The 8th Annual Ukulele Festival: UKE IT OUT!

WMNF Presents the 8th Annual Ukulele Festival: UKE IT OUT!

Saturday, December 2nd

Uke It Out Returns!

The ukulele—once a unique instrument from Hawaii, is now one of the hottest instruments in music. Now you can hear for yourself the magic of the ukulele.

You’ll hear everything from the ukulele, Reggae and Bluegrass sounds to Americana and Rock –Jazz and Blues—the little ukulele knows no limits. There will be all kinds of ukuleles in action—bass ukes, electric ukes, banjo ukes and acoustic ukes. Over a dozen performers it’s a concert you won’t forget.

In addition, Cage Brewing has installed a new sound system—it’s not just a brewery—it’s a concert hall—slight exaggeration, it’s more of a large covered patio than a hall. (There is a hall that goes to the restroom though).

Plus, there will be a Jimi Hendrix of the Ukulele contest—with a prize package worth over $100 and trophy for the best 2-minute ukulele interpretation of a Jimi Hendrix song on the ukulele–sign up when you arrive.

NEW this year an on-site Pizza restaurant with wood fired pizzas, salads and more Italian fare.

We will have FREE ukulele lessons starting at 2:30pm for anyone that shows up with a ukulele and wants to learn how to start playing on the ukulele.

There will be an all ukulele tribute to Jimmy Buffett and attendees are encouraged to bring their ukuleles to join in. Professionals, amateurs and audience members alike are invited to participate.

To round out the evening, there will be a chance for up and coming ukulele players to showcase their chops. Participants can sign up for the “Show Us Your UKE–Open mic” that will be the final event to close the show. Just sign up when you get to the show—first come first served.

Developed in the 1880s, the ukulele is based on several small guitar-like instruments of Portuguese origin.
Hawaiian musician Israel Kamakawiwo’ole helped re-popularize the instrument, in particular with his 1993 medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What a Wonderful World,” used in films, television programs, and commercials.

Not since 12 year-old Grace VanderWaal won the America’s Got Talent contest playing the ukulele has the ukulele world been as excited about a ukulele event as they are about WMNF’s tribute to the ukulele. Hyperbole? Not when it comes to ukulele fans! A dozen bands/solos are putting on a ukulele concert on Saturday Dec 2nd

Not only will this give you a chance to pull out the Hawaiian shirt you have stashed in the back of your closest—but you’ll have a chance to see some of the best ukulele players.

Cage Brewing in the St Pete Arts/Grand Central District

2023 Scheduled Line Up:

2:00 Doors Open
2:30 – 3:00 Ukulele Lessons
3:00 – 3:30 Jimmy Buffet Jam
3:30 – 3:55 Chris Tracy Duo
4:00 – 4:15 Poly Essence (solo)
4:15 – 4:20 Raffle 5 min
4:25 – 4:50 Jct 27
4:55 – 5:15 The Bare Bones Band
5:20 – 5:40 International ukulele orchestra
5:40 – 5:45 Raffle 5 min
5:45 – 6:00 Rebekah Pulley
6:05 – 6:20 Emmett Carlisle
6:20 – 6:40 Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele contest
6:45 – 7:10 Tom Hood & The Tropical Sons
7:15 – 7:35 Roper and Roper
7:40 – 8:10 Ari Chi
8:10 – 8:15 Raffle 5 min
8:15 – 8:40 Reenee and The Rollers
8:45 – 9:30 Show Us Your Uke (open mic – sign up required)

This unique event has become a one-of-a-kind annual gathering of the Tampa Bay ukulele community.

Buy your ticket now, or at the door, open at 2pm, to this hit annual event!