Napa Valley Flea Jumpers

E Ho’omau ‘Ukulele Workshop & Retreat  

Sept. 25 – 27 , 2009

 Two days and three nights of Hawaiian immersion right here in wine country. ‘Ukulele instruction with Kimo Hussey and Tim Dang, feather lei workshops with Herman Mossman Tachera, and classes in hula, oli (chant), and ‘olelo (language) with our buddy, Liko Puha. I was unable to attend last year, but I do know a couple of the instructors and can’t imagine this will be anything but excellent.

 Southern California ‘Ukulele Festival

October 3, 2009

The festival to end all festivals and the original inspiration for our own Wine Country ‘Ukulele Festival held the following weekend.  Susan McCormick and her amazing crew pull out all the stops with “Club Night” on Friday, where all the local ukesters get their moment in the spotlight, and a packed day Saturday with 10 workshops going on at any one time!  The evening concert has featured in the past such luminaries as Bill Tapia, Benny Chong, and Ohta-San.  Well worth the drive.  

Wine Country  ‘Ukulele Festival

October 9 – 11, 2009

Bigger and better than last year with workshops and performances by James Hill, Ralph Shaw, Kimo Hussey, Steven Espaniola, Faith Ako, Michelle Kiba, Liko Puha, Maika’i Gents, Brittni Paiva, Dominator, Moe Dixon, Derick Sebastian, Aldrinne Guerrero, and more.  Four wineries have jumped on board–Beringer, Flora Springs, Miner Family Vineyards, and Judd’s Hill–all offering stunning locations for various events.  There’ll be workshops, concerts, the International Marketplace, loads of food and wine, and mostly fun.  New this year will be a UkeTube Booth, Rapid-Uke Booth, Party Hula, Flea Market, and Dr. Uke.   Stay tuned.

Uketoberfest

October 16-17, 2009

I wouldn’t miss this one in Eugene, Oregon for all the sleepless nights in the world! Keith and Brooke really know how to create a good time and bring in the area’s most sparkling talent for wo days of workshops and concerts, all at the University of Oregon.  And the best part is, Amtrak will deliver you practically to their doorstep. It’s a beautiful little town and a super-fun festival. This year’s featured artists are: Victoria Vox, the Canote Brothers, Moe Dixon, Ralph Shaw, and the Boulder Acoustic Society.