Celebrating the small four-stringed wonder – the Ukulele – which has been captivating hearts and bringing musical joy into people's lives for over 100 years, the 8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival presented by Torrance-based Kala Koa Entertainment, returns the weekend of September 21-22, 2023, at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. An exciting weekend dedicated to exploring the musical versatility of the ukulele for the experienced ukulele player, the occasional strummer, or simply the curious spectator. This unique, family-friendly festival includes workshops for all levels of playing ability to work on technique or simply learn to play and enjoy live all-star performances by some of today's most popular ukulele players. Please visit http://www.Ukulele.LA for more information and to purchase tickets.
The Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival takes place from 9:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024, featuring unlimited access to workshops for all levels, live performances throughout the day, strum-alongs and presentations, ukulele marketplace, food, and, of course, shave ice. In addition, and in conjunction with the Ukulele Festival, a special (separately ticketed) concert on Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. at the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) presenting a live concert at the James Armstrong Theatre featuring Feng E, the young musical sensation from Taiwan and the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, made up of 28 middle and high school students whose ages range from 12 to 18 years, with a rigorous performance schedule that includes as many as 80 concerts per year locally, regionally, and internationally.
In addition, Free Beginner Classes (Nakano Theatre at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center) *Does not include entry into the main festival event: FREE beginner classes and demonstrations throughout the day during the festival on Saturday, September 21. No admission required but seating is first-come, first-served. Bring your ukulele; if you don't have one, there will be a variety of entry-level friendly instruments available for purchase. There will be prize giveaways as well.
- Saturday, September 21; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. - 8th Annual Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival
The 2024 Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival also hosts a Ukulele Marketplace, located in the entry plaza of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Free and open to the public, attendees can browse boutique Ukulele builders, entry level and budget friendly instruments, fun accessories and ukuleles handcrafted in Hawaii, as well as open mic performances. In addition, authentic island style shave ice and food is available for purchase, and Hawaiian and Pacific Islander vendors round out the festival activities on Saturday.
Ukulele Artists and Workshop Instructors include: Aldrine Guerrero (from Hawaii), Jeff Peterson (from Hawaii), Hi'ikua (from Hawaii), Bernadette Plazola (from California), Boris Mogilevski (from The Netherlands), Danilo Vignola (from Italy), Victoria Kolasinski (from New York) and 4-String Boy (from Copenhagen).
Sponsors of the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival include Mitch Chang Mortgage, Ohana Ukuleles, Anuenue Ukuleles, Flight Ukuleles, Kanilea Ukuleles, and Islander Ukuleles.
WorkshopsUkulele 101 Beginner Bootcamp, Seniors: Get Started Playing Ukulele Confident Beginner, Intermediate Level
- Advanced Level, Strum-Alongs,Slack Key Ukulele with Kamuela Kimokeo
- Fingerstyle Ukulele with Jeff Peterson, Blues Ukulele with Boris Mogilevski, Percussive Ukulele with Viggy Kolansinski, Build your own Chords with 4 String Boy, Flamenco Sevillanas with Daniel Ward.
Live Performances, Cali Rose & CC Strummers, Danilo Vignola, Victoria "Viggy" Kolasinski, Sammy Turton, Hi'ikua, Bernadette Plazola & Friends, Boris Mogilevski, Jeff Peterson, Langley Ensemble, Daniel Ward, Aldrine Guerrero, Strum-Along with Heidi Swedberg.
- Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. Special Concert with Feng E and Langley Ukulele Ensemble
Special concert presented in cooperation with the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation at the James Armstrong Theatre (separately ticketed), featuring Feng E, the young musical sensation from Taiwan. Feng E's notoriety continues to skyrocket, with over 600K YouTube subscribers and millions of views. His expert renditions of popular music and inventive approach has turned heads and stolen the hearts of some of the biggest stars in the world. Opening for Feng E is the Langley Ukulele Ensemble, made up of 28 middle and high school students whose ages range from 12 to 18 years, with a rigorous performance schedule that includes as many as 80 concerts per year locally, regionally, and internationally. Led by Musical Director Peter Luongo, they have traveled across Canada, throughout the US, and Japan and have performed at major ukulele festivals; $35-$45. Tickets and more information: https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/sunday-concert
Who, When, Where, Tickets:
- Saturday Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, September 21; 9:00 a.m.-6 p.m.
Torrance Cultural Arts Center; 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance, CA 90503; (doors open at 8:30 a.m.)
All Access Entry (includes unlimited access to Workshops & Performances): $55; $20 full-time students with ID at the door; free for kids 12 & under accompanied by an adult. http://www.Ukulele.LA
Free Beginner Classes (Nakano Theatre at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center) *Does not include entry into the main festival event: FREE beginner classes and demonstrations throughout the day during the festival on Saturday, September 21 only.
- Sunday, September 22; 2 p.m. Special Concert with Feng E and Langley Ukulele Ensemble
James Armstrong Theatre (separately ticketed): https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/sunday-concert
For more information go to:
- Full festival lineup, artist & workshops, and to purchase tickets, please visit: http://www.Ukulele.LA; or https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/kalakoa/1723
- 800-595-4849; kalakoaent@mac.com
- https://www.facebook.com/laukulelefestival
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