When travelling America’s heartland, you’re bound to encounter a crossroads or two and if you’re not sure where you’re headed it could cause all sorts of trouble. If negotiating crossroads is your forte then Indianapolis, Indiana (also known as “The Crossroads of America”) is your kind of place. With several jazz legends in their record books, Indianapolis has a rich musical history among their well-known sports teams and world-famous cuisine which includes pork tenderloin sandwiches and sugar cream pie, the latter of which is the state pie of Indiana, unofficially of course.  

So, how’s the strumming in this diverse city? Rather impressive to say the least. The Indianapolis Ukulele Fans, or “The Indy Ukers” as they prefer to be called, are a five hundred-strong tribe of ukulele enthusiasts who gather with the mission to learn a little, play a little and have a good time. They promise to go easy on you if your Bondi Uke is still brand new, but expect a few challenges to be pushed your way to expand your knowledge in no time. If you choose to accept this task, get in contact with the Indy Ukers on their Facebook page listed below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/386057376528/about/ 

An hour’s drive south will put you in contact with the Bloomington Ukulele Club in Bloomington, Indiana. This lively bunch try to meet twice a month (depending on availability of locations) and incorporate all sorts of activities in their meetings. It opens with announcements, sharing of new music, which is followed by any songs that members may suggest. If you’re new at strumming have no fear. They start it off simple and progress into more daring avenues as the session carries on. Unfortunately, lessons are not provided, however they do have some links for local instructors on their website which is listed below.

https://sites.google.com/site/ukuleleclubloomington/ 

Still feel like hitting the tarmac with your Bondi Uke by your side? Alright then. Head south east to Batesville, IN where you’ll be sure to run into the Batesville Uke Club, who gather at the Memorial Public Library. This club caters for folks of all ages from teens to adults, to enjoy learning together in a fun, no-experience necessary environment jam-packed with fun. Beginners and all those interested are encouraged to contact the library on the website listed below.  

http://ebatesville.com/uke_club

How about dinner and a show? Head on over to Coventry Lane near Fort Wayne to experience the smooth tunes of the TRU Ukes Club with a slice of delicious pizza in your hand. They meet at the Pizza Hut in Coventry lane every Saturday and patrons are encouraged to sing along with some of their favourites and popular classics. Find out more about this wonderous event on the weblink listed below.

http://www.journalgazette.net/entertainment/music/Spotlight--Jerry-Noble--TRU-Ukes-Club-15361116

Cruising around in the streets of Indianapolis can take you down any lane filled with adventure, and if the ukulele is your idea of exploration and fun why not check out any of the passionate people mentioned above. You can’t go wrong.

Keep strumming, all!