The Numurkah Ukulele Club: Joy and connection through music

“It is our club’s mission to support the community by providing entertaining and uplifting performances throughout the shire,” she said.

“Music is therapeutic, for the heart and the soul, for audiences and players alike.”

Ms McGregor said the club was about more than performing, providing members with an opportunity to build social connections while developing their musical skills.

“Our purpose as a club was to bring together and encourage those with a common interest in playing the ukulele and to foster goodwill and fellowship between members and the wider community,” she said.

Members bring a range of talents to the group, with some contributing their voices and others incorporating different instruments into performances.

For Ms McGregor, the joy of performing is what keeps her passionate about the group.

“I've always had an interest in playing, singing and performing,” she said.

“It just brings so much enjoyment for me, and if we can bring joy to someone else's day out there performing, you get a lot out of it.”

The club has traditionally focused on music from the 1950s to the 1970s, but is now introducing newer songs to its repertoire.

“A crowd favourite is Sweet Caroline, by Neil Diamond, and we have some personal club favourites, including Hotel Yorba by the White Stripes,” Ms McGregor said.

She said the ukulele was also an accessible instrument for beginners, with players only needing to learn three chords to play around 100 songs.

The group welcomes people of all skill levels, with members ranging from 18 to 80.

The club performs at venues and events across the shire, including aged care centres and community celebrations, as well as regularly performing at The Olde Creamery.

The club also regularly holds “Uke-oke” nights at various locations, inviting audiences to sing along karaoke-style.

“It’s a night where we ask the audience to get up and sing along to the songs we’re playing in karaoke style,” Ms McGregor said.

“Those nights are always a lot of fun with the audience involvement, and it’s just a barrel of laughs.”

The club’s next performance will be at ‘The Big Community Night Out’ in Numurkah on Friday, September 18.

“It's a privilege to be asked, and we look forward to coming, entertaining and brightening everyone's evening up,” Ms McGregor said.

The club meets every Wednesday from 7pm to 9pm at the Numurkah Information Centre.