Highly recommended. This year was my first, I will be back and I will bring more people with me next year!
These are workshops that are suitable for all level of player. Often these workshops are not ukulele-specific or of more general interest.
Are you fed up with the news cycle? Do you feel driven to “kill someone softly with your song”? In this workshop, we will talk about the basics of songwriting, using the basic format of the murder ballad to write our very own.
Learn how to build a simple, effective ukulele practice routine that actually leads to progress without killing the fun. We’ll explore how to stay motivated, work efficiently on challenging material, and gently tackle the habits we tend to avoid, all in a way that fits real life and real schedules. Players of all levels will leave with a practical, customizable practice plan they can use immediately to practice smarter and play with more confidence.
Ukulele bass players are ALWAYS in demand... well, at least the good ones. So, what makes a good bassist? How do I get better, in playing (the frustrations of bass practice are addressed directly); and (more importantly), we demonstrate by playing with trax and metronomes, how to understand what to play... and what NOT to!
Want to have a blast singing and sounding your best? Lisa has studied and taught voice for years and has a lot of good stuff to share. Join her as she takes your through some easy exercises and fun techniques to improve your vocals, and customize your uke playing to show off your best voice!
Baritone Friendly!
Our Friday afternoon jam is a more relaxed jam session where attendees pick the songs they want to play from the master songbook rather than having a pre-defined set list.
Our Saturday Afternoon jam is a great way to unwind after lunch before workshops start again!
In this workshop , we will learn about common effect pedals, the best ones for ukulele , how they work, and how to properly use them. The end of the class will include an open mic where the students can play a song of their choice while experimenting with various effect pedals to tastefully enhance the song.
Is it a guitar? Is it a ukulele? What is this strange hybrid creature? In this workshop, we will go over what the Baritone ukulele has in common with the guitar and what it shares with the ukulele and how you can easily use chord shapes you already know to play it.
Learn to use the chord sheet software ChordPro!
Feel a little stuck inside the ukulele box? Want to bring some unique flair to your performance? Want to know how performers get their confidence? Mim has had the opportunity to perform with unique artists from around the world. Coming from outside the "ukulele world" they often bring unique insights on what it takes to be a performer, how to hone your craft, how to interact with crowds, and how to think outside the box!
Hey! What exactly is a set-up, anyway? Why does my ukulele buzz? How do I fix it? What does my ukulele want from me? Mim will be breaking down the mysterious “set-up” everyone talks about! She will lead you in an informative workshop that will cover everything from changing your strings and daily ukulele maintenance to diagnosing ukulele problems and even fixing them yourself!
Our Saturday morning jam gets you up bright and early to start your day right - with the ukulele!
Our Saturday Night jam begins about 15 minutes after the close of the Saturday Night Concert!
Our Friday Night jam begins about 15 minutes after the close of the Friday Night Concert!
Students will learn the folk dance of our 50th state, the Hula. Simple steps and hand motions will combine to tell a story.
Instructor Debi Velasco will supply written instructions to each dancer. Students will perform the song they have learned at the Saturday evening concert!
Students will complete a wristlet made with fresh flowers using the “wili” (winding) method.
Instructor Debi Velasco will supply all materials and tools needed. The technique taught is simple and can be replicated at home.
Highly recommended. This year was my first, I will be back and I will bring more people with me next year!
Everyone was friendly and encouraging. The level of the entertainment and instruction was top notch! I am looking forward to returning!
Great people, great fun, great workshops, Great jams and amazing organizers.
Always a great gathering of the ukulele community…a lot to learn and a lot of fun doing it!
An outstanding festival for ukulele players, both beginners and experienced. The ability to interact face-to-face with the amazing guest performers, other uke players, and vendors was invaluable.
The Soirée should win an award for the best organized ukulele festival!
The Soiree is a great program to attend. It is well organized, with a great deal of expertise, thoughtful planning and reasonable fees. Well seasoned presenters make the sessions productive and organized!
Top notch! Fantastic instructors! Very enthusiastic, informative and knowledgeable. Superb presentations. I learned so much this weekend
The Allegheny [Ukulele] Soirée is a ukulele smorgasbord...something for every age, talent level, social class...my friends are there
This festival is well run, feels intimate, and really helped grow my skills and push me to be a better player. I love the teaching artists, and the jams were fun!