Yeppoon Ukulele Movement

Next date: Thursday, 23 July 2026 | 03:00 PM to 05:00 PM

• YUM's mission is to provide a fun, friendly, inclusive, and supportive environment for people of all ages, races, and genders to play to ukulele, sing, make friends, and socialise for the love of music
• Perform for local events, groups, festivals, and nursing homes
• Learn new techniques to improve members' skills and confidence
• Build comradeship and friendships with each other

HISTORY

YUM began about fifteen years ago in Phil Jenkins's garage in Taranganba. Phil secured a grant to start up a ukulele group, and ran the group for its first year of so.

After that first year, the group moved to the RSL, then finally to the Community Centre, initially in the Garage, and now in Rooms A&B.

They have performed from the start, with their first concert featuring music of Bob Dylan.

DETAILS

The Yeppoon Ukulele Movement is affiliated with the Keppel Coast Arts Council (KCA). Participants are encouraged to join KCA for a low annual fee ($20), but there is no other cost for participating.

Participants bring their own instruments and other personal items.

The group meets from 3-5pm in Rooms A&B every Thursday and Sunday. They designate their gatherings as "Jam", "Marmalade", or "Toast", each with a different focus, such as preparing for performances, learning new things, or just playing/jamming.

PEOPLE

They have 30 people on their mailing list, including a good mix of men and women, and 15-20 come regularly. Ages range from 15 to 80.

One of the participants usually accompanies the group on the electric bass, particularly for performances. Sometimes members play guitars, percussion, or other instruments to add variety.

For each performance, someone agrees to take on the responsibility of coordinating all the details.

PARTICIPANT QUOTE

"I'd never played uke before, but my son encouraged me to join. We all just keep encouraging and challenging each other."

Barb, participant for 6 years

MORE

• Alan is the current coordinator of the group and has been doing it nearly since the group started.
• In recent months, YUM has performed at the Rockhampton Riverfest, QueensFest, the Community Centre's ICare Friday lunches, and at the Capricorn Gardens and Sunset Ridge aged care facilities.
• YUM is a major contributor to the annual World Singing Day event.
• Several members play at Sing 4 Health and Happiness gatherings.
• The group has a few ukuleles (kindly donated by Green Bros Music in Rockhampton) that people can try out if they don't have one.

When

Location

Yeppoon Community Centre, 80 John Street, Yeppoon, QLD, Yeppoon, 4703, View Map