Ukulele Group Performances

Open Mic (Friday)

  • A total of 8 open mic slots will be made available the day of Ukapalooza (Friday 11/1) 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

VA Ukulele Group Performances (Saturday)

  • A total of 7 uke groups (from all over VA!) will each perform a set.  

  • Each uke group will perform for 20 minutes (the time includes introducing their group, playing as many songs as they’d like to, and talking between songs).

  • Each uke group will have a play along song which will allow the audience to play along with each of the uke groups

  • Microphones, mic stands, DI’s, a few guitar amps (for any “lead uke players”), bass amp, condenser mics, and a full PA will be provided

  • Uke groups featured:

The Midnight Ukulele Society (Richmond, VA)

Sonic Ukes (Eastern Shore, VA)

Shenandoah Valley Ukulele Players (Harrisonburg, VA)

Ukesters (Richmond, VA)

Tracksuit Cowboys (Chesterfield, VA)

RVAloha (Richmond, VA)

FUN (Fredericksburg, VA)

The Midnight Ukulele Society

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Richmond, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2015 

  3. How many active members (rough number): 40

  4. How often practice/jam: Monthly (2nd Wednesday)

  5. Website: https://midnightukulelesociety.com/

  6. Youtube page:https://www.youtube.com/@themidnightukulelesociety5209

  7. Social media page(s): https://www.facebook.com/midnightukulelesociety/

  8. Funny facts about the group: We really like squirrels!  We have never practiced or performed at midnight. One of our members insists on multiple wardrobe changes during every gig.  

  9. Other Info: We perform a variety of gigs around the Richmond area (Gig calendar for upcoming gigs https://midnightukulelesociety.com/gig-calendar/)  – various farmer’s markets, festivals, breweries, fundraiser events, block parties, porch concerts, and nursing homes.  Some notable gigs in 2024 were our monthly gig at RVA Big Market Farmer’s Market, the ceremony and reception at a wedding, and a fundraiser for clean drinking water and sanitation for island nations in the South Pacific.

The Sonic Ukes

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Eastern Shore, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2017 

  3. How many active members: 5

  4. Group bio: "The Sonic Ukes" are a vibrant and harmonious ukulele group based on the enchanting Eastern Shore of Virginia. Founded in 2017, our group consists of five passionate players who share an unwavering love for the ukulele and a common desire to spread the joy of music to all corners of our community. We strive to challenge ourselves to push the boundaries of traditional ukulele music and experiment with different genres, infusing our repertoire with fresh arrangements, riffs and vocal harmonies. Virginia Ukapalooza offers an ideal platform for us to grow as musicians, expand our musical horizons, and make meaningful connections within the ukulele community...we look forward to seeing you!

Shenandoah Valley Ukulele Players

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Harrisonburg, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2014 

  3. How many active members (rough number): 45

  4. How often practice/jam: Weekly (Wednesday mornings 10:00AM-11:30PM. The uke group leader teaches a class for beginners the first and third Wednesday of the month, from 9:00-10:00AM. Students join the 10:00AM rehearsal after class.)

  5. Youtube page: https://www.youtube.com/@keeponstrummin

  6. Social media page(s): https://www.facebook.com/ShenandoahVUPS/

  7. Funny facts about the group: Our group is made up of mostly retired people, since we rehearse during the morning hours. Our youngest is in his 50s and our oldest player is 86 years young!

  8. Other Info: They meet at Brix and Columns Vineyards in McGaheysville the last Wednesday of the month and host a JAM from 11:00AM-12:30PM. They will be hosting monthly community JAMS at the Massanutten Regional Library starting Monday, September 25, from 6:30-8:00PM. They have performed at UkeFest Virginia in Richmond and most recently at the Blue Ridge Ukulele Festival in Morganton, NC. They perform at least twice a month at area retirement centers, the Harrisonburg Farmer's Market and at First Fridays in Harrisonburg at the Oasis Art Gallery, among others. 

Ukesters

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Richmond, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2013

  3. How many active members (rough number): 30

  4. How often practice/jam: Weekly

  5. Bio: Over a decade ago experts told us what we all knew –music is good for us and singing is fun. Overnight the ukulele became cool, and word spread that the uke was fun and easy to play. Thus began The Ukesters with a few folks humming and strumming. Mostly senior citizens with bold baritones, lovely choral voices, and a few warbling women complete the sound of the Old Standards, Country, Gospel, Doo Wop, and Rock & Roll. To amplify the three chord strummers are a few very accomplished musicians playing banjo, guitar, bass, Autoharp, harmonica accordion and kazoo. When The Ukesters perform they are hoping for an enthusiastic audience who also know - music is good for us and singing is fun.

Tracksuit Cowboys 

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Chesterfield County, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2023

  3. How many active members (rough number): 10

  4. How often practice/jam: Weekly

  5. Uke Group website:https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/chesterfieldparksrec/activity/search?onlineSiteId=0&locale=en-US&activity_select_param=2&activity_keyword=ukulele&viewMode=list

  6. Bio:Get ready for Tracksuit Cowboys! This group, born from Chesterfield County Parks and Recreation community classes, is pumped to be part of the Ukapalooza event for the second year running. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned ukulele enthusiast, Tracksuit Cowboys is a performance powerhouse, ready to blow you away with a diverse range of hits that you'll definitely know.

RVAloha

  1. Region/location uke group is based: Richmond, VA

  2. Year uke group was founded: 2021

  3. How many active members (rough number): 10

  4. How often practice/jam: Twice a month

  5. Facebook page:   https://www.facebook.com/groups/260330873523664 

  1. Other info: The group (hui) is a Hawaii-focused ukulele and hula club, seeking to explore and celebrate the culture of the islands.

Fredericksburg Ukulele eNsemble~aka~F.U.N.

  1. Region where group is based: Fredericksburg, VA

  2. Year group was founded: 2013

  3. How many active members (rough number): 15

  4. How often practice/jam: Twice a month, 2nd and 4th Wednesday

  5. Facebook Page:https://www.facebook.com/groups/456491751080603

  6. About our group: We’ve played at a variety of venues in the Fredericksburg area and we meet at the Fredericksburg Food Co-op.  We welcome players at all skill levels. Various types of instruments: ukuleles, banjoleles, harmonicas,etc. The only requirement is to enjoy the music and have fun.


Jam Party (Friday)

  • The “Jam Party” is a group jam intended for all participants, 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 and The Midnight Ukulele Society

  • The songbook will be sent out electronically to all attendees prior to the Ukapalooza event