Ukulele Legend Jim Beloff To Lead Harwich Workshop, Concert

Summer on Cape Cod is as much about community as it is the sun and the sand. An upcoming concert in Harwich will allow a vibrant Cape Cod community the chance to witness and learn from a ukulele legend.

On July 18 at 6:30 p.m., the Cape Cod Ukulele Club will host Jim Beloff at the First Congregational Church of Harwich for a concert as well as the option to attend workshops earlier in the day. Beloff, who Ukulele Magazine called one of three “living legends of the ukulele,” has more than 30 years of experience in the ukulele world, has released multiple albums and is behind the long running “The Daily Ukulele” songbook series that is well-known in the community.

Beloff, who recently released his new album “Mid-Century Modern,” said that participating in events like this is something that is in line with the work he has done to this point.

 “The foundation of everything that I've done has been about getting people together for music making and with each other,” said Beloff. “The idea of getting together with others and sharing tips on how to play and singing songs together is something that is just sort of hardwired into our business. And so, it's not only just publishing songbooks, but then it's going out and sharing these songs with others, sharing whatever tips I can.”

Event Organizer Rob Wilde said the idea for the day started when he sat in with the Cape Cod Ukulele Club last year. He said he was in Harwich, visiting his sister, when he happened upon the group, which is led by Cathy Hatch, and realized he wanted to do something with them. Bringing together an event like this, according to Wilde, “only moves when you have people like Cathy.”

The day begins with two workshops. The first is the “Advanced Beginner Ukulele Workshop” which will run from noon to 2:30 p.m. and includes a refreshment break. The second is “The Daily Ukulele: Another Year Jam” that features the third edition of “The Daily Ukulele” series, otherwise known as “The Purple Book,” and begins at 3 p.m. The evening concert begins at 6:30 p.m. For people who are interested in attending both the workshops and the concert, tickets are $45. For people who are interested in attending just the concert, tickets are $20. 

Wilde said he runs events like this one in Florida, where he lives, which is how he met Beloff. According to Wilde, the events typically follow the same format and the artists he features can customize the workshops to the ability of the groups. 

 “They'll pick topics that the uke players are very anxious to get. And these people want to learn, and they certainly do when they come to them. They're the avid players,” he said.

Hatch, who founded the Cape Cod Ukulele Club, said the organization plays year-round, unlike others that may meet only in the summer or the winter. The group, which plays everything from Hyannis Open Streets to the Eastham Turnip Festival, features more than 40 musicians and has expanded to include other instruments like bass or flute. While the club plays many shows, the main draw for many members, according to Hatch, is the community.

 “The joy of making music with somebody else, when nobody has to be perfect, is fun,” she said.

Hatch will perform alongside Beloff for portions of the event, as will the entire Cape Cod Ukulele Club. The night will feature opportunities for audience participation as well. Wilde noted there are many reasons people outside of the Ukulele world should attend.

 “It’s probably as good entertainment as I think they'll find anywhere cool for a very reasonable price,” said Wilde. “It's a chance to see something that maybe they haven't been exposed to.

Hatch added that anyone attending should expect to have a good time.

 “It's the same reason we do everything, it's going to be fun,” said Hatch. “Even if you don't want to play the ukulele, come to the concert and listen to the music that we're doing, it's approachable music. It's a fun community thing. That's why we like to do the big shows because we get, I call it, the reverse concert. We all saw our kids do concerts and stuff. They were kids and now we get to do the concert and our grandchildren and our children come and watch us.”

For those interested in attending, the event has an Eventbrite titled “Jim Beloff Concert and up-close workshops” where tickets for the workshops or the concert can be purchased.