It’s nearly Autumn in Melbourne but the weather is still fine and warm and there are still festivals to attend, both for the Ukulele community and the wider population.

In early March (8-11) is the Moomba Festival with it’s Multicultural Parade on the 11th, and all kinds of community events in the city, including ukulele lessons for kids. For details visit https://news.melbourne.vic.gov.au/moomba/

Later on in March (15, 16, 17) is the famous Melbourne Ukulele Festival in Northcote. For all the events and workshops visit https://www.muf.org.au.

In the Northern Hemisphere Spring is just around the corner with everyone will emerging from Winter hibernation and looking forward to enjoying finer weather with all kinds of celebrations. So let’s put on our dancing shoes and play some relevant songs on the Ukulele.

With that end in mind I have selected some ukulele versions of songs with a dance theme performed by talented ukulele players on YouTube.

The 1958 song Do You Wanna Dance by Bobby Freeman is interpreted on ukulele by Pete Ukuholic Joyce with additional instruments.

Martha and the Vandellas first recorded Dancing in the Street in 1964, followed by many other popular artists, like The Mamas and the Papas. Here we have Paul Gasper doing a lively rendition on ukulele.

Matt Daniels performs David Bowie’s Let’s Dance from 1983 to really get your toes tapping.

Learn to play Bruce Springsteen’s 1984 hit, Dancing in the Dark from Ukulele Cheats wonderful tutorial.

To round up this selection of Dance Songs, Overdriver Duo gives an excellent performance of Abba’s Dancing Queen (1976).

I hope these songs inspire all those who love the ukulele to attend a festival, do a ukulele workshop or just enjoy playing the ukulele where others can dance along to the music.

It’s great to be back after having a year of challenges that have keep me away from this blog. At least I have been able to play my ukuleles to retain some sense of fun and calm. It really is an instrument of joy.

Happy strumming,

Kat