Strumming Through the Trees: Highlights from Ashokan Ukulele Weekend 2025
“There’s something very special about Ashokan…” – Ben Hassenger

This year’s Ashokan Ukulele Weekend was a joyful, music-filled escape into the heart of the Catskills! From May 23–26, 2025, ukulele lovers of all levels came together to learn, laugh, and connect at the Ashokan Center.

Led by camp founder and host Ben Hassenger, the weekend offered a welcoming space for everyone—whether you were picking up a uke for the first time or expanding your musical toolkit.

🎶 What Campers Experienced

  • Workshops for All Levels
    Attendees explored rhythm, melody, harmony, and songwriting in small-group settings. Each class was taught by world-class instructors:
    Andy Wilson, Ray Cygrymus, Cindy Miller, Victoria Vox, Avery Hill, and of course, Ben Hassenger himself.

  • Group Strums & Jams
    From cozy campfire sessions to the Performance Hall singalongs, the communal spirit of strumming together brought pure aloha joy.

  • Uke Revue Staff Concert & Camper Cabaret
    Saturday night’s Teaching Artist Concert blew the roof off with talent and energy, while Sunday’s Open Mic let campers shine on stage.

  • Nature Walks, Great Food & New Friendships
    Surrounded by 385 acres of forests, streams, and trails, campers also enjoyed nourishing meals, peaceful walks, and genuine connection.

🗓️ Sample Daily Schedule

FRIDAY

  • 3:00pm – Camper Arrival

  • 4:30pm – Ashokan Hello Welcome Gathering

  • 5:00pm – Meet the Teaching Artists

  • 6:00pm – Dinner

  • 7:30pm – Fun & Games with the Teaching Staff

SATURDAY & SUNDAY

  • 8:30–9:30am – Breakfast

  • 9:30–12:30pm – Classes & Workshops

  • 12:30–2:00pm – Lunch

  • 2:00–5:00pm – Classes & Workshops

  • 6:00–7:00pm – Dinner

  • 7:30–9:00pm – Evening Events (Staff Concert Sat / Camper Cabaret Sun)

  • 10:00pm – Snack & Informal Jamming

MONDAY

  • 8:30–9:30am – Breakfast

  • 10:00am – Ashokan Farewell

🎁 Ukulele Giveaway!
Every registrant was entered to win TWO beautiful ukuleles, generously donated by Kala:

  • A Makala Concert Ukulele for one lucky early bird

  • A Solid Spruce Top Mahogany Travel Tenor Ukulele awarded during camp

💬 What Campers Had to Say:

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

“The workshops were beyond my expectations! The teachers were generous, patient, and extremely well-prepared.”

“The staff was amazing and very accessible. The location was incredible.”

🎶 Ready to Join Us Next Year?

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player, Ashokan Ukulele Weekend offers the perfect mix of music, nature, and community. Expand your skills, gain confidence, and capture the aloha spirit of the ukulele!

📅 Stay tuned for 2026 registration—let’s make music together.
Learn more & sign up here »