More Information Coming soon for Ukulele Retreat Hawaii 2024
Save the Date: March 17-20, 2024
If you know you’d like to put down a $500 deposit please contact our booking agent, Marion Koleski via e-mail using the button below:
UKULELE RETREAT LONG BEACH
The starting rate is our Commuter Rate, so you may book your own hotel or stay home, if you live in the area. However, if you would like to book with us at the Westin Long Beach, please visit our travel agent, Marion Koleski’s, and let her know. For bookings, please click on the button below (Marion K Travels).
The focus of this retreat will be group play, giving you opportunities to try out what you are learning in real time. Please keep in mind that this retreat is an intimate experience, where you will have more hands on time with the teachers.
What comes with my Retreat?
All workshops are recorded, so you may enjoy them once the event is finished.
Morning snacks, Lunches, and final evening Dinner.
Open mics & Jams
Special follow up material, once the retreat has ended
What can I expect from my classes?
Curriculum will be geared for Confident Beginners to Intermediate players.
A more intimate classroom experience.
Morning core classes will cover a variety of techniques that can be used for all styles of music, though our focus will be Hawaiian Music & Group Play.
Afternoon sessions will be split to to allow a more in-depth look at class materials.
Opportunities to participate, learn, and contribute to jams.
An opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian Music and Culture.
Retreat Staff
Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel
Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel have been teaching and performing around the globe for 15 years. Their passion for teaching is evident in every workshop they teach, including their Online ‘Ukulele School with ArtistWorks. Craig and Sarah have pioneered comprehensive online festival experiences throughout the pandemic, including the 51st Ukulele Festival Hawaii and their online Not-So-Mini Fests. Continuing to support the ukulele community, they created their Backyard Concert Series, which features local Hawaii Artists.
Prior to the pandemic, they hosted 6 ‘ukulele cruises and a variety of ‘ukulele retreats around the globe. Both are highly sought after for ‘ukulele festivals world wide as they love to share the joy of the ‘ukulele everywhere they go.
Bryan Tolentino
Bryan Tolentino is known for his accompanying style and adding "fairy dusting" to over 60+ recordings, including Raiatea Helm, Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta, Jr., Hōkū Zuttermeister, Kuʻuipo Kumukahi, and many more. He is a multiple Nā Hōkū Hanohano Award winner and on Grammy nominated recordings.
One of Bryan's greatest passions is teaching, and he has performed and taught 'ukulele all over the globe.
Herb Ohta Jr.
International recording artist Herb Ohta, Jr., is considered to be one of today’s most prolific 'ukulele masters. Influenced by Jazz, R&B, Latin and Brazilian music, he puts his stamp on Hawaiian music by pushing the limits of tone and technique on this beautiful instrument.
The son of 'ukulele legend "Ohta-san," he started playing at the age of three, and teaching at the age of nine. He now shares the music of Hawai'i and the beauty of the 'ukulele with people around the world, performing and conducting instructional workshops. Now in his 30th year in the music business, Herb is well on his way to matching his Father’s legacy.
Craig & Sarah’s Hawaii Ukulele Retreat
SOLD OUT!!!
To join our waiting list, please visit our travel agent, Marion Koleski’s, website:
Ala Moana Hotel - 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI 96814
This past retreat was magical, and we are excited to announce the dates for our 2023 March Ukulele Retreat Hawaii! Due to the intimate nature of this event, attendance is limited to 40 participants, so you will want to sign up before it sells out. We will be announcing special guest instructors soon. Join our mailing list to ensure you don’t miss our announcements!
What comes with my Retreat?
All workshops are recorded, so you may enjoy them once the event is finished.
Upgraded hot breakfasts, full course lunch, and afternoon snacks.
5 night stay at the Ala Moana Hotel.
Open mics, Jams, and special guest performances & instructors.
Special excursion to Kane’ohe (more details to come).
What can I expect from my classes?
Curriculum will be geared for Confident Beginners to Intermediate players.
Morning core classes will cover a variety of techniques that can be used for all styles of music, though our focus will be Hawaiian Music.
Afternoon sessions will be split to to allow a more in-depth look at class materials.
Opportunities to participate, learn, and contribute to jams.
An opportunity to learn more about Hawaiian Music and Culture.
Our core staff will be Craig Chee, Sarah Maisel, Neal Chin, and our travel agent Marion Koleski. There will be guest instructors announced soon, so please join our mailing list if you want to hear more about our retreat.
Want to book your spot now? Please visit Marion Koleski’s website, or contact her directly via e-mail.
Staff Additions Announcement
We are excited to have more instructors and jam leaders join us for our March 2023 retreat! Please enjoy this video of our instructors! Our new staff includes:
Neal Chin, Bryan Tolentino, Kala’e Camarillo, Cory Mau, and Petey Mack!
Retreat Staff
Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel
Craig Chee & Sarah Maisel have been teaching and performing around the globe for 15 years. Their passion for teaching is evident in every workshop they teach, including their Online ‘Ukulele School with ArtistWorks. Craig and Sarah have pioneered comprehensive online festival experiences throughout the pandemic, including the 51st Ukulele Festival Hawaii and their online Not-So-Mini Fests. Continuing to support the ukulele community, they created their Backyard Concert Series, which features local Hawaii Artists. They are excited to feature some of those artists in this year’s Ukulele Retreat Hawaii!
Prior to the pandemic, they hosted 6 ‘ukulele cruises and a variety of ‘ukulele retreats around the globe. Both are highly sought after for ‘ukulele festivals world wide as they love to share the joy of the ‘ukulele everywhere they go.
Neal Chin
Born and raised on Maui, Neal Chin has been playing the 'ukulele for sixteen years and teaching for fifteen. He moved to Honolulu, Hawai’i after High School to continue his teaching and performing career. Along with the teachers at the 'ukulele school, 'Ukulele Hale, Neal’s students performed throughout the islands at events such as The 'Ukulele Picnic of Hawai'i, the Hawai'i Book and Music Festival, and volunteering for the Shriners Hospital for Children. Neal has performed with over fifty musicians and acts, including Benny Chong, Erika Elona, David Kamakahi, Illisit, and Steven Inglis. Neal has credits on many recordings, including the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award winning album, The Akira Project. During his time in Honolulu he received his A.S. in Music Business from the Honolulu Community College. Neal now resides in Seattle, Washington. His latest album 'Ukulele Paintings was nominated for the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award.
Marion Koleski
Marion is your travel agent and event coordinator, so if you have any questions or problems, she's your go-to person.
A lifelong percussionist, Marion is also a trained facilitator for Remo HealthRHYTHMS Group Empowerment Drumming. Anticipating boredom upon becoming an empty nester, Marion started playing ukulele in 2012, and founded the KalamazUkes Ukulele Club. Marion is a former member of the Battle Creek Sweet Adelines barbershop chorus.
Guest Instructors & Jam Leaders
Bryan Tolentino
Cory Mau
Kala’e Camarillo
Petey Mack
PAST IN PERSON RETREATS
March 20 - 24, 2022
Ala Moana Hotel - 410 Atkinson Dr, Honolulu, HI 96814
Want to see what it was like at our 2022 Craig & Sarah Ukulele Retreat Hawaii? Please check out the video blogs below:
