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, warm and welcoming gathering for all levels.
WHEN: Usually every other Sunday, 4-5:45 p.m.; sometimes 2-4 pm in winter ... and other times - it's best to request to get on the list to get the weekly update
WHERE: South Hero, VT, sometimes other locations; 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/WHERE: Monthly. Sign up to receive information on when and where they meet
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, 6:00-8:30 (6:30
WHERE: Castleton Community Center, 2108 Main St., Castleton, VT
Vermont Ukulele Society – This is the group that first taught me 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.
WHEN: 1st Mondays of the month, 6:30-8:55 (6:30 intro to basics; 7:00 everybody plays; 7:45 if there's a performance, this is practice time) Double-check their Facebook page to make sure they haven't cancelled a meeting.
WHERE: Howden Hall, 19 West St., Bristol, VT
Ukes R Us - This group is based in the Huntington/Richmond, VT, area, and get together regularly to play and perform. Email Dick for more information
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.