Who we are
Hawke's Bay Ukulele Underground is a friendly bunch of self-confessed ukulele addicts who get together to strum, sing and share the joy of this happy little instrument.
Our club nights are relaxed, social and open-mic style. 6 to 12 groups and solo acts take turns on stage, each playing up to 3 songs, with the chords and words up on screen so the whole room can strum and sing along. Or don't: plenty of people just grab a drink, sit back and enjoy the show. If you fancy a moment in the spotlight yourself, you're very welcome to bring a song. Whether you want to learn, improve, perform or simply have fun, you'll fit right in.
It's a great place to meet people, too. Look around the room and you'll find teachers, IT folk, tradies, retirees, professionals and students, from fresh-faced youngsters to folks who first strummed along when the Beatles were in the charts. Whatever you do by day, on club night we're all just ukulele players, and there's no friendlier way to make new friends.
Keen to find out more? Follow us on Facebook (opens in a new tab) or have a look at the songbook.
Club nights
When & where
Come along on the night; there's no need to book. Note that there's no club night in January.
- When
- First Thursday of the month
- Time
- 7.30pm
- Where
- Cabana Napier, map (opens in a new tab)11 Shakespeare Road, NapierCabana is a drinks-only bar (no food is sold), with plenty of free parking available.
- Cost
- $10 per night
I've never played before. Can I come?
Absolutely. Everyone starts somewhere, and club nights are a friendly, relaxed place to learn. Strum along with the songs on screen, ask for help with your first few chords, and don't worry about wrong notes: nobody minds.
Do I need my own ukulele?
Bring one if you can, but don't let that stop you: we have spare ukes you can play on the night. Got a different instrument? Bring that along instead. We're not purists! And you're welcome to come without one and just listen.
Do I have to play?
Not at all. You don't even need to bring a uke. Just come along, grab a drink, find a seat among the audience and soak up the atmosphere. Strum along, sing along, or simply chill and chat: it's entirely up to you.
Do I need to book?
No booking needed. Just turn up on the night and pay $10 at the door, the same whether you're playing or listening.
What happens on a club night?
It's an open-mic style night. Each month a hosting group opens with 3 songs, then 6 to 12 groups and solo acts (hosts included) take turns on stage, each playing up to 3 songs. The hosts play another 3 at halftime. The chords and words go up on screen, so you can strum along, sing along, listen, or just relax with a drink and catch up with friends.
It's my first time and I don't know anyone. Who do I talk to?
You won't be on your own for long. There's usually a club member on the door as our "welcomer", there to greet newcomers and help you get settled in. If no one's there (they might be busy welcoming someone else, or you're a bit early), just say hi to the friendly bar manager at Cabana Napier. Either way, they'll help break the ice and introduce you to a few of the regulars, and you'll be strumming along in no time.
Is food sold, and is there parking?
Cabana is a drinks-only bar (no food is sold), with plenty of free parking available.
What kind of music do you play?
Whatever the groups bring! Expect a big mix of pop, rock, country, classics and Kiwi favourites, plus songs to suit the month's theme.
Do club nights have a theme?
Yes, every club night has a theme, suggested by that month's hosting group. We try to announce it soon after the previous club night. Feel free to dress up to the theme if you like and get into the spirit of the night. Some months are always the same (May: NZ Music Month; December: End of year & Christmas). Upcoming themes are on the Events page and our Facebook page (opens in a new tab).
Is there a club night every month?
We meet on the first Thursday of every month (except January). There's no club night in January while everyone enjoys the summer break.
Can my band or I perform?
Yes, please! Bands and solo acts get up to 3 songs on stage. Email your songs, set up on the club's slide template with chords and lyrics, at least 3 days before club night. Our Bring a song page has the templates and how-to.
Can my group host a club night?
Yes, please! Get in touch with the organiser and put your hand up for the month you'd like. If no one else has claimed it yet, it's yours. As hosts you'll play 3 songs to open the night and 3 at halftime, and suggest the night's theme the month before.
Ready to join?
There's no sign-up form. Just turn up to the next club night, with or without a uke.