Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp

Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp alum Bakithi Kumalo with Paul Simon on Colbert.

“Something So Right” - Paul Simon (LIVE on The Late Show) Two-time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee Paul Simon performs “Something So Right,” from his 1973 album, ‘There Goes Rhymin' Simon.’ Tickets for this summer...

LOTS OF MUSIC COMING OUR WAY!
The latest from Ben Hassenger Music and Music is the Foundation.

The music never stops . . . I’m so busy right now trying to organize everything, I don’t have time for an elaborate newsletter, so here’s a quick listing of what’s going on over the next few months - so far!

Many of you know Sheryl as one of the shining stars in our ukulele universe. She has been undergoing various treatments and surgeries for cancer and could use some support from our community. This concert on April 27 will be held in Ohio, but livestreamed for those who cannot attend in person. Featuring the Webb-Tigert Duo and many others, please tune in and pitch in if you can 💜

MORE HARMONICA!
We'd like to welcome Jake Robinson, from the popular Jake Knows Harmonica social network to our 2026 Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp staff! Jake will be a great addition to our harmonica offerings, joining our long-term teaching artists Sandy Weltman and Andy Wilson. Find out more about Jake, our camp, and register at: https://www.midwestukecamp.com/jake-robinson/

2026 Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp teaching artist Jim Beloff in this month’s Ukulele Magazine!

Thanks Ukulele magazine! The new Spring 2026 issue of Ukulele magazine features Nick Grizzle's interview with me about my new album, "mid-century modern." It also includes stories about working with Lyle Ritz (and playing his famous Gibson cutaway on the title track) and Bette Midler (who inspired the song "A Ukulele and You.") In addition, this interview is the first time I've shared about some aspects of my personal life over the last 6 years. You can purchase a physical copy or download here: https://store.ukulelemag.com/products/no-52-spring-2026.

Come join us July 10 - 12 in Toledo, OH! www.midwestukecamp.com

A flashback from our 2019 camp with Andy and Sandy (otherwise known as Sandy and Andy) on harmonica, ukulele, and whatever else with special guests Abe Lagrimas, Jr. and Mike Stevens. Andy and Sandy/Sandy and Andy will be back for our 2026 camp, find out more and register at: http://midwestukecamp.com https://youtu.be/LnkUaFbIc00?si=FKMnDYajb6HnS4v_

Sandy Weltman and Andy Wilson - Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp 2019 Sandy Weltman and Andy Wilson's full set from Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp 2019, with special guests Abe Lagrimas Jr. and Mike Stevens.Join us at Midwest Uke...

Ben chats with MUC 2026 teaching artist John Nash about John's ukulele journey and instructional approaches. We're looking forward to hosting John for the very first time in the Midwest.

MUC 2026 Teaching Artist John Nash Ben has an chat with John Nash, founder of the Ukulele Inspired ukulele education program and 2026 Midwest Uke and Harmonica Camp teaching artist. (We had a ...

THE LATEST FROM BEN HASSENGER MUSIC!
• Midwinter Singing and Folk Festival ukulele workshops
• Mighty Uke Day and Midwest Uke & Harmonica Camp
• Ashokan Ukulele Weekend, Aurora Ukulele Festival
• Strathmore Ukulele Festival
• Wallaceburg ukulele workshop and strum
• Greg Klyma concert at the Old Town General Store

Midwinter Singing & Folk Festival with Ukulele Classes this Friday In these troubled times, nothing heals the soul and brings us together like singing with friends! The 22nd Midwinter Singing and Folk Festival is here for you with a weekend of community music.It all begins Friday night huge Community Sing, continues with workshops during the day Saturday, including...

INTERVIEW WITH MARNIE WARD https://youtu.be/prPG40PTj-M
We had so much fun with and learned so much from Marnie Ward last year at camp, we're bringing her back this year!

INTERVIEW WITH JIM BELOFF
Ben and Jim Beloff spent a chilly winter morning, talking about Jim's storied history with the ukulele, current projects, and his upcoming appearance at our 2026 camp. (YouTube link in comments below)