A Little Town With a Big Ukulele Community

The ukulele is without a doubt the best instrument ever. It’s easy to learn: The chords C, G, F and Am are the easiest to learn, and with them you’ll be able to play the majority of songs that have been written. It’s easy to carry: They’re easy to pack, tuck under your arm, and you can quite literally bring a ukulele anywhere. It’s also cheap: You can buy your very own ukulele kit with us for just $129, which includes a Bondi Mahogany Series Concert Ukulele, bag, accessories, learning materials and learning resources.  

But the best part of a ukulele? There’s something about the little instrument that puts the artist’s heart on their sleeve as they strum away.  

Sioux Falls artist Jeff Thomson said it best when he described the uke as “honest” and “simple”. Speaking to Keloland Media Group, Thomson said: “I think simplicity is something that everyone's sort of striving for right now. And you hear it. And it brings you back, even if you don't know where it's bringing you back to.”

And it seems the rest of Sioux Falls agrees. The South Dakota city is home to a number of ukulele enthusiasts and clubs. One of the most popular, the Kazukes, is a group of music lovers that gather each week to develop their skills with the ukulele. It’s not every day that you can watch someone who is without a doubt in their happy place, but with the Kazukes, you know it when hear it.

Since their creation in 2011, the group has performed at area nursing homes, assisted living communities, churches, schools and the VA. By mid 2016, they had performed over 150 times. New members are always welcome, and those looking to bring a bit of quirkiness to their ukulele playing will be happy to know that the club also includes Kazoos in their performances along with the uke. Not a pro? Don’t worry. The club is eager to teach new members the basics.  

Those interested in visiting a ukulele festival or two will be disappointed to hear that South Dakota does not hold any. However, head four hours north-east to Minneapolis, Minnesota and you’ll find the Great Minnesota Uke Gathering. Held around November of every year, the Uke Gathering is a get-together for all ukulele players (or want-to-be players) featuring workshops, beginner lessons, jams, sing-alongs, food and lodging for all skill levels. Previous headliners include Lil Rev, and in addition to incredible performers, visitors can expect advanced chord workshops, jam sessions, open mics, and musicians from across the Midwest keeping the jam rooms ringing with music until the wee hours.  

If you’re looking for a place to learn the ukulele for the first time or hone your already incredible skills, Sioux Falls, South Dakota is the place to do it.