Come For A Kanikapila In Bozeman, Montana

For nearly 100 years, the sounds of Hawaii have taken over America’s radio stations, movies, and television shows. In the 1915, the increasing popularity of the Aloha Islands’ most popular instrument, the ukulele, hit the mainland and thousands of ukuleles were produced in response. By the 1920’s, the four-stringed instrument became one of the musical icons of the jazz age, and in 1961, it began to take over Hollywood with Elvis Presley’s “Blue Hawaii”.  

From there, things fell apart fast. The loud and proud era of rock ‘n’ roll stole the spotlight until around 1994, when Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole’s medley of “Over the Rainbow” and “What A Wonderful World” made the ukulele a hit once again.

Today, the uke is enjoying an unbelievable renaissance that stretches beyond mainstream music and films. Ukulele communities are coming together by the hundreds and thousands to promote the diminutive instrument, and uke clubs – like this one in Bozeman, Montana, of all places – are really showing the rest of the world what the mighty little ukulele can do.

Founded by Bozeman local Marla Goodman in February 2012, the Bozeman Ukulele Cabaret organizes uke open mics, play-alongs, workshops and ad-hoc performances. But this isn’t your average meetup of enthusiasts, the Bozeman Ukulele Cabaret is not an organized non-profit, group, club or organization. It’s simply run by one person who occasionally organizes community ukulele events and maintains a Facebook page and mailing list to do so. Essentially, it’s a good ‘ol kanikapila that is open to anyone who would like to participate.  

Since the summer of 2014, the cabaret has also been hosting semi-monthly ukulele-accompanied sing-alongs for residents of Gallatin Rest Home. The ongoing/ad-hoc meet-up is a drop-in affair, and anyone who wants to play along is welcome. An event calendar on Bozeman Ukulele Cabaret’s website lets members know when the next meet-up will be, but they mostly take place on alternating Mondays from 3:00pm onwards.  

Bozeman Ukulele Cabaret also promotes and shares local uke events as well as their own, so those interested in joining the ukulele community in Bozeman are encouraged to contact Marla.