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Ukulele Weekend 2025
Fri, May 23 - Mon, May 26



Expand your skills, or capture the aloha spirit of the ukulele for the first time at the Ashokan Ukulele Weekend! There’ll be workshops for all levels, a staff concert, group strums, a Camper Cabaret open mic, and lots more ukulele fun and camaraderie! You’ll meet new people, learn new techniques and styles, and gain confidence as a player.

2025 Staff Announced!
Andy Wilson, Ray Cygrymus, Cindy Miller, Victoria Vox, Avery Hill, and your camp host Ben Hassenger.

“Loved it all! friends, woodland walks, food, peaceful environment, and ukes! The schedule was well balanced.” 

“The staff was amazing and very accessible. They were able to switch things up on the fly. The location was incredible.”

“The workshops were beyond my initial expectations! The teachers were so generous with their instructions, patient, and extremely well prepared organizers.”

Click here for last year’s schedule

Click here for photos from previous years

Registration Pricing
Description Price
Supporter Includes $125 donation toward Ashokan’s programs & scholarships. Thank you for your Support! $620.00
Standard Registration ⭐️ Not sure? Choose this one! $495.00
Economy Need financial support? Choose this one. $370.00
Youth (ages 5 - 25) Youth participants choose this one. $245.00
Under 5 Little ones attend free! $0.00

Self-select from our registration tiers based on your ability to pay

STANDARD covers Ashokan’s cost per-person to host the event. If you can afford to pay the Standard price, please do. ECONOMY is for those who can’t currently afford the Standard price, but would like to attend and be part of our community. If you need financial assistance, this tier is for you. SUPPORTER not only grants you admission to the event, but includes a special donation to support Ashokan’s programs and scholarships. You're making a difference! Your donation builds a creative community grounded in the spirit of generosity, equity, and compassion. We are grateful for your support.

Scholarships

YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP is for campers age 25 and under who are paying their own way and for families in need of financial support. Please self-select this tier. PAY IT FORWARD SCHOLARSHIP is for performers and teachers who will pass on the music, songs, or dance forms they learn at Ashokan to new audiences and to the next generation. Learn more and apply here.

Thank you for supporting the Ashokan Center and each other!

Lodging Options
Staying Off-site | $0.00
Live nearby or commuting to and from Ashokan from a hotel, Air BnB, or friend's house?
Camping | $0.00
Camping areas include rec field (with bathhouse) upper pasture, and more. BYO camping gear. No open fires.
Sharing a Private Room purchased by someone else | $0.00
Ashokan doesn't assign roommates or split room costs at our end, but you're encouraged to coordinate sharing any private room.
Bunk in Men's Longhouse | $150.00
Twin-sized bunk in large shared room with large shared bathroom. Maximum capacity 24 people in 12 bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Bunk in Women's Longhouse | $150.00
Twin-sized bunk in large shared room with large shared bathroom. Maximum capacity 24 people in 12 bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Bunk in All Gender Longhouse | $150.00
Twin-sized bunk in large shared room with large shared bathroom. Maximum capacity 24 people in 12 bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Nettle Private Cabin | $450.00
Small private cabin with two twin beds, sleeps up to 2 people. Shared bathrooms nearby.
Oregano Private Cabin | $450.00
Small private cabin with one queen bed, sleeps up to 2 people. Shared bathrooms nearby.
Longhouse Private Room | $450.00
Upstairs room with shared bathroom. Sleeps up to 3 people in one bunkbed with twin top and queen bottom bunk. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Longhouse Private Room | $450.00
Upstairs room with shared bathroom. Sleeps up to 3 people in one bunkbed with twin top and queen bottom bunk. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Longhouse Private Room | $450.00
Downstairs room with shared bathroom. Sleeps up to 3 people in one bunkbed with twin top and queen bottom bunk. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Longhouse Private Room | $450.00
Downstairs room with shared bathroom. Sleeps up to 3 people in one bunkbed with twin top and queen bottom bunk. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Red Maple Private Room (Accessible) | $540.00
Accessible room with private bathroom. Sleeps up to 4 people in two bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries.
Red Maple Private Room (Accessible) | $540.00
Accessible room with private bathroom. Sleeps up to 4 people in two bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries.
Red Maple Private Room (Porch) | $600.00
Downstairs room with private bathroom and shared porch. Sleeps up to 4 people in two bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Red Maple Private Room (Porch) | $600.00
Downstairs room with private bathroom and shared porch. Sleeps up to 4 people in two bunkbeds. BYO bedding, towels, toiletries
Sycamore Private Room (Upstairs) | $690.00
Upstairs room with private bathroom and shared porch. Sleeps up to 5 people in two bunkbeds (one with queen bottom.) BYO bedding, towels, toiletries.
Sycamore Private Room (Upstairs) | $690.00
Upstairs room with private bathroom and shared porch. Sleeps up to 5 people in two bunkbeds (one with queen bottom.) BYO bedding, towels, toiletries.
Sycamore Private Room (Downstairs) | $660.00
Downstairs room with private bathroom. Sleeps up to 5 people in two bunkbeds (one with queen bottom.) BYO bedding, towels, toiletries.

Can't attend the full weekend? Get tickets for the Saturday concert!


Cindy Miller 

Cindy is the founder and director of the award-winning Unlikely Strummers, based in Massachusetts. Reigning champions of the New England Battle of the Ukulele Bands, the group has been featured on ABC’s Chronicle and in Ukulele magazine, and they recently opened for Jake Shimabukuro during the New England leg of his Fall 2024 tour. Cindy arranges for, directs, and performs with the Unlikelys through a whopping 80-85 performances per year. The group has become known for their signature mashups, which Cindy crafts with an eye toward bringing something “unexpected” to audiences and demonstrating the amazing range of ukulele music.

Cindy is proud to be one of the few New England ukulele instructors holding a full 3-year program certification through the James Hill Ukulele Initiative in Toronto and now serves as a mentor for the JHUI program. For three years, Cindy also performed with the acclaimed Legacy Ukulele Ensemble, directed by Peter Luongo. Currently, she teaches community-based ukulele classes at a range of venues, and also occasionally performs as part of the duo "Take Two."
Victoria Vox

If there hasn’t been a university study on the psychological and sociological benefits of playing
the ukulele, it’s time to consider Victoria Vox as the perfect test case. Ukulele Magazine notes
her work transcends the instrument’s novelty, while R2Rock'N'Reel praises her “superbly crafted
uke-pop,” and Vintage Guitar Magazine describes her sound as “catchy and clever,” showcasing
the best of indie music.
Vox, a one-woman powerhouse, is an award-winning, ukulele-toting songwriter whose musical
journey began at age 10. A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, she
transitioned from guitar to ukulele in 2003, adopting the stage name Victoria Vox—Latin for
“voice.” Her acoustic style has evolved into a rich blend of chanson and jazz-infused pop,
establishing her as a prominent figure in the ukulele community. Having shared stages with
artists like Jake Shimabukuro and Jackson Browne, Vox's performances are a celebration of
creativity and emotion.
Vox’s unique flair extends beyond her instrument; her “mouth trumpet” technique—a whimsical,
jazz-era vocal style—has led to memorable appearances, including on The Tonight Show with
Jay Leno, and being featured in the Wall Street Journal for her role in the mouth trumpet revival.
With a repertoire that spans joy to melancholy, her songs resonate deeply, showcasing the
ukulele’s versatility as a profound vehicle for expression. In 2022, she released her 12th
album, Nirvana in REM, a mesmerizing collection of 10 original songs that invites listeners into a
beautifully intertwined world of art and music. A collaborative endeavor with visionary artist Fred
Stonehouse, they explore the interplay between reality and the surreal realm of dreams.
Stonehouse describes Vox’s music as “deeply emotional and psychological, as well as
hauntingly poetic,” setting the stage for a rich auditory experience.
For this album, Vox expertly manipulated samples and her ukulele's sounds to create a dreamy
pop landscape, which Ukulele Magazine praises as “a wondrous musical work of art.” The
album showcases her extraordinary talent, marked by lyrical intelligence and melodic flair that
captivates from the first note. Wolfgang Giese of Musik an sich calls it “pop of the intelligent and
emotional kind,” while Strutterzine notes echoes of classic Madonna hits blended with modern
lush dreampop and folk sensibilities.
In Southern France in 2024, Vox recorded Nirvana in REM (Ukulele Re:Vision), primarily using
her ukulele and voice, and performed live arrangements of the songs. She invites you to
experience music that resonates, challenges,
Avery Hill

Avery Hill has been teaching music since 2013, and is a staple instructor of the Portland (OR)
ʻukulele community. Over the years, she has run her own studio of ʻukulele classes and
workshops, and is a regular instructor at the Menucha Ukulele Band Camp. More recently, she
has maintained a YouTube channel for ʻukulele tutorials and has begun teaching songwriting,
including at the Songwriter Soireé Retreat. Whatever the classroom, Avery strives to educate
everyone's inner musician, to elevate their self-knowledge and confidence, and to enchant them

with insight, presence, and a handful of good jokes. Avery is also a performing singer-
songwriter, and storyteller. Her latest album is Dreams & Ghosts: A Family Album (2015),

featuring the award-winning single Hello & Goodbye.
Ray Cygrymus

Ray has taught elementary school music for over thirty years, most recently specializing in
ukulele instruction in the classroom. He has lived in the Pittsburgh area his entire life, and
attended Duquesne University where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, with
an emphasis on voice. Ray has performed in many musicals and plays with theaters throughout
the Pittsburgh area and has fronted many rock bands where he was the lead singer and played
various instruments.
Ray’s past Ukulele Festival appearances include: Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway, Tampa Bay
Ukulele Day, Funky Frets, Brown County Ukulele Festival, Memphis Uke-N Roll, Midwest
Ukulele and Harmonica Camp, and Pennsylvania Ukulele Soiree.
Ray’s goal is to share his knowledge and experience to influence other ukulele players to look at
their instrument in a different way by gaining knowledge of different techniques, expanding
new skill sets, and effectively using sound effects. Ray hopes to continue to grow, entertain,
inspire, and educate the world on the beauty and diversity of this spectacular little instrument
that brings people together in such a big way!
Andy Wilson

is a multi-instrumentalist known for his work on harmonica, trumpet, and accordion with Michigan bands Steppin’ In It, The Springtails, The Wilson Brothers, and Those Delta Rhythm Kings. Andy has been playing the harmonica since the age of 7, and has developed a wide range of styles on chromatic, diatonic, bass, and chord harmonicas. He was a featured performer at the 2007 SPAH (Society for the Preservation and Advancement of the Harmonica) convention in Milwaukee, and has toured extensively with “Steppin’ In It,” a folk variety show featuring singer-songwriter Joshua Davis, a finalist on season 8 of NBC’s “The Voice.” At the turn of the millennium, Andy discovered the ukulele, and has been an enthusiast of the instrument ever since. A lover of jazz, Andy finds his ukulele inspiration in chord-melody masters Lyle Ritz and Ohta San. Andy’s wife, Julianna, is also an accomplished ukulele player, accompanying her vocals in the The Springtails. The “jumping flea” has spread to the rest of the family, resulting in The Wilson Family Ukulele Obsession, featuring Andy’s parents and sister. Andy holds a degree in Jazz Studies from Michigan State University, and writes ensemble and chord-solo arrangements for ukulele. Watch Andy playing chromatic harp with Joshua Davis and Shout Sister Shout in the video below. Andy is an official endorser of Seydel Harmonicas.
Ben Hassenger

Ben’s musical career began in the early 1970s when he was arrested for playing “Smoke on the
Water” on accordion and singing in animal sounds in the cafeteria at Lansing Community
College. It was the start of something special, for sure. In 2009, on a trip to Hawaii, Ben
stumbled upon Roy Sakuma’s legendary “Ukulele Festival Hawaii” and was captivated by the
diminutive but dynamic instrument and the communal aloha spirit of the people playing it. His life
changed that day.
He is now well-known as the “Ukulele Ambassador of Michigan”, teaching students, young and
old, in schools, libraries, senior centers, and other community venues. IN addition to his position
as the Ashokan Ukulele Weekend Artistic Director, Ben is also in charge of festivals such as

Mighty Uke Day, Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp, and Uketoberfest at Interlochen. He co-
founded the Lansing Area Ukulele Group (LAUGH) and established the Music is the Foundation

501(c)(3) to help bring the joy of the uke to Michigan classrooms and communities. He performs
solo and as a member of The Ukulele Kings and is also a prolific songwriter, with two of his
songs about

Additional Info:

Payment/Cancellation/Refund Policy

You may pay in full or hold your place with a deposit of 25% per person if registering 4 or more weeks before camp. Full payment is due 4 weeks before camp begins. To cancel your camp registration, email events@ashokancenter.org

• We retain $50 per person for cancellations requested up to 4 weeks before camp begins, and for COVID-related cancellations made at any date.

• We retain your 25% deposit between 4 and 2 weeks before camp.

• We retain the full registration amount within 2 weeks of camp.

Schedule Overview
Pricing & What's Included!

You may choose to pay up front or pay a deposit and balance. Balance payment is due 4 weeks before the event.

Registration includes all activities and meals. Lodging is optional and camping is free.

Children under 5 attend for free (under 3 for Family Camp). Campers under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Food & Drink

All meals are included. You may indicate your dietary restrictions when registering. We make every effort to include a range of allergen-free dishes and to inform diners of meal ingredients.

The Ashokan Center is licensed to serve beer and wine in Esopus Lodge (the main building). The bar is generally open from late afternoon to early evening. Sorry, by law, guests are prohibited from bringing their own alcoholic beverages into this licensed building.

Lodging

LONGHOUSE BUNKS: Rooms hold up to 24 people and are designated women, men, or all gender. Place your belongings on a top or bottom bunk after you check in to claim it. Pillows are available, please bring your own blankets, sheets, pillowcases, and towels. There are a small number of light blankets for those bunkhouse residents who are unable to bring one of their own. If you will need us to provide one, please let us know well in advance.

PRIVATE ROOMS: There are a limited number of private rooms that must be reserved in advance at extra charge. Pillows are available, please bring your own sheets, pillowcases, and towelsThere are light quilts in each private room.

CAMPSITES: Camping is available with access to bathrooms and outdoor showers. Please park by your campsite only if you plan to leave your car in place for the duration of the camp.

What To Bring

If you’re lodging with us please remember to bring a blanket and linens (or sleeping bag), towel, toiletries, soap, flashlight, earplugs (for light sleepers). There are light quilts in each private room and we have a small number of light blankets for bunkhouse residents who can’t bring one of their own. Let us know well in advance if you’ll need one.

Flashlight, recording device, camera (or maybe those are all your phone!)

Comfortable informal clothing for wet and dry weather. Some may also bring dressy, wild or fun clothing as well but that is up to you! There’s no laundry on site so bring enough clothes for the camp.

What Not To Bring
Please, no pets or drop-in guests.
Mail/Phone/WiFi

Incoming mail

Your Name c/o Ashokan Music & Dance 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461

Outgoing mail leaves each weekday at 4pm.

Music & Dance Camp Phone (845) 657-8333 x 3

Cell phone reception is available but spotty. Calls may be dropped but texts are reliably received.

High speed Wi-Fi is available in all buildings.

Directions & Transportation

Physical Address: Ashokan Center, 477 Beaverkill Rd, Olivebridge, NY 12461

DRIVING DIRECTIONS   Take NY State Thruway (1-87) to Kingston exit #19. From traffic circle take Route 28 West (toward Pine Hill). In 12 miles (shortly after Mobil & Citgo) turn left onto Reservoir Rd. Cross the Ashokan Reservoir, turn left at the Tee. Head down the hill, pass the first left (Rt 28A East) and merge onto 28A West. Take next left onto Beaverkill Rd. Follow Beaverkill for about one mile, then turn right into the Ashokan Center driveway and follow the signs.

AIRPORT  Albany, NY (ALB) is the closest major airport (about 1.5 hours away). Public transportation is available from the airport to the Kingston bus station, where you can take a taxi to Ashokan. Or contact us at least one month before your program begins for a list of people driving from the Albany area who may be able to give you a ride.

Covid Safety Policy

We recommend but no longer require everyone test for COVID-19 in the 24 hours before arrival. 

All refund requests due to a positive test, COVID exposure, or COVID-related concerns will be honored (less a $50 administrative fee).

We will provide onsite rapid testing upon request.

Additional FAQ's
CAMP WAITLIST & PRIVATE LODGING WAITLIST (only join if ADD CAMPER button at top of page is disabled or your preferred lodging choice is greyed out in that form.)

If there are no camp spots or private rooms available above, you may add your name to this waitlist. If space opens up we will contact you.

The Ashokan Center builds community through shared experiences in nature, history, music and art. We have hosted traditional Music & Dance Camps at our 385 acre nature preserve for over 40 years. In 2020 we learned how to host them online and in 2021 we began to reimagine how to gather in person once again.

Come join the Ashokan family to celebrate, learn, connect, deepen your music, make new friends, and brighten your day. Our events are open to all folks, all ages and all orientations.

M&D Need-Based “Pay it Forward” SCHOLARSHIPS We are holding 5 deeply discounted spots (includes tuition, meals & bunk) to provide a learning opportunity to gigging musicians and music, vocal, and dance teachers who will be sharing out their newly learned skills with a wider community. We prioritize new applicants each year and notify all applicants within 1 month before camp begins.

NEED HELP?

EMAIL: events@ashokancenter.org
CALL 845-657-8333 x3

Click here for answers to Frequently Asked Questions about camp!

Thank you to the Martin Foundation for supporting Ashokan Music & Dance Camps.