The ‘Bay’ is a beautiful place, rivalling the Whitsundays (we reckon it is better). A lot of people retire up there. The Tomaree Ukestra started in May 2010 and has a regular attendance of 15-30 people.
After 9 years there is a very solid community of ukulele players, many of whom gather at each other’s houses (sometimes waterfront!) to play uke together.
There are many retirees up at Port Stephens, but it is sometimes quite difficult to get word out to the community of ‘non-tourists’ who reside in the various settlements of the Tomaree Peninsula (Nelson Bay, Shoal Bay, Fingal Bay, Salamander, Soldiers Point, Anna Bay, the Tilligerry Peninsula). So word of mouth is very important, and that is happening. Talk uke and people will start to do uke!
Monday mornings – 9:30-11:30am
We meet at the Fingal Bay Sports Club at 9:30 on a Monday morning.
Monday evenings 6:30-8:30pm
In April 2019 we started doing an evening Tomaree Ukestra at the Shoal Bay Country Club. As with any new Ukestra, the repertoire is targetted to be on the easier side. Come join us in the delightful Cane Lounge.
How much does it cost?
If you buy a UkeTen (ten sessions in advance that last for a year), the cost for a 2 hour Tomaree Ukestra session is $13.50. The conditions of use are here. Casual rate is $17. However new people are invited to contact Mark and come a half an hour earlier for a beginners lesson prior to the main session. Cost for a beginners lesson is $35 for one person – and please stay at no extra charge for the session afterwards. You may flounder in the first few weeks, but you’ll have fun, and your skills will quickly grow.
This is some of the mob who had their photo taken for the Examiner back in 2011.
And this is a more recent shot from early 2016.
Please join us!