Stu Kindle’s Concert (Main Room)

Stu Kindle 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.

2Bii – Funky Ukulele: Rhythm, Groove, and Flow by Stu Fuchs (Breakout Room 1)

This is a repeat of Stu’s workshop from the 1A block.

2Biii – Think Outside the Box: Performing Tips and Tricks from Unexpected Sources Workshop by Mim (Breakout Room 2)

Feel a little stuck inside the ukulele box? Want to bring some unique flair to your performance? Want to know how performers get their confidence? Mim has had the opportunity to perform with unique artists from around the world. Coming from outside the "ukulele world" they often bring unique insights on what it takes to be a performer, how to hone your craft, how to interact with crowds, and how to think outside the box!

Using games, discussion, and a fun power point we will talk about what you can learn from unlikely sources! From award-winning clowns, vaudeville, Branson Strip Performers, UK buskers, Comedians, to Bubbologists... Mim will share their best advice, tips, and tricks! All levels of skill and experience are welcome! Mim loves to teach supportive and inclusive workshops that will hopefully help you realize that you too can perform, whether it be for Open Mics, festivals, or in out-of-the-box venues!

2Biv – Interactive Bass Uke Fundamentals Workshop by Ron Knobler (Breakout Room 3) (Novice/Beginner)

This hands-on workshop is designed for ukulele players who want to learn about the role of the bass in uke jams and performing groups. This workshop will cover the fundamentals of how to play bass – proper right-hand technique, note location on the fretboard, and must-know music theory. It will also cover how to think like a bass player – how to read a song chart from a bass player’s perspective, what to play, and how to lock in with the uke players / drummer. Then, we’ll put it all together by learning a song from start to finish – applying your new bass skills in a fun, interactive setting. Bring your bass uke (one or two spare bass ukes will be available if you don’t have one) and get ready to play! This workshop is intended for beginner bass players, although playing techniques and music theory discussed will be helpful for bass players of all abilities.

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 and the President of Virginia Ukapalooza. In addition to also playing electric bass in various Richmond area bands, he arranges and records solo bass compositions (@RonKnoblerMusic), and teaches bass and ukulele lessons (@RVASoundDoctor).

Activity Block 2C (2-3pm) – Choose between these 4 options:

2Ci – Loopy G’s Concert (Main Room)

Garrett Loomis (Loopy G) 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.

2Cii – Travis Picking Ukulele Workshop by Amy Kucharik (Breakout Room 1)

Add pizzaz to your playing by plucking your ukulele strings in a style perfect for folk, blues and country music. We’ll build up to an iconic travis picking pattern and then apply it to a song or two, while keeping the chords simple. Prior experience reading tablature is helpful but not required. (Intermediate and confident beginners)

2Ciii – Beginner Open Mic hosted by Mim (Breakout Room 2)

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 (Saturday 11/7 in the 2A block).

2Civ – Panel Discussion on Leading Ukulele Jams (Breakout Room 3)

Join a discussion about how to lead a ukulele jam with a panel of ukulele group leaders from Virginia ukulele groups that will explain how they started their uke groups, manage their groups, lead jams, and lessons learned in the process. Questions will be taken from the audience. This will be a great discussion for anyone that runs a ukulele jam or would like to!

Activity Block 2D (3-4pm) – Choose between these 4 options:

2Di – Uke Group Performances (Main Room)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – 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).

2Dii – Barre Chords for Anyone Who Hates Barre Chords Workshop by Ukulele Gent (Breakout Room 1)

You've heard many times that you need to learn barre chords. You've tinkered with Bb and D7, but well... you're just not really interested. This workshop will show you barre chord tricks, and explain how and why they can really be useful. By the end of this workshop, you will play a song using chord variations (all of which will be barre chords). You will be on your way to truly utilizing these extremely useful chord shapes.

2Diii – Uke Karaoke hosted by Mim (Breakout Room 2)

A uke strum-along and karaoke all in one – a smash hit at Virginia Ukapalooza last year, so it’s back at Virginia Ukapalooza 2026! 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 2D block while uke karaoke continues for 2 hours (2D block into the 3A block). All audience members are encouraged to either strum along on their ukes, dance, or both! Mim will curate this activity!

2Div – I Hear Music: Surf’s Up Edition Workshop by Sue Agee (Breakout Room 3)

Ride a musical wave to new heights using all of your senses. Discover ways to see patterns & hear new chord voicing shapes. Feel the rhythms of unique strum patterns & discover some tasty ukulele licks. Dig into some strategies to reduce your dependence on sheet music. When you float back to shore you will be filled with new confidence and ready to soar. This focused workshop includes ample time for you to play and practice new skills as we get into the flow with dynamic island tunes.

Virginia-grown Sue Agee is passionate about helping others have breakthroughs in their playing and in their lives. The healing quality of music is infused into her ukulele classes and also in her yoga & meditation workshops. She is active in the uke performance groups RVAloha and The Midnight Ukulele Society and is part of a modern yoga kirtan group Rock The Mantra. Having contributed to James Hill’s award-winning UkeHeads album, she is currently recording for the next inspired release. As founder and musical director of the band The Barn Owls, Sue enthusiastically incorporates ukuleles with traditional bluegrass instruments. Find her on Facebook & Instagram @barn_owls_va

Activity Block 3A (4-5pm) – Choose between these 4 options:

3Ai – Amy Kucharik’s Concert (Main Room)

Amy Kucharik 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.

3Aii – Ukulele Zen: Breathe, Strum & Smile Workshop by Stu Fuchs (Breakout Room 1)

In this workshop Stu will show you how applying techniques of yoga, breathwork and mindfulness can improve your ukulele playing and make your music practice more effective and joyful.

Ukulele Zen is a playful method to take you deeper into your music. Stu will be sharing meditative practices that he’s personally used for over thirty years of music study and professional performance around the world.

You’ll be guided through these nourishing practices to improve your ukulele skills, cultivate more relaxed hands and a clear mind. We'll learn and practice foundational skills while playing and sing easy and uplifting songs in a joyful atmosphere of music.

Ergonomic techniques for strumming, fingerstyle, singing & picking melodies will be shared along with powerful practices that can help you reach your goals. Through playfulness, deep listening and relaxed attention, you’ll get "off the page a bit" and develop our intuitive music making skills.

This class is open to all and offers something for any level of playing ability. Advanced players will benefit from cultivating the “Beginner’s Mind”…we’re all beginners to our next step! Open to ALL LEVELS of players, beginner to advanced – but some basic experience on the ukulele is recommended.

3Aiii – Uke Karaoke hosted by Mim (Breakout Room 2)

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

3Aiv – Island Style Workshop by Keith Futumitsu (Breakout Room 3)

An overview of the history of local (Hawaii) music and pronunciation of Hawaiian words, followed by learning two songs not routinely performed in Mainland Ukulele Clubs.

This is a repeat of Keith’s workshop from the 2A block.

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Activity Block 3B (5-6pm) – Choose between these 4 options:

3Bi – Uke Group Performances (Main Room)

Performances by two Virginia community ukulele groups – F.U.N. (Fredericksburg, VA) and The Silver Strummers (Newport News, 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).

3Bii – Live Looping Workshop by Stu Kindle (Breakout Room 1) (Intermediate/Advanced)

In this workshop, Stu Kindle will show you how to loop your ukulele and voice to create a beautiful and full sounding song! He will go over how to create drum sounds, rhythm tracks and backup vocals as well as basic functions of common looper pedals, enabling you to get your jam on ALL BY YOURSELF!

3Biii – Beginning Songwriting Workshop by Ukulele Gent (Breakout Room 2)

3Biv – The Ukulele: An Exchange of Cultures Workshop by Gregg Kimball (Breakout Room 3)

Dr. Gregg D. Kimball tells the fascinating story of the ukulele's origins in the Atlantic world, its birth and evolution in Hawaii, and its rise as a worldwide symbol of the islands. Musical demonstrations and period recordings will highlight the instrument's influence on a wide range of musical genres in the United States and beyond. This will be a multimedia presentation (attendees do not need to bring their ukulele to this workshop).

Gregg is a historian, musician, and author. He currently serves as a historian with Richmond's Shockoe Institute after a long career at the Library of Virginia. Among his many publications are several on American music, ranging from a book on blind street singer James Lee "Jimmie" Strother to an article on the Tubize Royal Hawaiian Orchestra from Hopewell, Virginia. Gregg has performed traditional music in the mid-Atlantic region for more than twenty-five years and is currently the chair of the Program Committee for the Richmond Folk Festival. You can discover more about him at: www.greggkimball.com.

Activity Block 3C (6-7pm) – Choose between these 3 options:

3Ci – Stu Fuch’s Concert (Main Room)

Stu Fuchs is a Vermont-based, lifelong musician, award-winning teaching artist blending mindfulness practice and creative play. As a celebrated teacher on the “Ukulele Circuit”, he has presented his unique ukulele workshops and concerts at festivals around the world for over ten years. Stu is deeply committed to sharing music as a method for meditation and healing. He was awarded a prestigious grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for his work offering healing music and meditative arts activities to cancer patients at Roswell Park Cancer Institute in Buffalo NY, where he was a professional artist in residence for eight years.

3Cii – Blues & Honkeytonk Essentials by Sam Anderson (Breakout Room 1)

3Ciii – Bo Diddley and Beyond: The Clave Strum Workshop by Amy Kucharik (Breakout Room 2)

Activity Block 3D (7-8pm)

All Saturday attendees are automatically enrolled in the sole activity during this block:

3Di – Uke Jam with Ukulele Gent (Main Room)

This ukulele group jam is intended for participants of all playing levels, which will include playing through a variety of songs – hosted by Ukulele Gent.

Sunday 11/8 Activity Details

The sole activity on Sunday is participation in the ukulele gospel ensemble through performances at the church’s services (based on the timing and rules of the church). To participate in the church services you must do the following:

Attend the Ukulele Gospel Ensemble workshop in the 2A block on Saturday at the festival
Arrive at the church on Sunday between 7:30-7:40am and be ready to play by 7:45am
Dress code is X

You must perform at the first service listed below, and may stay for the second and third services if you’d like (you may leave after any of the services):

Service 1: 8:15-9:15am, 30 minute break after the service
Service 2: 9:45-10:45am, 30 minute break after the service
Service 3: 11:15am-12:15pm

The festival ends at approximately 12:30pm when the third church service ends.

There will not be any other festival activities on 11/8 (no vendors, no food trucks, no drinks/snacks).