Annual Ukulele Festival facts for kids
The Annual Ukulele Festival is a super fun event held every July in Hawaii. It started way back in 1971. A man named Roy Sakuma created it with help from the Waikiki Department of Parks. Lots of people come to enjoy free concerts. You can hear amazing ukulele players, from beginners to top musicians!
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How It All Started
Back in 1970, Roy Sakuma worked as a groundskeeper in Waikiki. One day, he and his friends had a cool idea: an ukulele concert! His boss supported the idea. So, Roy worked with the park department and the Hawaii International Ukulele Club. Together, they put on the very first festival. It happened in 1971 at the Kapiolani Park Bandstand in Waikiki.
Ukulele Festival Hawaii Organization
What They Do
Ukulele Festival Hawaii is a special non-profit group. Roy and Kathy Sakuma started it in 2004. Their main goal is to bring happiness, love, and hope to people. They do this through the wonderful music of the ukulele.
This organization does many great things:
- They put on free ukulele festivals for everyone to enjoy.
- They help people learn about Hawaii's arts and culture. They even offer scholarships!
- They show the world that the ukulele is a serious and amazing instrument.
The original Ukulele Festival, which began in 1971, is still held every July. It takes place at Kapiolani Park in O‘ahu.
Amazing Performers
Famous Ukulele Players
Over the years, many talented musicians have played at the festival.
In 1985, Roy Sakuma found Lyle Ritz. Lyle had made two classic ukulele jazz albums years before. Roy convinced Lyle to play the ukulele again at the festival. Lyle then moved to Hawaii and played at many festivals after that.
In 1994, James Ingram met Roy Sakuma. James was a pop artist who had won a Grammy Award. Ten years later, they wrote a song together called “Come and Join Us.” This song became the theme song for the Ukulele Festival Hawaii organization. In 2004, it won "Single of the Year" at the Hawaii Music Awards!
Master of Ceremonies
The Festival's Host
Danny Kaleikini has been the official host, or "emcee," for the festival for over 45 years! He first appeared in 1973. Danny often hosts other ukulele festivals too.
Festival Dates and Headliners
Who Played When
Here's a look at some of the festivals and who performed:
| Festival | Date | Known Performers | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 15th | 27 July 1985 | Lyle Ritz | |
| 16th | July 1986 | Lyle Ritz | |
| 17th | July 1987 | Lyle Ritz | |
| 18th | July 1988 | Lyle Ritz | |
| 24th | July 1994 | James Ingram | |
| 26th | July 1996 | Jim Beloff | |
| 27th | July 27, 1997 | James Ingram, Lyle Ritz and his daughter Emily, The Langley Ukulele Ensemble | |
| 30th | July 2000 | James Ingram | |
| 31st | July 29, 2001 | Jake Shimabukuro | |
| 34th | July 25, 2004 | James Ingram, Troy Fernandez, Canadian virtuoso James Hill, Japan's Yuji Igarashi, the Keale Ohana and Daniel Ho. | |
| 36th | July 30, 2006 | Danny Kaleikini, James Hill, Ohta-San | |
| 37th | July 22, 2007 | Jake Shimabukuro, Holunape and Ohta-San | |
| 38th | July 27, 2008 | Herb Ohta, Sr. (Ohta-san), Kelly Boy Delima, Michael Keale, Paula Fuga, Bryan Tolentino, Canadian James Hill played ukulele with chopsticks. | |
| 39th | July 19, 2009 | Danny Kaleikini, Taimane Gardner, Holunape, Natalie Ai Kamauu, Langley Ukulele Ensemble, Ken Makuakane, Ohata-san, Palolo, Bill Tapia, Sunset Strummers, Yuji Igarashi & “Kolohe” Imamura, George Matsushita, LeaLea Ukulele Garden, Ukulele 4 Ladies | |
| 40th | July 18, 2010 | Jake Shimabukuro | |
| 41st | July 29, 2011 | Jake Shimabukuro, Aldrine Guerrero, Kalei Gamiao | |
| 42nd | July 22, 2012 | ||
| 43rd | July 21, 2013 | Jake Shimabukuro, Ohta San, Herb Ohta, Jr., Dukes of Surf, Paula Fuga | |
| 50th | 18 July 2021 | TBD; no 2020 festival. |
