ALL>> This week, The Fourth Annual Ukulele Festival took place in the City of Loma Linda.
Strummers and performers from across the Inland Empire gathered to celebrate not only the instrument, but the spirit of music, and the joy it brings to those who hear it.
The ukulele has caught on with a lot of groups, but seniors in particular find it enjoyable for a number of reasons. Number one is that it appears to be a relatively easy instrument to play. The fact that it is much smaller than a guitar means that it is easier to transport. Having only four strings instead of six makes it less intimidating as well. Once someone has learned a few fairly easy chords a wealth of music is available for playing and singing. And should a person get really into it, he/she soon discovers that a ukulele can be a very versatile instrument that can offer as many challenges as the person is willing to take on.
Probably its greatest appeal, though, is the chance to get together with other folks to learn new songs, practice old favorites, and just have fun.
There is a wide range of music available to players. Hawaiian music is a natural choice for many since so much Hawaiian music has been written with the ukulele in mind. The sheet music from the mid-1920’s through the end of the 30’s and into the 40’s was almost always publish with ukulele chords provided. Many senior groups remember hearing the music of those eras and enjoy singing the “old songs”. Much of the music of the ‘50s and ‘60s is also music that can be adapted for ukulele playing.
There are an impressive number of ukulele clubs in the Greater Inland Empire. From as far away as Indio and Fallbrook, there are 12 Senior-based ukulele groups from Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. There are probably half-again as many as that who couldn’t make it to the event.
According to on nationwide website there are over 60 clubs of all varieties in the state of California, so even if that is an under-reported number we could have one-tenth of the uke clubs in the state here.
If someone wanted to, they could go to a different ukulele group each day of the week, and on some days, even two, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. And the amazing thing is, there are some ukulele players who come close to doing that," said Barry Thompson, President of the Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers. "It was really was a wonderful event."
Below are the represented clubs and their contact information. Those interested in more information should contact the leader (if that information is provided) or contact the senior center.
Loma Linda Ukulele Strummers
Tuesdays 9:00 to 11:00 A.M.
Loma Linda Senior Center
President – Barry Thompson (bbt107@gmail.com)
Desert Strings
Wednesdays 1:30 to 3:30 P.M;
Indio Senior Center
Leader – Jeanne Noel Chalfont
Fallbrook Strummers Ukulele Group
Fridays 1:00 to 3:00 P.M.
Fallbrook Senior Center
Contact Stephen Spencer kc6mie@roadrunner.com
Hemet Ukulele Strummers
Mondays 9:00 to 11:00
Valley Wide Senior Center
Leader – Gerri Kapono
La Sierra Strummers
Mondays 10:00 A.M. to 12
La Sierra Sr. Center in Riverside
Contact Kalei Santos
Lugonia Ukulele Fun Strummers
Wednesdays 10:00 A.M. to 11:30
Redlands Senior and Community Center
Contacts – Joe Carroll and Benson Wong
Orange Blossoms Ukulele Strummers
Thursdays 10:30 to 12:30
Joslyn Senior Center, Redlands
Contact – Cathy Ekaitis - myblushinrosie@aol.com
Palm Desert Strummers and Desert Ukulele Marching Band
Tuesdays 1:00 to 3:00
Palm Desert Joslyn Center
Leader – Wendy Alderson
Rancho Cucamonga Ukulele Strummers Ablaze
Mondays – Beginners – 12:45 to 1:45
All others – 2:30 to 4:00
Rancho Cucamonga Senior Center
Contact – Noray Papazoglu
Rio-Altas Ukulele Club
Fridays – 9:30 to 11:00
Grace Vargas Senior Center, Rialto
Contact - Cathy Ekaitis - myblushinrosie@aol.com
Trilogy Ukulele Club
Open to residents of Trilogy, Glenn Ivy
Contact - Michael Wild (562-355-1356) for information on
how to start a ukulele group within a planned community.
Yuciapa Ukes
Wednesdays – 9:00 to 11:00
Scherer Senior Center , Yucaipa
Contacts - Jack Gaston - anontsag@yahoo.com
Jennifer Robbins - jbehn3@verizon.net