April 22, 2009 > Celebrate the `Ukulele Celebrate the `Ukulele Promoting and perpetuating the playing of 'ukulele music Submitted By Sarah Kamai-Paler The 16th Annual 'Ukulele Festival of Northern California is the longest running 'ukulele festival on the mainland. This local event has attracted 'ukulele enthusiasts from Canada, to the Islands of Hawai'i, and throughout California. It is held annually on the last Sunday of April. This year's program of entertainment will be continuous from 11 a.m. through 5 p.m. in the auditorium. Over 350 performers (soloists, groups, 'ukulele classes) with 'ukulele talents ranging from novices to professionals are scheduled to be on stage throughout the course of the day. There will be a scholarship presentation sponsored by the 'Ukulele Festival & the Pacific Islanders' Cultural Association (PICA). Arts & Crafts and Food Vendors will be available in the courtyard. The 'Ukulele Festival of Northern California was founded by the late Hollis Baker and John Ogao, both well-known musicians from the San Francisco Bay Area's Hawaiian Music Community. These "uncles" organized the first Festival in March 1994 with help from a few family members, friends and students from Hollis' 'ukulele class. Hollis & John shared a vision and their legacy lives on through the Festival's mission statement: "To promote and perpetuate the playing of 'ukulele music through an annual event for all levels of 'ukulele players while exposing the youth in hopes that they will carry on the traditions and music." The 'Ukulele Festival of Northern California is sponsored by the Hayward Unified School District and the Hayward Adult School in collaboration with Kaleponi Strings 'Ukulele Class and Na Hawai'i 'O Kaleponi Dancers. All event staff and performers volunteer their time & talent to making the Festival a success and giving back to the "uncles" legacy. The entrance donation to the all-day Program (auditorium) is $7 for Adults, children under 5 years free. For more information contact Sarah Kamai-Paler at info@ukulelefestivalnorcal.org or (510) 783-1591 or visit our website at www.ukulelefestivalnorcal.org Come spend the day & share the Aloha Spirit with us! 'Ukulele Festival of Northern California Sunday, April 26 10:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Hayward Adult School 22100 Princeton St., Hayward (510) 783-1591