The Corktown Ukulele Jam was forged by a natural fusion of interests, learning, passion, experience and relentless obsession.

 

On January 14, 2009, 28 people with ukuleles braved a road-closing winter storm to gather for the first time at Toronto's legendary Dominion on Queen. The Corktown Ukulele Jam has since grown to over 1,700 active members and become the epicentre of Toronto's thriving uke scene.

 

A growing appetite for analog interaction in an increasingly digital world is what makes CUJam compelling to its hugely diverse membership. Music is its platform and the ukulele ensures everyone gets to be in the band.

 

Under the banner of torontoUKES, Steve McNie produces the Corktown Ukulele Jam at the Dominion on Queen (every Wednesday 8-11pm).

Steve was recently engaged by North America's largest music store and school to establish and take the helm of the Toronto North Ukulele Jam at Cosmo Music (every Monday, 8-10pm).

 

torontoUKES events are distinguished by effective leadership, a fluid program flow, monthly theme nites, attention to detail, unique offsite activities, a buttoned down 3-part weekly program (workshop, group jam, open stage), fun traditions and rituals, fabulous instrumental support, dedicated volunteers, a weekly eNewsletter to all members, video projection of all charts and a huge emphasis on style and groove. Group jam playlists are determined by online vote by those attending in advance of every jam and the line-up of performers for open stages is by online sign-up.

 

torontoUKES has presented ukulele greats Manitoba Hal on 4 occasions, and Lionel Hubert, Jim & Liz Beloff and Ralph Shaw - each for the first time ever in Toronto - each to a full house. In October 2012, we co-presented the Jake Shimabukuro documentary Life on Four Strings at Toronto's Reel Asian Film Festival, and partnered in presenting Jake Shimabukuro in concert to a packed Markham Theatre in April, 2013.

 

Decades of producing, managing, organizing, marketing, learning, teaching and performing have positioned us to offer a fun-filled musical experience that packs the house week after week. This work has spawned countless friendships, inspired creativity and confidence, and enriched lives.

 

→ about JYJ facilitator, Steve McNie