Central Coast Pop-up Ukulele Festival
Ensemble based curriculum with Dani Joy & Perry Stauffer
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)
Register at: http://bit.ly/475f5sD
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 will be available April 1st.
Women's Bass Retreat
For beginners and beyond
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.
Join us!
Ukewest Online Ukefest 2026
Guest workshops and jams every Saturday
Play More. Learn More. Connect More.
Full access to Ukewest classes & events.
Your membership includes live ukulele jams, workshops with featured artists, special events, and a welcoming community of players from around the world.
$200/year or $25/month