Central Coast Pop-up Ukulele Festival
Ensemble based curriculum
Date: Tuesday, April 21, 2026
Time: 10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Where: The Pavilion at SLO Ranch, 871 Froom Ranch Way, San Luis Obispo
Price: $65 pp or $80 pp with complimentary Starlight Full Academy pass for 1 month (an $80 value)
Experience a full day of music-making with hands-on workshops, lively club performances, and an evening concert. Ukulele instructors Perry Stauffer and Dani Joy will lead participants through a dynamic ensemble arrangement of Let It Be, featuring parts for ukulele, baritone, and bass. In advance of the festival, students will receive an online preparation package that includes their individual parts along with instructional videos to help them get ready for the event.
On April 21, participants will rehearse throughout the day, refining their ensemble pieces before coming together for an afternoon group performance. The day concludes with a concert by Perry Stauffer and Dani Joy, followed by showcase performances from local ukulele clubs.
*Materials are available April 1st.
Women's Bass Retreat PDX
5 days of bass learning and communing
Dates: Mon June 15-Fri June 19
Where: McMenamin’s Kennedy School 5736 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
Price: $450 (includes communal food, bass lessons, music room rental, and merch.
*Pricing not not include hotel room or travel costs. Book your room at McMenamin's Kennedy School.
**Students can attend without staying at the school.
Dani Joy is hosting a 5-day Women’s Bass Retreat at McMenamins Kennedy School in NE Portland, Oregon.
Get ready for a crash course in beginner bass! At this retreat (and in the curriculum leading up to it), women will learn the function of the bass, how to memorize the notes on frets one through four, and explore three different rhythm options. The curriculum will also include basic chord-building music theory as it applies to the bass. These concepts start with the fundamentals and move students beyond root notes and fifths—even touching on triads.
A good bass line can make a song, and a bad one can break the groove. At this retreat, we’ll dive into groove-building using cool rhythms, chromatic approaches, and even some gentle jazz voicings. But don’t worry—this retreat is designed with beginners in mind!
In addition to the beginner workshop, a secondary-level bass workshop will be offered for more experienced players looking to deepen their skills. This session will be taught by Perry Stauffer.
Dani Joy’s gentle teaching style, combined with the supportive and communal atmosphere of a women’s retreat, will leave you feeling refreshed, empowered, and inspired.
Reno Ukulele Festival 2026
4 Days of Ukulele Immersion!
1Dates: Oct 21-24, 2026
Where: Nugget Casino & Resort 1100 Nugget Avenue, Sparks, Nevada 89431
Price: $330
Join us for the 18th edition of the Reno Ukulele Festival, taking place from October 21st to 24th, 2026, at the Nugget Casino & Resort near the vibrant city of Reno, Nevada. This four-day family-friendly event promises a delightful experience with a lineup of daily workshops, evening concerts, artist discussion panels, open mics, community performances, and an extensive shopping experience.
Immerse yourself in the world of ukulele with renowned entertainers and world-class instructors who will be on hand to share their expertise and showcase their musical talents. Such talents include Amber Rozel, Neal Chin, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Aaron and Nicole Keim, Ukulenny, Larry Wyatt, Bobby J, Perry Stauffer, Dani Joy & more!
For those craving more music, don't miss the chance to join the spontaneous jams taking place from 9 PM to midnight in the festival hallways. It's a musical celebration that doesn't know the meaning of bedtime!
Experience the magic of Reno Ukefest - an unparalleled musical experience.
Ukewest; Online Ukulele Festival Year Round
Saturday Mornings on Zoom
Dates: Every Saturday
Where: Online
Price: $25/mo
Ukewest is a year-round ukulele festival led by my partner Perry and I. We hang out online every Saturday morning for community time, music, and learning. It’s relaxed, friendly, and it’s a great way to start your weekend.
Once a month, we bring in a guest artist for a 90-minute workshop. Then, two weeks later, that same artist comes back for a Q&A session and a concert. Everything is recorded and saved, so if you can’t make it live, you can always catch up whenever you want.
On the Saturdays in between, we have our Strum-Along where Perry and I have fun offering micro lessons on various techniques and memorization tactics.
FREE CLUBS & COMMUNITY GOODNESS
Book Club
We read just one or two chapters a month, always from books that help us understand music better. Right now we're reading an amazing book about how the brain processes and remembers musical information—and it’s full of tips about building new neural pathways and expanding what you thought you could do.
Songwriting Club
Once a month, we experiment with melodies, lyrics, scales, and creative ideas. It’s super playful and supportive—perfect for beginners and seasoned players alike.
Starlight Open Mic
This happens once a month and gives our community a warm, encouraging space to share songs they’ve been working on. It’s all about cheering each other on, celebrating progress, and getting comfortable performing.