Swallow Hill Music announces 2024 Denver Ukefest

The ukulele may be disarming in size and nature, but the four-string instrument is an undisputed powerhouse in its ability to bring people together. With this in mind, Swallow Hill Music is excited to announce the return of Denver Ukefest, which takes place Thursday, May 9 through Saturday, May 11.

Denver Ukefest began modestly as a way to bring together ukulele players of all stripes to make music, learn first-hand from the instrument’s masters, and to create new memories and community.

Now, 17 years after it started, it has blossomed into a much anticipated and beloved tradition for Front Range ukulele enthusiasts.

TICKETS: Denver Ukefest 2024

Headlining Friday night’s concert is James Hill. Praised as “a radical reinventor who plays fast and loose with tradition,” James is a gifted songwriter, virtuoso player, and ukulele-innovator, which makes him the perfect choice to close out Ukefest’s first evening of concerts.

Bryan Tolentino headlines the Saturday night concert. A newcomer to Denver Ukefest, Ukulele Magazine named Bryan “one of the ukulele world’s secret weapons.” Though he rose through the ranks as a celebrated accompanist, in recent years Bryan’s come into his own as a front person, known to dazzle audiences with his tasty licks, insider’s knowledge of the uke’s Hawaiian roots, and check-your-ego-at-the-door humility.

But it wouldn’t be Ukefest without workshops! On Saturday, Swallow Hill will host a full day of workshops, offering beginners and advanced players a chance to engage with their musical heroes to learn new songs, techniques, and strum along with their friends. All concert performers will lead at least one workshop. Workshop topics will include Ukulele 101, The Art of Solo Ukulele, and The Polyphonic Uke. Saturday also includes a nature walk and strum-along.

The festival begins the evening of Thursday, May 9 at Brewability in Englewood where festival-goers come together for an open mic and uke jam. This kick-off to the festival is a great place to reconnect with old friends, make new ones, and plot out the rest of the weekend.

Tickets for the 2024 Denver Ukefest are on sale now. Full festival details, including tickets, prices, and complete artist lineup, can be found via this link. Thank you for supporting live music in Denver and beyond with Swallow Hill!