Idaho isn’t exactly the most well known state in the US to those outside it. We would argue it’s one of the most underrated. This humble state has 20.2 square acres of protected forest land, scattered with waterfalls, mountains, rivers and hot springs. If on the beach at sunset is the #1 spot to play ukulele, then the post-hike-and-hot-springs campfire must be #2. Maybe #1? That’s okay, we don’t need to fight. Either way, sounds pretty enticing doesn’t it? Well if you live in Southern Idaho or have a trip planned, we’ve got all your ukulele connections laid out. (Though you don’t need too many of those to enjoy a fireside tune anyway.) We’ve zoned in on the city of Pocatello for now, more to come.

Now that you know where to go to learn the ukulele, here is the music for Idaho by Gregory Alan Isakov. Who says the ukulele is only for Somewhere Over the Rainbow? How about under the stars and beside the river. A beautiful melancholic tune, perfect for around the campfire.

Pocatello has a bustling art and music scene as evidenced by The First Friday Art Walk. The first friday of every month in Old Town businesses and spaces host local artists and musicians, a great way to connect and maybe get a gig on your uke! Like or follow the Old Town Pocatello Facebook page so you can stay updated! TBA website also has updated information on the event with artist details.  

Father Bob Forrest, the lead vocalist and lyricist for Los Angeles bands Thelonious Monster and The Bicycle Thief, played here in 2014 on his own homemade ukulele! Check the Idaho State Journal article here, and tune into his music for some good ol’ rock-folk-blues here.

Some other star ukulele stars in Pocatello are Abby Bowman and Gracie Baker who sang “If I Only Had A Brain” from “The Wizard of Oz,” and “Better Place” respectively, performing their own ukulele accompaniment.  

They’re a part of the Idaho State University Children’s Choir and performed at the spring concert last year. What will they perform this year? We can’t wait to find out! If you want more information on joining the choir or seeing them perform, you can email them at isu.childrens.chorus@live.com.

An older group of musicians in the area is the Pocatello Music Club. They have been strumming together since 1937. The group was originally made up of women, who would attend in dresses, white gloves and hats!  

Not the typical ukulele player uniform, that’s for sure. It was a very prestigious opportunity to be a member of music club. They did and still do a lot for the community of Pocatello, such as raising scholarship money for musical education, providing performance opportunities for students, and support music teachers through workshops and seminars.  

And for a less official but more ukulele focused group: the Ukulele Club in Pocatello. Loretta Hansen started the group after her brother stumbled upon a Ukulele in his rented house, she recalls to the Idaho Senior Independent. Soon after she found herself playing that same ukulele around the campfire, and totally caught the bug.  

She quickly found not just one, but two ukuleles of her own. She now plays with her friends at her home, an unofficial ukulele club in Pocatello. They don’t have a website, so the best way to contact them is via Loretta directly. You can find more details in the article HERE.  

Last but not least, Idaho State University holds Ukulele courses open to anyone 12 years and older! They have 3 levels, so if you’re looking for a structured place to learn the ukulele with others, it’s right there for ya!

If you do find yourself playing your uke around a campfire in Idaho, tag us in your pictures! We love to see you play!