In the heart of Illinois, you’ll find the city of Springfield which is steeped in history. Former President Abraham Lincoln called this home between the years of 1837 and 1861, when he relocated to the White House and Springfield is also the location of the legendary president’s tomb. There is also a strong literary tradition in Springfield with many a poet and author such as Vachel Lindsay, Edgar Lee Masters and John Hay heralding from the quaint city. Favourite pastimes of Springfield residents include sports events like Minor League Baseball, Ice hockey and Basketball.

Any Springfield strummers around? Well, the Springfield Uketopians seem to be the frontrunners in this department. Formed in 2012 by Mary Dana Abbott, this group has grown in leaps and bounds. Their repertoire is mainly older material however they do dabble in some modern hits as well. Each member is encouraged to bring new sheet music to every session. This vibrant bunch meets once a month on a Saturday afternoon in the downtown area and all are welcome. Get in contact with the Springfield Uketopians on their Facebook page which is listed below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/springfielduketopians/about/

Got a younger family member interested in picking up the ukulele? Then Music Therapy Connections in Springfield is your next stop. 1,2,3, Learn Ukulele! Is an introductory class for Ukesters aged 7 – 13 years old. Janel Metzger runs the show here and they focus on teaching kids basic chords, strum patterns and popular songs spanning over eight weeks. Each class is 45 minutes long and all you’ll need is your Bondi Uke by your side and lots of enthusiasm. Get in touch with Janel at the weblink listed below and let your uke dreams take off in style.

https://musictherapyconnections.org/ukulele-class/

If road trips are your thing, why not hop in your favourite automobile and take a scenic drive to Geneva, IL. There you will find Hootenanny House. They offer a Ukulele Workshop of eight weeks for ages 8 and up, so if it’s diversity in uke tunes you’re looking for, this is the place for you. The sessions start with basic tips for beginners followed by and advanced course (which the beginners are encouraged to stay for). This covers the learning of songs and singing coupled with playing. Classes are led by various instructors which adds to the joy and exploration of different styles of uking. Get in touch with these maestros on the weblink listed hereunder.

http://www.hootenannyhouse.org/

While we’ve got you out on the road you would be wise to stop by the Oak Park and Harrison Street Ukulele Group in Oak Park, IL. This is a beginner’s class and all are welcome. The only requirement is your Bondi Uke and your smile. Get in touch with these folks on the weblink listed below.

https://patch.com/illinois/oakpark/ev--beginning-ukulele-group-lessons

Away from the rat race of Chicago, in a friendly and historical city called Springfield and surrounding areas there are several options for yon ad your Bondi Uke to take on the world. All you have to do is step outside and soak it all in.

Keep strumming, all!