Players teach, perform at ‘Ukulele University’

Have you ever wanted to played the ukulele?

A group of ukulele players threw a festival over the weekend to help you learn.

The inaugural “Ukulele University” festival took place at Runaway Ranch in Bend.

The owners of the ranch asked the Bend Ukulele Group if they wanted to start a festival.

Around 180 people enjoyed the three day event that included a luau on Friday and workshops and entertainment on Saturday and Sunday.

The Bend Ukulele Group is an informal group of about 50 players who meet every Tuesday night at the Broken Top Bottle Shop.

“I enjoy its accessibility and its portability,” said ukulele player Bob Rasmussen. “We take our ukuleles with us wherever we travel, on airplanes and everywhere else. And when we get there, we play. I like the joy that it brings.”

One goal of the Bend Ukulele Group is to get ukuleles into schools and youth programs.

The group would like to thank the community and sponsors for help in putting on the festival.

They will be having another workshop at the High and Dry Bluegrass Festival on August 17-19.