Sixth Annual Northwoods Ukulele Festival Returns to Shell Lake

SHELL LAKE, WI — The happy and humble ukulele is the featured attraction for the day at the Sixth Annual Northwoods Ukulele Festival, Saturday, August 22. Held at the Shell Lake Arts Center, ukulele strummers and non-strummers will enjoy musical performances, great food, and a sing-along-jam.

Sponsored by the Spooner Library and the Shell Lake Arts Center, the event is free of charge, but pre-registration is requested to aid in planning, and ensures participants are entered into the drawings for door prizes.

“Even if you aren’t a ukulele player, all community members are invited to attend concerts by two nationally recognized performing artists Victoria Vox, and Lil Rev,” notes Angie Bodzislaw, Spooner Library Director.

Victoria Vox is an award-winning songwriter and ukulele innovator, whose music blends chanson, jazz-infused pop, and indie folk. Known for her playful “mouth trumpet” and evocative songwriting, she has performed throughout the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Italy, France and England and Ireland.

Lil Rev is a Wisconsin-based ukulele and harmonica performer, storyteller and instructor, and has won awards recognizing his talents as a folk singer and blues harmonica player. He tours North America teaching and performing at festivals, music camps and concerts.

Victoria Vox and Lil’ Rev will also be holding instructional workshops, along with Twin Cities-based ukulele instructor and performer, Ukester Brown and local uke enthusiast, Nan Hendry. Players of all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned strummers, will find offerings geared towards their abilities and interests. For those who are simply curious about playing the ukulele, loaner ukuleles (offered on a first-come, first-served basis) and beginner workshops can be a great way to get started.

Notes Bodzislaw, “We are excited to host this sixth annual event. Through feedback, we make improvements every year, but the heart and soul of the festival remain the same – to highlight the joy of the ukulele instrument, to play and sing together, and celebrate community and connecting people through music.”