Torrance-Based Kala Koa Entertainment
Presents
LosAngeles International Ukulele Festival
Returning this Fall for a WeekendCelebrating the Small Four-Stringed Wonder; Fun for the Whole Family – Free forKids 12 & Under
Saturday &Sunday, September 23 - 24, 2023
WHAT:
Celebrating the small four-stringedwonder – the Ukulele – which has been captivating heartsand bringing musical joy into people’s lives for over 100 years, the LosAngeles International Ukulele Festival presented by Kala Koa Entertainment,returns the weekend of September 23-24, 2023, at the Torrance CulturalArts Center. An exciting weekend dedicated to exploring the musicalversatility of the ukulele for the experienced ukulele player, the occasionalstrummer, or simply the curious spectator. This unique, family-friendlyfestival includes workshops for all levels of playing ability to work ontechnique or simply learn to play and enjoy live all-star performances by someof today’s most popular ukulele players.
The Los Angeles InternationalUkulele Festival takes place from 9:30 a.m.-6:00 p.m. on Saturday,September 23 and on Sunday, September 24 from 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m.featuring unlimited access to workshops for all levels, live performancesthroughout the day, strum-alongs and presentations, ukulele marketplace, food, and,of course, shave ice. In addition and in conjunction with the Ukulele Festival,on Sunday, September 24 at 2:00 p.m. at the James Armstrong Theatre, theTorrance Cultural Arts Foundation (TOCA) presents a live concert featuring NUE- a trio of ukulele musicians from Hawaii (separately ticketed - https://torrancearts.org/show/nue-na-ukulele-ekolu/).
This year, there will be Freeclasses for absolute beginners in the Nakano Theatre all day Saturday, alongwith demonstrations and prizes. Seats are first come, first served; attendeesmust bring their own ukulele (A variety of entry-level instruments will be availablefor sale as well).
The 2023 Los Angeles InternationalUkulele Festival also hosts a Ukulele Marketplace, located in the entryplaza of the Torrance Cultural Arts Center. Free and open to the public,attendees can browse boutique Ukulele builders, entry level and budget friendlyinstruments, fun accessories and ukuleles handcrafted in Hawaii, as well asopen mic performances. In addition, authentic island style shave ice and food isavailable for purchase, round out the festival activities.
Ukulele Artists and Workshop Instructorsinclude: Hawaii artists Abe Lagrimas Jr.; CoreyFujimoto;Kalei Gamiao; CraigChee;Mika Kane; SarahMaisel;from Wisconsin, Lil Rev and KatieDeNure;from Italy, Ukulollo; from Brazil, Jenifer Cabrera; from Chicago,Abby Lyons;from Canada, Peter Luongo; along with San Diego-based musician Anthony Stanley;Bay Area-based Ukulenny;Los Angeles teacher MelanieKareem; and festival producer Mitch Chang.
Sponsorsof the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival include MitchChang Mortgage, Carta Coffee, OhanaUkuleles, Anuenue Ukuleles, KalaUkuleles, Flight Ukuleles,Kanilea Ukuleles, Hawaiian Island Creations, andRaynbow Creations.
WHO, WHEN, WHERE, TICKETS:
- Saturday day-long Los Angeles International UkuleleFestival, September 23; 9:30 a.m.-6 p.m. (doors open at8:30 a.m.); Torrance Cultural Arts Center; 3330 Civic Center Drive,Torrance, CA 90503
All Access Entry(includes unlimited access to Workshops & Performances): $47; $20students with ID at the door; free for kids 12 & under.
Free Beginner Classes (NakanoTheatre at the Torrance Arts Center) *Does not include entry into mainfestival event: FREE beginner classes &demonstrations throughout the day on Saturday. No admission required butseating is first come, first served. Bring your ukulele; if you don't haveone, there will be a variety of entry-level friendly instruments available forpurchase. There will be prize giveaways as well.
-Sunday, September 24; 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m. The Festival continueswith more workshops and performances; $27
-Sunday, September 24; 2 p.m.NUE in concert at the JamesArmstrong Theatre - a trio of ukulele musicians from Hawaii(separately ticketed), presented by the Torrance Cultural Arts Foundation; $25-$150
HOW/INFORMATION:
- Full festival lineup, artist & workshops, and to purchase tickets: https://losangelesukulelefestival.com/; https://www.tix.com/ticket-sales/kalakoa/1723
- 800-595-4849; kalakoaent@mac.com
- https://www.facebook.com/laukulelefestival
- https://www.instagram.com/kalakoaentertainment
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ph7CNoTf-nE
