Denver Ukefest 2025 at Swallow Hill Music

UkeFest is a day-long celebration of all things ukulele, consisting of concerts, workshops, jams, and community. This year’s Denver UkeFest – the 16th Annual – takes place on Saturday, May 10. Grammy Award winner Daniel Ho headlines this year’s concert. He’s supported by UkeFest favorite Danielle Ate The Sandwich and teenage Taiwanese music sensation Feng E. The concert also features a performance by longtime UkeFest hosts and Swallow Hill instructors Casey Cormier & Daniella Katzir. All performers will host daytime workshops, covering a wide range of topics for beginners and more advanced players alike. Workshop topics include transposing chords for the uke, focusing on rhythm, learning new picking patterns, and more. With a ubiquitous presence in American pop culture, the ukulele traces its roots back to 19th Century Hawaii, where it evolved from small stringed instruments introduced by Portuguese immigrants. While most recognizable in its modest, acoustic, four-stringed form, the instrument continues to evolve into a variety of shapes and sizes, unplugged or electric. Sprinkled throughout the day are more performances and a chance to play along. Uke ensemble Joyful Ruckus is ready to serenade the lunchtime crowd as they take a break. Later in the afternoon, the Denver Uke Community will host a strum along, and there will be an Open Mic so everyone can have a chance to shine. There’s even an afternoon nature walk to help folks refresh and recharge before the evening’s concert. “I love the cross section of people that come to Denver UkeFest,” uke enthusiast and Swallow Hill Music’s Volunteer Manager Patty Jackson said. “My favorite part of the ‘fest is the openness of the more experienced players in workshops who help out the beginning players who might need it.” Jackson, who also plays in the aforementioned Joyful Ruckus, estimates that she has attended Denver UkeFest seven or eight times over the years. “Every year I look forward to meeting and learning about the new performers and headliners,” she said. “You can pick up a lot of little things from each player because playing the ukulele is so different from one artist to another.”That means each Denver UkeFest stands alone as a unique event even as it adds to a greater tradition. “There is such excitement about discovering a musical community, it is such a rush!” Jackson said. “When you are sitting in a room with a hundred people all playing ukulele, it’s just a joyous sound!” Get complete details below. Thank you for supporting 16 years of what just might be the happiest festival of them all with Swallow Hill Music! DENVER UKEFEST 2025 Saturday, May 10 at Swallow Hill Music 9:30am Doors 10am Workshops 6:15pm Concert

Event Links

Tickets: https://go.evvnt.com/2990224-0

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