Monday Night Ukulele Jam
The Monday Night Ukulele Jam has been the mainstay of the Lamorinda Ukulele Club since the beginning, and we can't wait for it to roll around every other week!
What makes the Monday Night Ukulele Jam so special?
Several things make our jam unique:
We're 100% volunteer led.
We've been going strong for more than 10 years. Some members have been here since the beginning, while others joined very recently. We've got a great mix!
We're one of the few evening jams in the area.
We're a larger group, averaging 30 to 45 people per jam, so you're sure to find someone else with a similar amount of experience to yours.
We play a greater variety of songs and difficulty levels than many groups do.
Our community is about music and so much more. Many lifelong friendships have formed here, and many members make music and socialize together outside of official club events.
When and where are the jams?
We meet every other Monday from 7 pm until 9 pm at 1786 2nd Ave. in Walnut Creek, CA. See the Jam Schedule page for upcoming dates.
Are beginners welcome?
Absolutely! Most of us in the group started with just a couple of chords. If you are going to learn just one before coming to the jam, make it C! Want to branch out? Add Am, F, and G.
Is this a group that is only for beginners?
No! We have members of all different experience and skill levels. You'll find everything from newbies to experienced players who fingerpick, play up the neck, harmonize, and do all kinds of fancy stuff. There's room for everyone!
It's my first time attending. What should I bring?
Bring your ukulele and a $5 contribution for our host venue. Water is fine, but please don't bring other food or drinks. Don't worry about bringing music or a music stand your first time; we'll pair you up with someone who has those.
How do I get on the mailing list?
We handle mailing list subscription requests in person. Please talk with Chris Young or Dave Funk, our online administrators, when you attend a jam.
What about other instruments?
We're a space for ukulele players to come together. Our bass player is the only "non-ukulele" member of the group, though members occasionally add a bit of percussion, a harmonica for a solo, or kazoo to a song that screams out for it.
What kind of music does the group play?
Most of our material is drawn from popular songs of the 1920s to the 1980s, especially the 1950s to the 1970s, but we play everything from traditional folk songs to country classics, holiday tunes, more recent songs, and more!
We play songs mostly from individual chord sheets that are distributed through our mailing list before each jam. Occasionally we play from The Daily Ukulele books by Jim and Liz Beloff (yellow/blue/purple books), which can be purchased at Lamorinda Music. If you don't have a book, you can usually look on with someone who does.
What is the format of the jam?
We typically play an opener, plus 8 to 10 songs during the first half of the jam, take a break, have open mic time, and then play another 8 to 10 songs and a closer at the end. Everything is announced through our mailing list in advance, and it's all fun!
Leadership and Support Team
It truly takes a village to make the Monday Night Ukulele Jam the vibrant, fun program it is!
