Want New Friends? Learn to Play the Ukulele!

Gillian Driscoll

The ukulele may just be the friendliest instrument in existence. We always say that we have never met a miserable uke player, nor a friendless one.

At the PebbleCreek Ukulele Club jams we have a lot of fun and laughter, and we welcome newcomers into our circle. We are not cliquey or exclusive. We are all kinds of people with all kinds of backgrounds, beliefs, and experiences, but the ukulele gives us all a common thread.

You may not be aware of the extended reach of the popularity of the ukulele. There are many uke clubs in the valley of the sun, in the state, in the country, and all around the world. Ukulele players are of all ages, from as early as 5 years old to those in their 90s. Most clubs are open to visitors and some maintain Zoom jams, one of the few benefits of the COVID-19 years.

There are gatherings and conventions to attend all over the country and world if you wish, even ukulele cruises! As the uke is small, it is easy to take when you travel. The smallest one, the soprano size, even fits in a backpack and under the seat in a plane.

Music for the ukulele is available free online at many websites. Uke music is usually written with chords only, so you don’t have to be able to read music to play. You just learn the chords and a few simple strums and you are playing music.

The uke is adaptable to many genres of music including, Hawaiian, folk, doo wop, rock ‘n roll, country, pop, and more. It’s easy to find your favorite tunes written for the ukulele and play them at jams or just for your family. (By the way, your grandkids will think you’re cool!)

The Ukulele Club meets every Thursday from 1 to 2:30 p.m. in the Palm Room at the Eagle’s Nest Clubhouse. All are welcome whether it’s to play, sing, or just listen. We hope to see you there.

For more information, call or text Gillian Driscoll at 303-548-2108 or Ross Hart at 541-554-2679.