UKULELE GROUP RECEIVES ONE-OF-A-KIND INSTRUMENT FOR CHARITY FUNDRAISER

The Southern New Hampshire Ukulele Group (SNHUG) has received a truly unique instrument to support their upcoming fundraiser on May 3, 2026—the Second Annual New England Ukulele Festival. This event, a collaboration between the Unlikely Strummers, the A&W Players, and SNHUG, will once again benefit the Ukulele Kids Club (https://theukc.org/neuf/).

This remarkable ukulele, which will be featured in the festival’s pre-event online auction, has been autographed by two renowned musician-songwriters: Tom Rush, one of America’s most celebrated folk and blues artists, and Matt Nakoa, an acclaimed composer, pianist, singer, and guitarist.

To date, SNHUG has raised more than $127,000 for the Ukulele Kids Club. The UKC partners with hospitals around the world—including several in New England—to provide ukuleles and music therapy sessions to hospitalized children. The organization has delivered more than 17,000 instruments globally, helping young patients experience the healing, therapeutic power of music. Research continues to show that music can be a highly effective clinical tool for physical, cognitive, and emotional rehabilitation in children.

Tom Rush shared his support for the effort, saying, “This is a very worthy cause, and those kids deserve every bit of support they can get!”

SNHUG was organized thirteen years ago and meets every other Friday in Brentwood. They are open to players of all levels.  Meetings include classes, workshops, jam sessions, and open mics. SNHUG performs at festivals and community events as part of their mission to give back to the community.   For information contact snhug@outlook.com or visit facebook/snhug.

Photo:  Matt Nakoa, Tom Rush and SNHUG organizer June Pinkham