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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!


BEN HASSENGER

Ben Hassenger’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.

Ben now works as a music facilitator with Special Education children, teaches ukulele to students and teachers in Michigan school systems, seniors at Prime Time in East Lansing, as well as group and individual ukulele lessons at Elderly Instruments, Interlochen Center for the Arts, and Michigan State University’s Community Music School. He plays guitar and ukulele in the bands Blue Jello and The Ukulele Kings and is the co-founder of the Lansing (MI) Area Ukulele Group and the organizer of the Mighty Uke Day festival, Interlochen’s Uketoberfest, and the Midwest Uke Camp in Olivet . He is also a prolific songwriter, with two of his songs about the Detroit Tigers enshrined in the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. Ben’s a fun and involving performer with a variety of original songs about dogs, food, love, Michigan, and the other important things in life.

Ben is very proud to be an official Ohana Ukulele Teaching Artist. Ohana manufactures a wide variety of ukuleles for beginners to professionals and is a big supporter of music programs in schools and communities.
ANDY WILSON

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.
RAY CYGRYMUS

Ray Cygrymus has been an elementary school music teacher for over 30 years, specializing in ukulele instruction and inspiring countless students with his passion for music. A lifelong Pittsburgh resident, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from Duquesne University with a focus on voice. Beyond the classroom, Ray has performed in numerous musicals and plays, fronted rock bands as a lead singer and multi-instrumentalist, and shared his expertise at festivals such as Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway, Funky Frets, Brown County Ukulele Festival, and the Pennsylvania Ukulele Soiree. His goal is to help ukulele players expand their skills, explore new techniques, and discover creative ways to use sound effects to enhance their playing. With his dynamic teaching style and wealth of experience, Ray fosters a learning environment that is both engaging and inspiring. He hopes to continue to grow, entertain, and educate the world on the beauty and diversity of this spectacular little instrument that brings people together in such a big way!
AVERY HILL

Avery Hill has been teaching music since 2013, and is a staple instructor of the Portland (OR) ‘ukulele community. Over the years, she has run her own studio of ‘ukulele classes and workshops, and is a regular instructor at the Menucha Ukulele Band Camp. More recently, she has maintained a YouTube channel for ukulele 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.
VICTORIA VOX

Victoria Vox is an award-winning songwriter, performer, and passionate educator who brings joy, creativity, and a wealth of experience to the ukulele community. A graduate of Berklee College of Music, she has captivated audiences worldwide with her jazz-infused pop sound, lyrical intelligence, and signature "mouth trumpet" technique—earning her appearances on The Tonight Show and in The Wall Street Journal. With over two decades of performing and teaching experience, Victoria believes in the ukulele’s power to unlock self-expression and connection. She has shared stages with legends like Jake Shimabukuro and Jackson Browne, and her workshops are designed to inspire confidence, musicality, and fun. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced player, Victoria’s engaging teaching style will help you deepen your skills and embrace the magic of music. Join Victoria for an unforgettable learning experience—where every strum brings new possibilities, and every song tells a story.
CINDY MILLER

Cindy Miller 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."

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

FRIDAY

3pm: CAMPER ARRIVAL.
4:30pm: Ashokan Hello Welcome Gathering
5pm: Meet The Teaching Artists
6pm: DINNER
7:30pm: FUN & GAMES WITH THE ASHOKAN TEACHING ARTISTS

SATURDAY

8:30-9:30am: BREAKFAST
9:30-12:30pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
12:30-2pm: LUNCH
2-5pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
6-7pm: DINNER
7:30-9:00: TEACHING ARTIST CONCERT
10pm: SNACK & INFORMAL JAMMING

SUNDAY

8:30-9:30am: BREAKFAST
9:30-12:30pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
12:30-2pm: LUNCH
2-5pm: CLASSES & WORKSHOPS
6-7pm: DINNER
7:30-9:00: CAMPER CABARET OPEN MIC
10pm: SNACK & INFORMAL JAMMING

MONDAY

8:30-9:30am: BREAKFAST
10am: ASHOKAN FAREWELL

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.