When people think of Las Vegas, they usually imagine mega casinos and massive nightclubs playing EDM, rather than the sultry strumming of the ukulele, but surprisingly there is a decent sized and active community of ukulele players around the city, not to mention that the ‘uke’ has always been a staple of the shows that entertain gamblers and tourists in the hotels and casinos.

If you are coming to Vegas to party or gamble, checking out some relaxing ukulele music or even playing a bit for yourself is a great antidote to the chaos that most of us associate with ‘The Entertainment Capital of the World’

You can find anything in Las Vegas, including some great spots to play and hear ukulele music.

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The ukulele has featured in countless shows throughout the rich history of Vegas shows, the famous ‘Ukulele Lady’ is one of the standards that the divas who come through love to perform.Tired gamblers sipping cocktails can imagine the sea lapping at their feet, and dream of the trip to Hawaii that they will take once their luck finally comes good.

The Ukulele’s finest hour in Vegas was unquestionably when legend‘Ukulele Ray’ brought his ‘Ukapalooza’ show to the city of sin. A genuine eccentric with an amazing collection of ukuleles, and endless enthusiasm for the instrument, Rays passion finally paid off for him in 2016 when his life dedicated to the instrument was rewarded with a Vegas show

The biggest festival in Vegas for ukulele players is the Pure Aloha Spring Festival. Organised by the legendary ‘2 Scoops of Aloha’ Hawaiian restaurant, the festival has been running for almost twenty years and celebrates the unique culture of the islands over three days, featuring the best hula, ukulele, and foods that the islands have to offer.

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For the last 5 years, Las Vegas has also hosted the annual Kumukahi Ukulele and Hula festival every summer. Named after Hawaii’s easternmost point and meaning ‘beginning’ in indigineous language (the sun would rise over Kumuhaki every day), the festival is a showcase of Hawaiian music and culture. Over the weekend the event features traditional Hawaiian arts and crafts, not to mention 3 nights of concerts and parties featuring Hula dancing, Oli chanting dancers and some of the world’s best ukulele players. Last years event starred one of Hawaiian music’s up and coming stars Mark Yamanaka

Check out last years winning ukulele performers Kula A'o Ukulele 'o Hokulani here .

Uke players visiting or living in Nevada are not short of social events at any time of year since Las Vegas has two Ukulele groups.

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the ukulele club of las vegas , is a very active group meeting every week to jam and exchange playing tips and have a good time as well as performing regularly around the city showcasing the unique sound. They emphasise that all are welcome, whatever your level of ability, you will receive a warm welcome at their regular meetups.

The ninth isle ukulele club caters to a slightly older crowd, they are a smaller group and boast a relaxed and familial vibe. They also host regular events around Vegas and have a small but active and dedicated following.

As you would imagine, both groups are very welcoming to new members whether you play or just want to hear the sunkissed sounds of the uke, you will receive a warm welcome and have a great time at any of their social events.