Ukulele Club of Chinatown in San Francisco

In the heart of San Francisco’s bustling Chinatown district, the largest Chinese community outside Asia, the Ukulele Club of Chinatown meets to celebrate music from America and China. The club is organized by the Chinese Congregational Church, one of the oldest churches in the neighborhood, and takes place the third Wednesday of each month.

All levels of players are welcome to jam, and beginners have access to coaches and loaner ukuleles. The club selects six to eight songs in advance, which range from standards such as “What a Wonderful World” to “Beneath the Lion’s Rock,” the unofficial anthem of Hong Kong.

Our photographer Erin Conger was there to capture all the fun.

In the heart of San Francisco’s Chinatown: home of the Ukulele Club of Chinatown

Stephanie Jeong gleems with joy as she shows off her Kamaka at the Ukulele Club of Chinatown in San Francisco

Katie Fong Taylor shows off her uke at the Ukulele Club of Chinatown in San Francisco

The Chinese Congregational Church hosts the monthly meetups

Harlan Kawamoto plays along with the music at the Ukulele Club of Chinatown in San Francisco

‘Chinatown, My Chinatown’ is one of many songs played at the club

Helen Chan strums her Kala

Curtis Jung and his KoAloha

Kawika Loo’s koa Lanikai uke is signed by George Kuo, Aaron Mahi, and Martin & Cyril Pahinui

This article originally appeared in the
Summer 2015 issue of Ukulele magazine.