Ukulele Festival raises over $7,000 for charity.

The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group (SNHUG) raised $7,000 at a recent event, their ninth annual ukulele festival “SNHUGFEST, to benefit the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC). 

The funds will be used by the Ukulele Kids Club to purchase instruments for children’s hospitals with music therapy programs, including several in New Hampshire.  The UKC donates these instruments to music therapists who then teach the hospitalized children how to play.  The child brings the instrument home with them as a “gift for life.”  The UKC is a NH registered 501(c)(3) charity.  UKC Executive Director, Kelli McKee, stated “We are so thankful for the Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group, for all of the love and support that went into this event. We are already excited for next years 10th anniversary SNHUGFEST- it will be an epic celebration!”

The event was held on the Rotary Arts Pavilion Stage at Henry Law Park in scenic downtown Dover, New Hampshire on Saturday, September 20. Featured performers included solo artists Steve Roy, Friend Andrea, Danno Sullivan, Harry LaCoste, Puppeteer, and a surprise appearance by Jim D’Ville.  Ukulele groups donating their time and talents included, Reckin’ Crew,  Silver Strummers,  June and the Honey Badgers, Contookuleles, UU Ukes, After Jam, A&W Players and El Trio Demers and Friends.

Sponsors contributing to the success of this event included, Rotary Club of Dover, Gail Mulloy, Glen Bailey and Tara Bickford Bailey, Holy Rosary Credit Union, Bedrock Gardens, AMITY Publications,  SEVA Yoga NH, Flicker and Twinkle, A&S Towing, Joanie and Charlie’s Paint Parties, TavernTainment, Joe Handy NH, LLC, CTO, Inc., Jukwaa Mazoa, Silver Strummers in Loving Memory of Paul Caron, Corey and Edda Bergman, Cheryl Beaudry, June and the Honey Badgers and Skip and Judy Brownell.

SNHUG was organized thirteen years ago and meets every other Friday in Brentwood and other locations. They are open to players of all levels.  Meetings include classes, workshops, jam sessions, and open mics. To date, SNHUG has raised over $125,000 for charity, most going to the UKC.  For information contact SNHUG@outlook.com and visit  www.facebook/snhug