Learn to Play “Can‘t Help But Smile,” Jim Beloff‘s Ukulele Festival Theme Song

When the Southern California Ukulele Festival asked Jim Beloff to write a theme song, he came up with "Can't Help But Smile." Here, he teaches you how to play it.... Read More...

‘A Fresh Idea’: Jim Beloff Chronicles the Ukulele’s Third Wave in the 1990s

The action in this short excerpt from the new book "UKEtopia! Adventures in the Ukulele World" takes place in 1998, as the 3rd wave was still gaining momentum. ... Read More...

How to Play ‘Blues on a Ukulele’ by Jim Beloff & Herb Ohta

Born from the idea that people think of ukulele as a happy instrument incapable of channeling a sad song, Jim Beloff and Herb Ohta wrote "Blues on a Ukulele" in 2003.... Read More...

New Albums from Jake Shimabukuro, Herb Ohta Jr., and Jim Beloff

3 New Uke CDs Reviewed Jake Shimabukuro The Greatest Day Given how Jake’s groundbreaking, off-the-cuff recording of him playing George Harrison’... Read More...

Love at First Strum: The Ukulele Changed Jim Beloff’s Life, and Then He Changed Ours

BY AUDREY COLEMAN | FROM THE FALL 2018 ISSUE OF UKULELE “So you’re asking yourself, ‘Am I able to create a robust arrangement in such a way that with a handful... Read More...

Letter From Madeira: Jumpin’ Jim Beloff Visits the Uke’s Ancestral Portugeuse Home

vintage postcard image shows a young Madeiran girl with a machete... Read More...

Jim and Liz Beloff: Winter NAMM 2016 Session

By Whitney Phaneuf Jim Beloff and his lovely wife Liz have been evangelizing the uke since 1992, after they purchased one at the Pasadena Rose Bowl Flea Market.... Read More...

Chee and Maisel Celebrate Beloff

There is no doubt that "Jumpin' Jim" Beloff is big reason why many of us are playing ukulele today. Through his books, DVDs, and workshops, he has directly and ... Read More...

20 Must-Listen Ukulele Albums

Explore ukulele history with must-hear records from the 1920s to the present day, plus ten favorite albums from the past ten years.... Read More...

Add Some Drama to Your Songwriting with a Step-Up Key Change

Technically known as a “modulation,” a step-up key change can significantly raise the emotion and drama of a recording or performance. Here's how to use it in your songwriting.... Read More...