Ukulele Festival of Northern California 2009
The 16th Annual Ukulele Festival of Northern California is the longest running ukulele festival on mainland United States (since 1994). Held on a beautiful Sunday April 26 2009 at the Hayward Adult School in Hayward, California, the event attracts ukulele enthusiasts from British Columbia (Canada), Hawaii, as well as local talent from the Bay Area.
Back to back performances are held all day long in the auditorium with world-renown performers like Derek Sebastian, Bryan Tolentino, Dru Rodgers, Rogie Cadiente and many other ukulele ensembles while outside in the courtyard, you can find ukulele makers like Kamaka, Tony Graziano, Tiki King setting up shop to showcase their exquisite ukes.
The friendly atmosphere in the courtyard, coupled with the cool and sunny weather in California creates a perfect catalyst for impromptu jams where anyone with a uke can join in the fun and song. Professional bands like Dodge's Sundodgers, uke stylist Aldon Sanders, even R&B singer Sonny B. can be found jammin' with members of Ukulele Underground.
Maybe one day, an ukulele festival can happen on the shores of Singapore too! Until that day comes, we hope this photo journal will inspire uke enthusiasts to travel the world to experience the joy and fun of participation in such events.
