No Tiptoeing Through The Tulips In Durham

Do you have a ukulele? Are you looking to fine-tune your playing skills? Maybe you’re just looking for an excuse to pick up that uke you got for Christmas four years ago. Whether you’re a beginner starting out in the ukulele community or a seasoned professional seeking like-minded enthusiasts to jam with, the best way to play the ukulele – as everyone knows – is with others.  

In Durham, North Carolina, there is no shortage of opportunities for a good kanikapila or two (or three or four). The Durham Ukulele Jam is the region’s main club, which meets on the first and third Mondays of every month. While the group has had little social media activity over the last few years, their website names High Strung Guitars (1116 Broad Street, Durham) as their meeting place. Meetups run from 7:00pm until 8:00pm for beginners, and 8:00pm until 9:00pm for intermediate and advanced players.

If observing is more your style, the Durham region also has a ukulele orchestra, which plays regular events in Durham and its surrounding area. Formed in 2007, the Durham Ukulele Orchestra organically grew out of the ukulele jam sessions at The Durham Ukulele Jam held at High Strung Guitars. The genre-busting ensemble skillfully blends selections from the great American songbook, the best of classic rock, and a bit of the indie-alternative scene to fashion a sound that is both unique and entertaining. If your only association with the ukulele is Tiny Tim’s Tiptoe Through The Tulips, then this is the group you want to see to give you a new point of reference.  

As for Durham’s other ukulele groups, the next closest is The Chapel Hill UUkes, which started with just a few church members and their ukuleles. Since its implementation, the club has expanded beyond church members and now meets on the second Monday of every month at Chapel Hill’s Community Church. All skill levels are welcome.  

To make practicing easy, the The Chapel Hill UUkes play from a compiled songbook of songs they play frequently, but members are encouraged to bring song sheets of their own choosing as well (with around 16 copies).  

If you’re looking to commit yourself to as many ukulele clubs as you can, the Nomads Learn & Share group is also just a short drive from downtown Durham. Gathering every Tuesday at GROW (502 E. Chatham St, Cary) from 7:00pm until 10:00pm, Nomads Learn & Share is a string instrument club that welcomes ukulele players of all skill levels. The group prides itself on a “learn and share” atmosphere, where members take turn in a Guitar Circle to – quite simply – learn and share their tips, tricks and techniques. Meetings strive for basic playing and less complex songs, so that everyone is comfortable learning.