February 2026

Jodi Damon is a singer-songwriter based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.  She has a degree in music therapy but shifted her focus to teaching and performing in recent years.   She has a sincere, expressive style and is most at home in small venues with an intimate crowd.  Jodi also enjoys collaborating with other musicians and plans to start recording some of her original songs this year.  

Kel is a performer and community builder whose music lives at the intersection of joy and vulnerability. Known for her soulful vocal performances and authentic style, Kel has been a beloved part of regional art communities for years, hosting music jams, group song-writing workshops, and teaching ukulele to hundreds of people- for free. Kel performed in her first ever open mic at the Allegheny Ukulele Soiree in 2023 and won the People's Choice Award for the solo open mic.

Two-time winner of the Allegheny Ukulele Soirée People's Choice Open Mic Award, Stephen Lawson is a native of Nashville, TN and a graduate of Belmont University. Stephen began playing guitar at age 12, and discovered the ukulele in 2011. He's been a popular ukulele jam leader, and enjoys playing open mics & writer's nights at every opportunity.

The '26 Ensemble is a group of festival attendees who chose to participate in a weekend-long learning experience with Peter Luongo. The '26 Ensemble has learned chording skills, finger picking, and strategies that lead to being able to play by ear. The group has also focused on using the ukulele to help develop effective singing techniques - including singing and playing harmonies! 

The '26 Ensemble is the following amazing folks: