2024 Mount Airy Ukulele Retreat

Get ready for the sixth annual Mount Airy Ukulele Retreat from October 24th to October 27th, 2024! This year promises an extended experience with immersive classes, strumming and open mic sessions, and a concert by the instructors. Participants will have the opportunity to perform on the WPAQ Merry-Go-Round live radio broadcast. Join ukulele enthusiasts of all levels for a weekend filled with jams, workshops, and fun. Instructors this year include Mike “Lightnin” Wells, Ukulele Gent, and annual hosts Kent Knorr and George Smith with a diverse lineup of workshops tailored to every skill level.

Registration Fee: $150

Payment in full is confirmation of your registration. We are unable to offer refunds for any reason. Registration includes a t-shirt, classes, workshops, and more! Space is limited. Retreat events will take place in the Arts Center, Andy Griffith Playhouse, Andy Griffith Museum, and Historic Earle Theatre.

DATES:

October 24-27, 2024

LOCATIONS:

Arts Center, 215 Rockford Street

Andy Griffith Playhouse, Andy Griffith Museum Theatre, 218 Rockford Street

Historic Earle Theatre, 142 North Main Street

Mount Airy, NC 27030

INSTRUCTORS:

Ukulele Gent, Kent Knorr, George Smith, and Lightnin’ Wells

UKULELE GENT:

At 10 years old, his parents gave him the choice between two things he really wanted: guitar lessons or an aquarium. Guitar required work, so he chose the aquarium. Forty years later, he decided to learn a musical instrument, this time the ukulele. He is now involved with local play-alongs, uke festivals, and he hosts a weekly online play-along with viewers from across the country and world. Ukulele Gent is an Ambassador for KLOS brand ukuleles.

KENT KNORR:

Kent Knorr, a seasoned musician with over 30 years of experience, is not only a performer but also a dedicated teacher and instrument collector. In 2007, he established the North Carolina Ukulele Academy, a hub for ukulele enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. As the Academy's owner, Knorr has imparted his expertise to more than 2,000 students, emphasizing the unique qualities and techniques of the ukulele. Through his extensive knowledge of traditional ukulele music and instrument origins, he offers comprehensive instruction focusing on technique, style, and the joy of playing. Knorr's passion for the ukulele has garnered recognition from various media outlets, and he continues to share his love for music from his home in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he enjoys the coastal scenery with his wife and two daughters.

GEORGE SMITH:

George Smith's musical journey began with flute in middle school, eventually leading him to guitar and a deep passion for rock music. Over the years, he mastered multiple instruments including bass, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, all while writing his own original music. George's career boasts performances with renowned acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker Band, alongside numerous CD releases and notable collaborations. Since 2007, he's been teaching music privately, expanding into classes including the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI) and Granite City Rock Orchestra. With a debut album in 2014, ongoing projects, and a commitment to teaching and tuning, George remains a dynamic force in the regional music scene.

LIGHTNIN’ WELLS

Mike "Lightnin'" Wells breathes new life into the vintage tunes of the 1920s and depression-era America. Raised in eastern North Carolina, Wells learned to play harmonica as a young child and taught himself to play the guitar as he developed a strong interest in traditional blues and folk music. His years of public performance began in Chapel Hill, NC, in the 1970s. During the following decades he presented his brand of acoustic blues throughout North Carolina, the United States, and Europe. Lightnin' is an insatiable student and researcher, studying the various forms of American roots music. He plays a number of instruments including guitar, harmonica, ukulele, mandolin, and banjo. His musical style is personal and energetic yet remains true to the original forms.

The Mount Airy Ukulele Retreat is hosted by the Surry Arts Council and made possible through support from our Presenting Sponsor The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources as part of their COME HEAR NC program.

LODGING:

Comfort Inn 336-783-0008

Hampton Inn Mount Airy 336-789-5999

Holiday Inn Express 336-719-1731

Mayberry Motor Inn 336-786-4109

Quality Inn 336-789-2000

Veterans Memorial Park Campground 336-786-2236

Mayberry Campground 336-789-6199

www.visitmayberry.com/category/lodging for additional information.

Host or Publisher Surry Arts Council