If you’re an Ohio resident and a Rock and Roll fan, you most probably either live in the city of Cleveland or you’ve been there more than once. Nestled on the southern shore of the famous Lake Erie, this city has its roots in manufacturing and transportation with many railroad lines linking the state to the rest of the US. Over the years Cleveland has also played a big part in providing the setting for television and films such as The Drew Carey Show, Captain America, Happy Gilmore, Double Dragon and the hit comedy series Hot in Cleveland, not mention it’s the home of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

So how does the ukulele fare among all these stars? The North-East Ohio Creative Concepts in Music Ukulele Meetup (quite a mouthful, isn’t it?) is a group for beginners and intermediate level players who are interested in learning various styles. They encourage new members to add to ideas for songs and this group usually has brunch or drinks after their sessions. Sounds like the ideal opportunity if you’re new to Cleveland or passing through.

The Cleveland Jumping Flea is arguably the most passionate group of Ukesters in all of Cleveland. They meet regularly at the Cuyahoga County Public Library and for these ukulele enthusiasts the sensation of strumming is a large part of their relaxation and recreational time. Their repertoire includes old favourites mixed with renditions of new hits as well. You can read more about the Cleveland Jumping Flea at the weblink listed below or contact them through their Facebook page.

http://www.cleveland.com/parma/index.ssf/2013/05/parma_ukulele_club_strums_merr.html

https://www.facebook.com/ClevelandJumpingFlea/

If an ensemble group is more to your liking then the Cleveland Fleaharmonics might just be the fit you’re looking for. This group performs at various locations in and around Cleveland and if you’d like to join them, hop on over to the weblink listed below. They also support different charities and love to perform at senior centres and assisted living facilities to bring cheer to all those who need it.

https://clevelandfleaharmonics.wordpress.com/

Half an hour’s drive east in the town of Elyria, OH you’ll be sure to run into the North-East Ukulele Group (NEOUKE). These folks gather regularly at the North Olmsted Library for group strumming, however if you feel like your solo work is up to scratch they’ll be more than happy to lend you the stage. Their main source of songs id Jim’s Playbook and tuning and practice precedes the session, which is followed by lunch. If you’d like to get in touch with NEOUKE, have a surf over to their Meetup.com page listed below.

https://www.meetup.com/Lorain-County-Ukulele-Group/

With Cleveland getting so much screen-time in popular movies and television series, strolling through the streets for only a short time will make you feel right at home. So why not take you Bondi Uke with you to immerse yourself with any of the groups mentioned above. One thing’s for sure, the uke is rising fast and hot in Cleveland.

Keep strumming, all!