It may look small and modest, but the ukulele is taking no prisoners as it successfully continues to take over America. The diminutive instrument is easy to play, small enough to carry and so versatile that, should you find yourself playing one, you would be able to strum anything from folk to rock with just four strings at your fingertips. It’s no wonder nearly everyone has a ukulele. And for those who don’t, well, it’s only a matter of time.  

In Claremont, California, residents are getting together by the dozens for the chance to strum together, and the Claremont Ukulele Club meets on the third Sunday of every month to do just that. The group - a no-stress community ukulele orchestra open to players of all ages and levels – runs meetings from 3:00pm until 5:00pm, or until they run out of music. Like any good ukulele group, meetups are often themed, with past set list topics including Christmas carols, spooky Halloween tunes, Father’s Day songs and summertime tracks.  

Being a small city, Claremont’s Ukulele Club appears to be the area’s only uke group. However, drive just half an hour to Los Angeles and you’ll find plenty more.  

The city’s Pluckin’ Strummers welcome players of all skill levels to join in on the fun of playing and singing in a group. Established in December 2010, the Pluckin’ Strummers have proven to be a mainstay in the ukulele community of Los Angeles. The first visit for every new member is always free, and the group only asks for a $10 donation for every meeting after in order to cover administrative and venue expenses. Have a partner who enjoys the uke as much as you do? Pluckin’ Strummers offers a small discount to couples who come and play together ($15 for two people per meeting). If you sign up to bring snacks for the next meetup, you don’t have to pay.

The group prides itself on being a teaching club and believes that consistent attendance and regular individual practice will help improve members’ playing and singing skills tremendously. Meetings are at 10:00am on every second and fourth Saturday of the month at Christ’s Church Griffith Park and include a standardized format of two 50-minute playing sessions separated by a short break for refreshments, snacks and great conversation with like-minded enthusiasts.  

Whether you stick to the boundaries of Claremont or venture out a tad, you’ll find what you’re looking for in California’s ukulele community.