New England Ukulele Fest
For the second year we are proud to introduce The New England Ukulele Festival— A joyous music celebration featuring the top ukulele performers and groups from across the New England region, with special guest Ray Cygrymus and hosted by Kimo Hussey. This special event isn’t just about music, it’s about making a difference. All proceeds will support the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), a nonprofit organization that brings the power of the ukulele and music therapy to children and youth worldwide.
Strum locally, impact globally!
Online Auction
Support the Ukulele Kids Club and snag priceless items! Explore our 2026 online auction, featuring ukuleles the Dropkick Murphys, Bill Murray, the entire Red Sox team, and more.
Festival Line Up & Schedule
Get ready for a day of strumming, humming, and soulful melodies! The New England Ukulele Fest lineup is an eclectic mix of local legends and ukulele heavyweights, all coming together to support the Ukulele Kids Club.
- 11:00 - 11:30 am : Check-in
- 11:30 - 11:50 am : A&W Ukulele Players
- 11:55 - 12:15 pm : Betty Machete and the Jumping Fleas
- 12:20 - 12:40 pm : Cabin Crew
- 12:45 – 12:55 pm : UKC & Good Shepherd Community Care
- Break - 15 min.
- 1:10 – 1:50 pm : Ray Cygrymus Workshop
- 2:05 - 2:15 pm : Good News Gus interviews Kimo
- 2:20 - 2:40 pm : The Unlikely Strummers
- 2:45 - 3:05 pm : Uke Sisters
- 3:10 - 3:30 pm : Blue Sky
- Break - 15 min.
- 3:45 - 4:05 pm : Ray Cygrymus - solo performance
- 4:10 - 4:30 pm : SNHUG
- 4:30 - 4:40 pm : Raffle Drawing
- 4:40 - 5:00 pm: Closing Jam & Song: Hawai’i Aloha, led by Kimo Hussey
- 11:59 PM - Auction Closes
About the Performers
Kimo Hussey
Ukulele virtuoso Kimo Hussey is one of the most respected figures in contemporary Hawai’ian music. A master across genres, he is also the author of the multiple award-winning Hawaiian songbook, He Mele Aloha. Born and raised in Hawaii, Kimo graduated from Occidental College in Southern California and intended to return to Hawai’i to be involved in music education. However, the military draft and his subsequent decision to enlist in the Air Force led to a career as an Air Force pilot. After active duty, he served with the Hawai’i Air National Guard. He retired in January, 2000, with a keen desire to re-ignite his interest in music.
Since then, Kimo has recorded a solo ukulele CD – the sold out and much sought after Eminent Ukulele – and has participated in several other composite ukulele CDs. He is a former director of the Ukulele Guild of Hawai’i, previous Board Chair for Sounding Joy Music Inc. (a non-profit organization specializing in clinical music therapy), and the Board Chairman and Founder of the Pacific Music Foundation, a non-profit organization specializing in Hawaiian music. A practicing musician and instructor with vocal, choral directing and instrumental experiences, Kimo is self-taught in ukulele and has been playing since childhood. He is a much-sought performer and teacher, and travels extensively to ukulele festivals and workshops around the world.
Ray Cygrymus
Ray is a retired elementary school music teacher with more than thirty years of experience in the field. A lifelong resident of the Pittsburgh area, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University, specializing in voice.
Throughout his career, Ray has performed in numerous musicals and plays with theaters across Pittsburgh. He has also fronted several rock bands as a lead singer and multi‑instrumentalist, showcasing his versatility and love of performance.
Ray has become a familiar face on the ukulele festival circuit, appearing at events such as the Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway, Tampa Bay Ukulele Day, Funky Frets, Brown County Ukulele Festival, Memphis Uke‑N‑Roll, Midwest Ukulele and Harmonica Camp, Allegheny Ukulele Soirée, Virginia Ukapalooza, Bonita Springs World Ukulele Day, Ashokan Ukulele Weekend, Mighty Uke Day, JAM-Boree @ Gents, Blueridge Ukulele Festival, and Reno Uke Fest. He recently completed a successful six‑week cross‑country tour with acclaimed ukulele artist Lil’ Rev.
Ray’s mission is to share his knowledge and experience in ways that encourage ukulele players to see their instrument from fresh perspectives—exploring new techniques, expanding skill sets, and incorporating sound effects with intention and creativity. He hopes to continue growing as an artist while entertaining, inspiring, and educating others about the beauty and versatility of this remarkable little instrument that brings people together in such a great way.
Please visit Ray online on YouTube @SURFN‑RZ. You can also find him on Facebook, Instagram and Tiktok.
A&W Ukulele Players
Since 2016, the A&W Ukulele Players – a lively group of 20 musicians – has entertained audiences across the Boston area with upbeat songs from the 1920s through the 2020s, ensuring something for everyone. Their energetic performances encourage audience participation, whether through singing along, playing percussion instruments, or even joining in for a bit of hula dancing.
Betty Machete and the Jumping Fleas
Whenever Jessie heard a song she liked from her teenage years, she’d say, “I’m going to play this when I have my all-girl 1980s ukulele cover band.” It was always a joke because, besides Jessie, who on earth would want to be in a 1980s all girl ukulele cover band? When she met Dani in 2019, they started playing ukulele together on their lunch break at work. Then, in 2022, they decided that, while they’d never have a band, maybe they could have some sort of club where women would want to gather and play ukulele together. To their surprise, 28 women showed up for the first practice, and Betty Machete and the Jumping Fleas was born. The Fleas are a group of funny and supportive women who practice every other Monday night. We sing primarily ‘70s and ‘80s songs, and occasionally expand our decades for special performances. We all have alter-ego names that we use when we perform. Jessie calls it the happiest 90 minutes of her week. The Fleas are always looking for new members. We happily welcome all players regardless of experience. Non-binary and trans women are welcome.
Blue Sky
Blue Sky consists of Jim Vyhnak and Bill Huntington, who are long-time ukulele players and members of the Vermont Ukulele Society. With a cherished history of playing for elders at nursing homes, for children’s music program fundraisers and for the sheer enjoyment of it, Bill and Jim are particularly happy to join in this lovely event that will make it easier for people to participate in playing healing music to children in hospitals. We thank you for the opportunity
Cabin Crew
Cabin Crew is a four-piece folk-rock ensemble whose roots run deep in the heart of the woods. Born around a crackling fire by a secluded cabin, our shared love of storytelling and melody inspired us to pick up baritone ukuleles, upright electric bass, and cajon, and to raise our voices in harmony. Over the years, we’ve carved a path from misty Nova Scotia down the entire East Coast to sun-soaked Florida, bringing our warm, organic sound to a variety of venues. Our interplay of rich vocal harmonies, mellow ukulele lines, driving bass grooves, and crisp cajon rhythms creates a spacious yet grounded vibe that resonates with audiences of all ages. Cabin Crew invites you along for the journey—where every song feels like home.
Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group
Since 2012, the Southern NH Ukulele Group (SNHUG) has been bringing people together to strum, sing, and spread a little ukulele joy. All are welcome to join us, whether you’re picking up the ukulele for the first time or have years of experience. We meet every other Friday and take our music on the road, averaging three gigs a week and performing at fairs, community events, veterans’ homes, nursing homes, and wherever they will let us in the door. A longtime supporter of the UKC, SNHUG has raised over $130,000 to bring ukuleles—and smiles—to hospitalized children and their families, right here in New England and nationwide. Check out our annual fundraiser for the UKC here – theukc.org/snhugfest-x
Hope to see you there!
Uke Sisters
Meet The Uke Sisters, Megan and Jayme Hennessy—the duo turning Block Island’s summer breeze into a musical celebration! These real-life sisters combine formal training with a deep love for “island life” fun. With Megan on lead vocals and tenor uke, and Jayme rocking the guilele and tenor uke, they’ve become a staple at Aldo’s restaurant and venues across the island. Megan has spent years shaping the next generation of talent as a music educator at the Island’s public school and now works with island students in the ESL Program. Jayme leads the Block Island Ukulele Society, a community music project initially funded with grants from the Rhode Island State Council on the Arts. She also leads the Tunes by the Dunes program of community music held at the Fred Benson Beach on Block Island. Catch them this season for high-energy jams and music that only sisters can create!
The Unlikely Strummers
The Unlikely Strummers is a high-energy performance group from across southern Massachusetts and northern Rhode Island that adds a little dash of the unexpected to everything they do. From instrumentals to mashups, you never know what they might do next! The Unlikelys can be found at a wide range of venues – from community festivals to concert halls to sporting events – and occasionally sharing the stage with performers like Jake Shimabukuro, Peter Asher, Ireland’s Gadan and, in a few weeks, the Warwick Symphony Orchestra.
Luau Sponsor
Mahalo to our Luau Sponsor for your generosity and support of our mission.
Big Kahuna Sponsors
A huge mahalo to our Big Kahuna sponsors! Your incredible generosity is the wave that carries this festival—none of this would be possible without you.
Lil Kahuna Sponsors
Mahalo to our Lil Kahuna sponsors for riding the wave with us! Your support helps bring the spirit of the festival to life.
Community Supporters
With heartfelt thanks to our community supporters—your generosity keeps the music flowing and the good vibes going strong.
- The Village Bank
- Joanie and Charlie’s Paint Partaays!
- Michael Horton Associates
- Uke Sisters
- Kathy Danielson
- Stoughton Music Center!
- June and the Honey Badgers
Friends of the Festival
Shoutout to our Friends of the Festival! Your support helps keep the rhythm alive and the celebration going.
- Wegmans
- Funky Frets
- Quilts and Ukuleles
- Kala Ukulele
Event Volunteers
To our amazing volunteers—you are the heartbeat of this festival! Thanks for bringing the energy, the smiles, and the aloha spirit.
- Lisa Anastas
- Cat Austin-Franks
- Tara Bickford-Bailey
- Susan Bowie
- Cathy Calandriello
- Carol Carpenter
- Cathy Carvin
- Kathy Chappell
- Deborah Donnelly
- Christine Eldridge
- Deb Manzi
- Janet Mayo
- Keith McFadgen
- Steve Myers
- Kathy Olkavikas
- Pat Paulin
- Barbara Perry
- June Pinkham
- Sandy Ranfone
- Chris Rice
- Barbara Rose
- Meghan Sjurson-Rich
- Deb Sorgman
- Lenny Thompson
- Linda Tracey
- Bob Tracey
- Malissa Vieira
- Jen Wallace
- Roberta Williams
In-Kind Donors
We gratefully recognize our in-kind donors for their generous contributions which play a vital role in making this festival possible.
- Bob Klopfenstein, Bob K. Sound
- Cabin Crew
- Dark Waters Distillery
- Frito Lay
- JD Custom Creations
- Jen Wallace
- Jonathan’s Ogunquit
- Kala Ukulele
- Mystic, CT Chamber of Commerce
- Mystic Market
- Mystic Spice and Tea Company
- Mystic Seaport
- The Inn at Mystic
- Outer Lights Brewing Company
- Portsmouth Music Hall
- Rick Heaton Photography
- Stoughton Music Center
- Tidal River
The NEUF Traveling Concert Ukulele by Flight — SOLD OUT
The NEUF Traveling Concert Ukulele by Flight was a special, exclusive release for this year’s festival and is now officially sold out. Featuring unique stamps from every New England state, this collector’s piece was designed for both durability and portability. While no longer available for pre-order, its laminate wood top and rounded ABS plastic back ensure that those who secured one will enjoy a warm, full sound on all their future travels.
Ukulele Kids Club
The Ukulele Kids Club is a nonprofit organization dedicated to harnessing the therapeutic benefits of music by donating ukuleles to medically fragile and children in need worldwide. Through music therapy, UKC brings hope and joy to kids and teens, aiding in their healing process through music. Learn more at theukc.org.
Stay updated with future events and connect with fellow ukulele enthusiasts.
Follow the New England Ukulele Festival on Facebook.