Yooper Uke Week(end) is back for a fifth year!

Since 2016, Hiawatha Music Co-op and Ben Hassenger have been bringing the aloha spirit of the ukulele to the Upper Peninsula for a week of ukulele instruction, concerts, and camaraderie. The pandemic has shortened our week, but not the fun.

Blackrocks Brewery will be hosting the events live in their spacious outdoor seating area, which leaves plenty of room for proper distancing.

We'll kick it all off with a concert Thursday night featuring Ben and Yooptone Music's Jeff Krebs and continue the experience with workshops and a group strum on Saturday. We hope to bring the events to a wider audience by streaming on Hiawatha's Facebook page. All events are free of charge, but donations to help support Hiawatha are always welcomed. Presented by Hiawatha Music Co-op, Arts Midwest, Peter White Public Library, and Blackrocks Brewery.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 6:00pm-8:00pm
CONCERT AT BLACKROCKS BREWERY
Hiawatha Music Co-op is pleased to bring two of Michigan's ukulele enthusiasts from the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula together for this fun outdoor concert on the new stage at Blackrocks Brewery as part of Yooper Uke Week. Ben Hassenger is known as "Michigan's Ukulele Ambassador", bringing the joy of the uke to classrooms and communities across the state. Jeff Krebs is a co-owner of Yooptone Music in Marquette and has been the leading champion of the instrument in the area for years. Both are accomplished musicians and songwriters and are teaming up to bring you an enjoyable evening of original music along with a selection of popular covers. Joining Ben and Jeff will be local musicians, Brent Graves and Doug Kitchel. Come enjoy the beer, the music, and the company on this very special night!

Free Admission
- Over 21
- Limited outdoor seating available.
- Masks required until seated.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 19
WORKSHOPS AND GROUP STRUM
Materials will be projected and a links to the materials are provided below each event for you to download and print or store on your tablet. Masks and proper distancing will be required.

11 am - Noon:
Ukulele 1-2-3 (Beginning workshop for all ages)
Yes, you can play the ukulele! Learn the basics of the uke, including: parts of the instrument, tuning, beginning chords, and simple songs to get you used to chording and strumming. Bring your own ukulele or use one of our loaners, generously provided by Yooptone Music
http://benhassenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Ukulele-1-2-3-v2020.pdf

12:30 - 1:30 pm:
Too High? Too Low? Transpose (a next level workshop for all ages)
Have you ever had a song you’d really like to play on your ukulele that was either too high or too low for you to sing along to? Learn the easy way to transpose, or change the key of a song, to make it easier to sing and/or play. Ben Hassenger has proven techniques that take the mystery out of this sometimes confusing topic. We’ll take some popular songs and play them in a variety of keys, as well as explore using a capo to change keys while using chord shapes you’re familiar with.
http://benhassenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Too-High-Too-Low-Transpose-workshop-complete.pdf

2 - 3 pm:
Community Strum (21 & over only, the bar will be open)
Join Ben for a fun ukulele strum of popular songs.
http://benhassenger.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Yooper-Uke-Week-2020-Songbook.pdf