Mighty Uke Day

Now in its 17th year, Mighty Uke Day began in May 2011 when ukulele fans in the Lansing, Michigan area wanted to get together and view the recently-released documentary film, “Mighty Uke: The Amazing Comeback of a Musical Underdog.” Ben Hassenger, a local musician and one of the founders of the Lansing Area Ukulele Group (LAUGH) decided to host a showing of the film along with a group ukulele strum, an open mic, and featured performances. Since that initial gathering, Mighty Uke Day has organically grown into the premier ukulele festival in the Midwest; featuring some of the finest performers in the ukulele community. It has also been instrumental in establishing Michigan as the “Great Uke State”, with over 30 uke groups across the Lower and Upper Peninsulas. Mighty Uke Day is the primary fundraiser for Music is the Foundation 501(c)(3), a non-profit established to bring the joy of the ukulele to classrooms and communities across the state. MUD 16 concert performers include ukulele stars such as; Daniel Ho, Viggy, Neal Chin, Amy Kucharik, Super Secret Cult Band, The Corner Laughers, and others. The Ten Pound Fiddle’s “Fiddle Scout” program for kids is also featured at the festival. All paid and free events will be held inside University United Methodist Church at 1120 S. Harrison Road in East Lansing. (The Sunday concert will be held at MSU’s Community Music School, 4930 Hagadorn, East Lansing.)