Festival Organizer

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England 

Peter is a professional, international Ukulele performer and workshop presenter.

His performance is quite unique covering many styles incorporating the Ukulele, Banjolele and vocal. Everywhere he has appeared he has been re-invited.
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His workshops are described as informative, but also lots of fun!

Seattle, Washington

A hidden gem in the Seattle music scene, Arden proves that the ukulele is more than just a novelty instrument. Born and raised in Hawaii, he learned from ukulele masters such as Jake Shimabukuro and Troy Fernandez, but now forges his own style in Seattle. Arden fuses tradition with the progressive to break the expectations and elevates the ukulele to new boundaries.  

Arden was first introduced to the ukulele in the 4th grade; however, it was not love at first sight. It wasn’t until several years later when he started listening to Ka’au Crater Boys and Pure Heart, when he inspired to pick up the ukulele on his own. From there his skill and love of the ukulele grew exponentially. As the years progressed, he became intrigued by various types of music which reflected Arden’s unique style.

Nashville, Tennessee

After a global career in music and video production, Bob Tigert produced a series of recordings featuring a singer/songwriter who was specializing in ukulele-based music. He ended up playing several tracks on the project with a borrowed instrument, and realized the possibilities that the uke created, Since then, he has played on countless recording sessions, played festivals, clubs, workshops and showcases around the country. His band Bob’s Your Uncle (Nashville) has 3 CD projects out, with more to come!

Bob was a big part of the 2022 ukulele festival in Gaithersburg. He taught many workshops, and played UBass with more than one ukulele artist during each of the evening concerts. His performance on Saturday evening with Lisa Webb was fantastic, performing originals and covers. We are thrilled to have him back for the 2023 festival!

California

The California Bay Area’s Premier female artist in Traditional & Contemporary Hawaiian music. She was one of the five finalist for the 2021 Na Hoku Hanohano Award “Hawaiian Album of the Year”.

Faith was born and raised on Oahu’s north shore. La’ie town was a refuge, a safe haven to raise 15 children of which she was the youngest. Having gifted talented older siblings play instruments and sing in her home daily was a treat. Whether at school or church, this is how Faith began developing her love for music. Piano lessons at an early age was required of me because her older  sister, Hope (and she loves ♥️ her so). Hope took piano lessons and was such a natural at it. I was more happy being a tomboy outdoors climbing trees, running down Temple beach to Goat Island, hiking up to La’ie Falls picking mountain apples, guava and litchi... these were the best times!

This song Behold La'ie is about my home town where I grew up on the North Shore of O'ahu. Written by Aunty Ivy Kekuku for a special couple who loved our little town and would say, "behold La'ie" for all it's beauty!

https://youtu.be/lyeG6ebC2eA

New Jersey

Although he doesn't have "one drop" of Hawaiian blood, Ewing, New Jersey resident Bill Wynne has had a lifelong devotion to authentic Hawaiian music.

The exceptionally-skilled singer and musician was born of a Filipino-Spanish-Lithuanian father and a mother of English-Welsh-German-Cherokee descent. His grandfather had served in the U.S. Navy and was stationed in Hawaii, and passed on his love of the music to Wynne's father-who learned how to play steel guitar.  Immersed in the culture his whole life, Bill Wynne has taken it to a new level.

In his youth, as his love for Hawaiian music grew, Wynne came to idolize Auntie Genoa Keawa from afar, at that time never imagining he would ever visit Hawaii.  But later in life, it was on his honeymoon at the Waikiki Beach Marriott, that he got a chance to meet and play with the living legend. 

Check out Ho`olohe Hou Radio, Bill’s unique station dedicated to preserving the Hawaiian music of yesteryear…   Ho`olohe Hou Radio. A 24 hour-a-day Internet radio station featuring the 100-year history of Hawaiian music and the entertainment industry in Hawai`i.

Maryland

William Ernestberg is from Laie, Oahu. He is a graduate of Kahuku High School, and has 30 years service in the U.S. Coast Guard (retired 2016). He was stationed  in various locations, including NJ, FL, NC, and DC; He is a member of Hālau O ‘Aulani, the Hawaii State Society and the ‘Ukulele Hui’; He volunteers regularly at the Armed Forces Retirement Home in Washington D.C.

William was a part of the 2019 and 2022 ukulele festivals in Gaithersburg. He taught strum-along workshops which focused on the Hawaiian songs from the Daily Ukulele Books. We are thrilled to have him back for the 2023 festival! 

Missouri

Rick and Karen Maxson found the inspiration for Uke 66 in their hometown of Springfield, MO, the birthplace of Route 66. Like the highway itself, the Maxsons believe that all people, regardless of age or income, can "get their kicks" from the carefree and unassuming music of the ukulele. While the Maxsons spend most of their time teaching others to play ukulele, they created Uke 66 to bring its joyful sound to public events and gatherings. For the last five years, they have been turning live ukulele music into a spirited sound track for luaus, luncheons, fund-raisers, corporate meetings, weddings, worship and memorial services. Folk, pop, island songs, jazz, and original tunes – everything from Chicago to L.A. – is what you will find when you get your kicks from Uke 66.

We were thrilled when Rick and Karen accepted our invitation to appear again at the 2023 Gaithersburg UkeFest!

Massachusetts

Kerrville New Folk winning songwriter and performer Amy Kucharik [/kuh-CHAR-ick/] energizes swing dance, folk festival and listening room audiences alike. Drawing from blues, folk and Vaudeville traditions and with a street-smart stagecraft honed in the subways of Boston, Amy transports her audience to a place both timeless and familiar, but nevertheless innovative. She performs as a one-woman band with ukulele, tenor guitar, foot percussion, mouth trumpet and harmonica, or with bands featuring top New England musicians. Combining poignant lyrics and a danceable swing, Amy’s music has drawn comparisons to Maria Muldaur, Lake Street Dive, and Anais Mitchell. Amy was a formal showcase artist at SWRFA in 2015, WFMT Folk DJ Rich Warren’s pick for the NERFA DJ showcase in 2016, and a Falcon Ridge Folk Festival Emerging Artist for 2018. Her second full-length album of original music, "Until the Words Are Gone," was released in 2018.

Amy was a big part of the 2022 ukulele festival in Gaithersburg. She taught many workshops which were well received by the attendees. Her performance on Saturday evening was splendid, performing originals and covers. We are thrilled to have her back for the 2023 festival!

Ohio

Jim is the authority of the "Play By Ear" method of playing the ukulele. He's taught ukulele all over the world, and brings a unique, funny, and effective way of conveying helpful tips to his students. His performances are also entertaining and fun.

Jim was a big part of the 2022 ukulele festival in Gaithersburg. He taught workshops, performed on Saturday evening, and was the emcee for the Thursday Evening Concert. We are thrilled to have him back for the 2023 festival!