Ukulele Friends Ohana

Vanikapila 13.26
2026-04-04 11:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Can you believe it’s our 13th Vanikapila and April already?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm this past week, though there maybe a cool down this week. But at least the Sun’s out.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 14.26
2026-04-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Aloha all,

It’s our 14th Vanikapila of 2026. No (April) fooling.

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm lately. So do dress accordingly and bring water.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 15.26
2026-04-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Aloha all,

It’s our 15th Vanikapila of 2026, we’re half way through April.

We are once again blessed with Sunny Days, until next week that is. I can hear the front yard weeds/grasses taunting me!

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty chilly at times. So do dress accordingly and bring water.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 16.26
2026-04-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Aloha all,

It’s our 16th Vanikapila of 2026, we’re almost through April.

We are once again blessed with Sunny Days. I can hear the front yard weeds/grasses stretching out their branches!

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty chilly at times. So do dress accordingly and bring water.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 17.26
2026-05-02 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our17th Vanikapila of 2026! Only (?) more to go?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been a little chilly, and gray lately. But if anyone is up to it you’re always welcome in the back 40. But at least the Sun’s out.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Kanikapila, Kaukau (Potluck) and an afternoon with Professor Robert Moniz
2026-05-09 10:00 - 15:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Have you ever wondered about the origins of our beloved ‘Ukulele?

Well, here’s an oppurtunity to learn first hand from Professor Roberto Moniz. His Bio below.

Professor Moniz is visiting from Portugal and has kindly agreed to a short presentation on the history of his Madeiran instruments, the Machete/Braguinha, Rajão and Viola de Arameas. As well as teach us some rhythms from his tradition and a few characteristic songs from Madeira.

Event schedule:

10a – 12pm Kanikapila (Prof. Moniz will be joining us!)12p – 1pm Luncheon 1p – 3pm Robert Presentation / Concert

We’ve had to adjust the time a bit to allow for Professor Moniz time to make it to his Sausalito performance later that evening.

If you will be participating in the Pot Luck Luncheon, please mention in the Notes what you will be bringing. Mahalo.

Professor Moniz’s Evening Event in Sausalito

For ticket reservations and other event details click the image above.

Professor Moniz’s Berkley Event

He also has an event on May 3 in Berkeley the Ashkenaz Music and Dance Company. Click below for tickets and details.

Click above for details and to purchase tickets.

Vanikapila 18.26
2026-05-16 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our 18th Vanikapila of 2026! Only (?) more to go?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it may be a little warm. But if anyone is up to it you’re always welcome in the freshly trim back 40, at least there may a breeze.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 19.26
2026-05-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Vanikapila #19! Talk about how time . . . uh, strums?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty windy and blustery lately. Plus I don’t think anyone would survive the Pollen Apocalypse out in the back 40.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 20.26
2026-05-30 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Vanikapila #20! Which looks strangely like the year we’re in?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty windy, blustery and then hot lately. The Pollen Apocalypse has backed off slighty out in the back 40, so inhale at your own risk? Ah choooo!

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Kanikapila, Kaukau (PotLuck) and an afternoon with Ken Emerson
2026-06-06 11:00 - 16:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Brudda Ken is coming back to Vendola Cafe!

Join us: 11a – 1pm-ish for our usual Kanikapila.Followed by a Potluck: 1pm – 2pmFinishing with Ken’s concert: 2pm – 4pm

Seating is limited so click below to reserve a seat now. Also, place note if you’ll be joining us for the Potluck and what dish you will bringing.

Mahalo,Del, Nohea and Ken

Na Hoku Award Winners Faith Ako & Tarvin Makia
2026-06-12 17:00 - 20:30 | San Rafael Elks Lodge, 1312 Mission Ave, San Rafael, CA, 94903, United States
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE HAVE CHANGED VENUES FOR THIS EVENT.

Featuring a Jazzy Hawaiian evening with Na Hoku Hanohano Award winners Faith Ako & Tarvin Makia.

Click below for details and to reserve a Luau Style Dinner at the San Rafael Elks Lodge.

Below, from Faith’s website:

Click above to view Faith’s website.

Vanikapila 21.26
2026-06-13 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our 21st Vanikapila of 2026 and we’re almost half way through the year.

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting. Good luck with the pollen count and winds though.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 22.26
2026-06-20 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our 22nd Vanikapila of 2026.

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm lately. I don’t think anyone would want be out in the back 40. But at least the Sun’s out, but so are those vicious particles . . . POLLEN.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 23.26
2026-06-27 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our 23nd Vanikapila of 2026. We’re almost half way around the sun?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm lately. I don’t think anyone would want be out in the back 40. But at least the Sun’s out, but beware of nature’s nano-bots . . . POLLEN!

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

2026 Marin County Fair Performance
2026-07-04 14:00 - 14:45 | Marin County Fair, 10 Ave of the Flags, San Rafael, California, 94903, United States
Aloha UFOhana,

Can you believe it’s that time of the year again? Yes, it’s County Fair Time and Yes, we’ve been invited to perform at the same venue as last year!

We should have a good size audience. Considering that we are performing later in the day and it being the 4th of July and all that, hopefully.

Though this event and tickets are for UFOhana performers only, Please feel free to invite your friends, neighbors, family, students to bring their own Ukuleles and join in the fun! Song books will be available.

Performance Day:

Many of you already know the drill. Please be sure to be there no later than 1:30. We perform at 2pm, end at 2:45pm.

Setup your music stands before going onstage (share with another ‘Ohana member if possible).

Prep/tune your Ukulele before going in stage.

When it’s our turn, get on stage asap, but don’t run over each other doing so. Please help those in need of assistance.

Core Band musicians will line upfront.

Hula Dancers will be on stage and in very front, with keiki’s just in front of the Core Band. See below for Stage Plot details. Mahalo Donna for volunteering to be Keiki Wrangler.

Please allow space and easy egress within your group for our Hula Dancers. The sooner they get in position the sooner we can play for them.

Everyone else, please wear Colorful Hawaiian Attire. Being it’s our 250th, Red, White, and Blue Hawaiian, if possible. If not, then a dominant Red or White or Blue color. I’m sure the audience will pickup on the theme.

Dress for warm weather and stay hydrated. Take your anti-cramping meds.

All Core Band members please bring your own Ukulele Cables to plug into the sound system. It’ll help speed up setup time.

When you’re on stage please let the sound techs do their job(s), give them all the space they need and when we’re cleared for take off . . .

Remember to smile, connect with someone in the audience, and enjoy!

I’m told that the Vendola Cafe Hula Dancers will be wearing white hula dresses with Red Hibiscus and kukui nut leis.

I ask that anyone joining the VCHD dress as such, definitely no hula dancers with jeans. Join in only if you know the hula. The VCHD has been practicing diligently for this event so please respect their time on stage.

Remember what Marion told us years agao . . . Look up at the audience once in a while and smile.

I’ll be providing the Flight Manual, as usual, I’ll have a few for the audience as well. Click here to downlaod a PDF copy if you wish to use your tablet.

I’m hoping to design some special Pins for the event and will hand them out on performance day.

I could not find a 2026 Fair Map, again, but I’m assuming we’ll be at the same location as last year, the “Kaiser Permanente Community Stage”, see below.

Be aware that it could have a different Sponsor Name this year, but the location has always been the same, so far.

See you on the 4th!

Mahalo Nui,

Del

Vanikapila 24.26
2026-07-11 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
It’s our 24th Vanikapila of 2026 and we just past the half way mark around the sun?

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm lately. I don’t think anyone would want be out in the back 40.

But at least the Sun’s out, but beware of nature’s nano-bots . . . POLLEN! I think they are aquiring sentience!

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 25.26
2026-07-18 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
Vanikapila number 25 of 2026 and we’re on the second half of our trip around our solar system.

For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

Btw, if you’re having problems connecting please text Nohea at 415-572-1175. Last week we had ZERO people online. I’m hoping it was glitch. For that of you wanting to view last week’s Vanikapila you can view it here: https://www.youtube.com/live/6holjRUt-Vs .

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting:

Though it’s always available, it’s been pretty warm lately. I don’t think anyone would want be out in the back 40.

But at least the Sun’s out, for you allergy sufferers, beware of nature’s nano-bots aka Pollen. I think they are aquiring sentience!

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 26.26
2026-07-25 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting, blah . . . blah . . . blah . . . you know the drill.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 27.26
2026-08-01 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903

Vanikapila 28.26
2026-08-08 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting (it’s going be hot!), yada . . . yada . . . yada . . . you know the drill.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed, unless they’re your spouse?

Vanikapila 29.26
2026-08-15 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms and consider joining us in Cyberspace (where no one can hear you cough).

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting, blah . . . blah . . . blah . . . wotevas.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.

Vanikapila 30.26
2026-08-22 11:00 - 13:00 | Vendola Cafe, 1585 Vendola Drive, San Rafael, California, 94903
For those of you joining us IRL (In Real Life) at Vendola Café (aka 1585 Vendola Drive), please test for COVID if you are exhibiting symptoms.

For those who wish, Vendola Café Outdoors (aka in the back yard) is always available for seating, weather permitting, hot dusty, windy, allergies, whateva . . . you know, da’kine.

Sorry, but no pets or service animals allowed.
