Ukulele groups & jams
This listing focuses mainly on groups in Vermont. It's a good idea to check first before you make the trip - sometimes these groups take time off.
Ukulele Clare Shenanigan Jams & Other events can be found on this page.
Folk Jam with the SongFarmers of Hinesburg – A nice, welcoming, slow jam for musicians of all abilities and instruments. It's great for beginners to get a taste of what it's like to play with other musicians. HINT: It's awesome! Hang on for the ride and embrace not being able to play all the songs -- I know I certainly can't! But it's fun trying or just listening. You learn a lot that way. Led by Rik Palieri. Free.
WHEN: Every First Thursday, 6:00-8:00 p.m. EST
WHERE: Carpenter-Carse Library, 69 Ballards Corner, Hinesburg, VT
Burlington Ukulele Melee – A fun gathering for all levels.
WHEN: Every 2nd & 4th Sunday, 4-5:45 p.m. ... and other times - get on the list to get the weekly update
WHERE: Various locations in the Burlington, VT area; contact: burlington-ukulele-mele@googlegroups.com
Montpelier Ukulele Players – This fun group plays and sings a wide variety of tunes, all abilities welcome. They perform at various events, libraries, senior facilities, etc.
WHEN: Email them to get on the list for notifications.
WHERE: Montpelier Senior Activities Center, 58 Barre St., Montpelier, VT
Upper Valley Ukulele Club – Beginners welcome, plus lots for more advanced players to sink their teeth into.
WHEN: Check their calendar.
WHERE: Howe Library at Dartmouth College, 13 South St., Hanover, NH
Rutland Area Ukulele Club – Beginners come at 6 p.m. for a lesson and everyone else ambles in around 6:30. They strum until 8:30. Bring a uke and a music stand if you have one. Call 802-345-9100 for more information.
WHEN: 1st and 3rd Thursday, 6-8:30
WHERE: Castleton Community Center, 2108 Main St., Castleton, VT
Vermont Ukulele Society – This is where I learned how to play. It’s like an adult play date and you’ll always leave glowing and happy and inspired, no matter what your level of play. Free.
Annual-and-such events
Here are some Vermont-centric events that I have found to be great places to learn and play with others.
Vermont Ukulele Harvest – The Harvest includes concerts, workshops, and more! I went in 2019 and my head is still swimming with everything I learned and still have yet to learn, and from all the great folks I met from all over New England.
WHEN: Usually in October
WHERE: Southern Vermont
Ashokan Ukulele Festival - Memorial Day weekend - Olive Bridge, NY (near Woodstock, NY). I cannot recommend this one highly enough. Whatever your level, you will grow in all ways as a ukulelian and as a ukulele community member. It's exciting, fun, gentle, silly, encouraging, daring, warm, fuzzy, and run by heartful and talented instructors from all over the world. Go. Go again.
Basin Bluegrass Festival - Mid-July, Brandon, VT. This is not uke-centric, but if you like bluegrass and are looking for a chance to jam with music lovers and musicians of all levels -- all day and well into the next morning -- then this is worth checking out. Park a tent or a camper and wander from jam to jam. One of my faves. See website for ticket prices and lineup.