New England Ukulele Festival Raises $20K to Benefit Hospitalized Children

Three of New England’s premier ukulele ensembles—The A&W Players, The Unlikely Strummers, and the Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group—joined forces to host the inaugural New England Ukulele Festival on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at the American Legion Post 440 in Newton, Massachusetts.

The event drew a crowd of more than 350 enthusiastic attendees and raised funds in support of the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that promotes healing through music by donating ukuleles and supporting music therapy for hospitalized children nationwide.

Festival-goers were treated to live performances by eight acclaimed ukulele groups from across the region. The day’s headliner, award-winning singer-songwriter and ukulele virtuoso Victoria Vox, performed and led a hands-on workshop open to all attendees.

Serving as emcee was Marlén Rodriguez-Wolfe, Chairperson of the UKC Board of Directors, a board-certified music therapist, and accomplished musician. “The UKC has endless gratitude for this group’s unwavering commitment,” said Rodriguez-Wolfe. “Their efforts help us bring music, healing, and joy to children across New England and beyond.”

Since its founding, the Ukulele Kids Club has donated more than 16,000 ukuleles to hospitals throughout the U.S., including 30 facilities right here in New England.
Major sponsors of the event included the NBC Matching Program, Watertown Savings Bank, Mya-Moe Ukuleles, Motif Magazine, Bedrock Gardens, Glen & Tara Bickford, among many other generous supporters who believe in the power of music and community.

Planning is already underway for the Second Annual New England Ukulele Festival, set to take place on May 3rd, 2026.

Southern NH Ukulele Group's Ninth Annual "SNHUGFEST" will take place at Henry Law Park on September 20 - all proceeds will benefit the UKC.

About the Ukulele Kids Club (UKC): The UKC is a national nonprofit organization that donates ukuleles to children undergoing medical treatment, providing joy, comfort, and therapeutic benefit through music. Learn more at theukc.org.


Photo Caption: The New England Ukulele Festival Planning Team recently came together to celebrate this year’s successful fundraiser and begin mapping out an even more exciting event for May 3, 2026. From left to right: June Pinkham, Cindy Miller, Marlen Rodriguez-Wolfe, Keith MacFadgen, Jerry Dallal, and Marisa Cacciatore