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

Three of New England’s premier ukulele ensembles—The A&W Players, The Unlikely Strummers, and Dover Chamber Member, The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group—joined forces to host the Second Annual New England Ukulele Festival on Sunday, May 3, 2026, 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, Ray Crygrymus, performed and led a hands-on workshop open to all attendees. Ray is a talented ukulele performer, instructor, and entertainer known for his energetic style, humor, and passion for bringing people together through music.

Serving as emcee was Kimo Hussey, who traveled from Hawaii to entertain and support the cause.  Kimo is an award-winning Hawaiian ukulele musician, composer, and instructor known for his smooth style, beautiful arrangements, and lifelong dedication to sharing the spirit of aloha through music. Said Kimo, “I loved the festival and congratulate the organizers for planning such a fun festival for a great cause.”
Since its founding, the Ukulele Kids Club has donated more than 18,000 ukuleles to hospitals throughout the U.S., including 30 facilities right here in New England.
Major sponsors of the event included the A&W Players, The Unlikely Strummers, Southern NH Ukulele Group, Watertown Savings Bank, Glen & Tara Bickford, Susan Reed, White Dog Press,  The Siegert Family, Flight Ukulele, Connie Ryan and family, among many other generous supporters who believe in the power of music and community.

Planning is already underway for the Third Annual New England Ukulele Festival, set to take place on May 2, 2027.

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 attendees enjoyed a hands-on workshop conducted by Ray Cygrymus.  Photo courtesy of Rick Heaton Photography