STRUM ALONG AT STRATHMORE’S

by Maya Lee

Celebrating 15 years of building skills— and community!

Strathmore’s UkeFest, an immersive musical experience that brings together more than 100 ukulele players annually, returns to the Music Center in August for its 15th anniversary. Founded by Artistic Directors Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer, the first UkeFest was simply a concert on the lawn with renowned musician and educator James Hill. An integral player in the festival’s history, Hill will once again be teaching several classes and cohosting ukulele teacher training and master classes with Fink and Marxer.

“Cathy and Marcy, who are masterful ukulele players and instructors themselves, always curate an amazing lineup of instructors for UkeFest selected for their elite skills,” says Beth Radovsky, Strathmore’s senior program event manager and UkeFest organizer. This year’s UkeFest features talent from across the globe, including multi-award-winning instrumentalist Brittni Paiva, renowned ukulele and harmonica player Lil Rev, Canadian Folk Music Award nominee Eve Goldberg, and cavaco player, singer, and percussionist Pablo Regis.

Some UkeFest fans have been coming to the festival since the very beginning. “It has been a joy to take these classes from [instructors] who teach the types of music I love to play,” says Robb Mapou, who first attended UkeFest in 2012. “I am involved with James Hill’s UkeHeads recording project and look forward to learning from him this year.”

STRATHMORE.ORG/UKE

The annual festival, designed for newbie and experienced ukulele players alike, offers a variety of classes and opportunities for jam sessions, so all participants leave better musicians than when they arrived.

“The ukulele is the rare instrument that allows everyone to play together no matter their skill level,” says Fink. “It embodies the spirit of community.”

Of course, fostering a creative community—along with education and excellence in the arts—has always been a priority for Strathmore and one reason behind its 15-year commitment to UkeFest and ongoing ukulele programming. “The partnership between Strathmore and the Ukefest faculty and creative team is amazing,” says Fink. “I see this going on for a long time.”

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

New annual fund gifts to Strathmore can now be doubled—but only through June 30, 2023.

The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation has generously offered a grant to encourage community members like you to make your first gift by matching it, dollar for dollar, up to a total of $10,000.

Strathmore must raise $10,000 to receive this matching grant, and we are so close thanks to the generosity of arts-loving patrons like you!

Your donation will ensure that high-quality artists remain onstage at Strathmore and that everyone in our community can access them.

Gifts of all sizes make a difference. Thank you!

Donate today by scanning the QR code or visiting strathmore.org/grant