Whether you are new to the ukulele or an advanced player, the fun, interactive workshops at Denver UkeFest will help you learn something new from the very performers you see on stage!
Workshop details will be announced soon – check back on this page for updates.
DENVER UKEFEST TICKETS
Get tickets to the UkeFest concert or workshops, or save with both.
Act quick to get Early Bird pricing before prices increase on May 1.
It’s rare when an artist arrives on the scene offering a refreshing new spin on a traditional genre of music. Steven Espaniola is that artist. Raised in Aliamanu, Hawai’i on the island of O’ahu and now residing in the San Francisco Bay Area, Steven is a multi-instrumentalist specializing in ‘Ukulele, Kī Hō’alu (Hawaiian Slack Key Guitar) Bass and Leo Ki’e Ki’e (Traditional Hawaiian falsetto). Of Hawaiian, Filipino, Chinese and Spanish descent, his ethnicity is as diverse as his unique sound which preserves the integrity of the traditional with a flourish of the modern.
In 2007, Steven’s musical efforts earned him the recognition of “New Artist of the Year” at the Hawai‘i Music Awards. In 2023 Steven’s original song “Sakura” was a finalist for the prestigious Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award in the Hawaiian Music Video category. He was recently featured on the cover of the 2024 Summer issue of Ukulele Magazine and has been a Contributing Editor & Columnist for that publication for several years.
Steven continues to be very active in the ‘ukulele community, teaching and performing at many of the country’s top ‘ukulele festivals.
Cynthia Lin
Creator of the 100 Days of Ukulele Project, Cynthia Lin is a singer-songwriter and creative community leader based in Honolulu, Hawai’i.
Through her popular YouTube channel (75+ million views) and approachable teaching style, Cynthia has introduced the joy of ukulele to a new generation of fans. With the motto “Practice your ukulele 5 minutes a day: it’s good for your brain, and good for your soul,” Cynthia has encouraged thousands of budding artists to embrace and share their own creative journeys.
As an independent artist, Cynthia has toured the globe and released 9 album recordings, including “Ukulele Days” which hit the Billboard jazz and world charts.
Also an actress, vocal coach, and dancer, Cynthia embodies the mantra that she lives by: Follow Your Passion.
Brittni Paiva
Brittni Paiva is a powerhouse in the world of music, celebrated for her unparalleled ukulele mastery and her influence on the global resurgence of the instrument. With millions of views on YouTube and a reputation that extends across world music circles, Brittni has firmly established herself as a top-tier artist and producer.
Her virtuosity has led to performances alongside iconic figures such as Carlos Santana, Tommy Emmanuel, Dick Dale, Billy Gibbons, and many others. Throughout her illustrious career, Brittni has garnered numerous accolades, including four Na Hoku Hanohano Awards. Grammy winner Tom Scott, captivated by her ability to innovate while preserving her unique identity, personally requested to collaborate with her.
Brittni’s fifth album, a collaborative triumph with Tom Scott, not only achieved critical acclaim but also dominated the 2013 Na Hoku Hanohano Awards, winning both Ukulele Album of the Year and Instrumental Composition of the Year. Her music, infused with a vibrant energy and refreshing spirit, consistently captivates audiences and sets her apart as a visionary in the industry.
In 2024, Brittni’s creative brilliance was further validated when she won the award for Instrumental Composition of the Year at the Na Hoku Hanohano Awards for her single “Heartbeat Melody,” co-written with reggae artist Chardonnay. This accolade underscores her status as an innovative and influential force in music.
Brittni’s journey began at the age of four with classical piano training under the Suzuki method. Her profound connection to the ukulele, sparked by a gift from her grandfather at age eleven, has driven her to redefine the possibilities of the instrument.
Beyond her performance accolades, Brittni is a sought-after music educator, offering private lessons and workshops that inspire students of all ages and skill levels. Her expertise extends into composition, arrangement, and production, where she has crafted and shaped numerous tracks within her own recording studio.
Born and raised on the beautiful island of Hawaii, Brittni’s diverse heritage—Portuguese, Danish, Hawaiian, and Japanese—enriches her music and fuels her creative vision.
Daniella Katzir & Casey Cormier
Casey Cormier and Daniella Katzir have been performing together for ten years along the Colorado front range. They first met as ukulele teachers at Swallow Hill Music, found shared musical influences in their past and present, and soon were accompanying one another on gigs ranging from Americana, funk, and even Hawaiian in style. Their duo sets blend original works with a variety of creative covers, and are sure to fill their audiences with happiness and inspiration.
