On Sunday June 9, the Newton Office of Cultural Development hosted the Strummin’ Up to Boston ukulele music festival. A festive City Hall crowd heard performances from nine performers from all over the region, including adult groups Ukulele Magic from Salem and Bette Machete and the Jumping Fleas from Worcester, along with String Jam – a 4th and 5th grade ukulele club from Hamilton-Wenham.
John Soares, the founder of Strummin’ Up to Boston, brought the festival to Newton this year for the first time and said that he loves the Memorial Hall performance space and was thrilled with the reception by the Newton community. Soares said that he wants to spread the “ukulele spirit” to everyone, as he says that the ukulele community is inclusive and that almost anyone can play.
The event was drawn to Newton City Hall through an invitation by the City Hall Strummers – Newton’s adult community ukulele ensemble, which has deep roots at Newton City Hall. Established eight years ago by Newton Cultural Development Director Paula Gannon, the group is devoted to having fun, making new friends and sharing the joy of music throughout the Newton community. The group meets weekly for strumming and singing and has scheduled several public performances throughout the year. Players of all levels are welcome to join.
Paula Gannon said of the festival:
It is a pleasure working with John Soares, Marisa Cacciatore, Cynthia Miller and Danno Sullivan, all expert ukulele players, and organizers of their own ensembles as well. Keeping this festival free and open to the public was our main goal from the start. All the groups performing are volunteers and the organizers are paid exclusively from the joy that the day brings! While enjoying the various performers is always a treat, the real highlight for me is the group strum-along at the end of the festival when everyone in attendance grabs their uke and creates a unified community chorus. This year we had close to 100 people strumming! We have already started planning next year’s event, so there is plenty of time for anyone to purchase a uke, and learn a few chords in time for Strummin’ Up To Boston 2025!
City Hall Strummers founder Paula Gannon
