What is a gig?

Gigs are casual performances where Twin Cities Ukulele Club members play and sing familiar, fun songs for an audience. Our audiences appreciate our enthusiasm and don’t expect professional performers. Players usually sit and use music stands, and the overall vibe is relaxed and joyful.

Gig participation is voluntary and open to all skill levels. Any TCUC member is welcome to play and sing at gigs. A willingness to “sing out” is important, since vocals are a big part of our performances.

We perform songs that we regularly play at jams—no special arrangements. Gig songs come from:

• The Yellow and Blue songbooks (including baritone versions)
• The TCUC Private Library (Dropbox – 1A ALL SONGS folder)

We may also include a limited number of song requests if they are provided well in advance. Audiences are encouraged to sing along, and lyric sheets can be provided for the venue to print if desired.

While we use familiar jam songs, separate practice sessions are encouraged to help ensure a smooth and enjoyable performance for our audiences.

Gigs are led by experienced TCUC Gig Leaders, who help guide the group and keep things running smoothly.

TCUC Gig Coordinators handle where, when, and how gigs are scheduled. If you know of a place that might be interested in a TCUC gig, please contact one of our coordinators:

• Central Metro area:
  Michelle Ehlers — Ukulelefun222@gmail.com
• Northeast Metro area:
  Debbie — djkam@comcast.net
  Mary Jo — phillipsmaryjo1@gmail.com
• Wright County area:
  Steve Ringat — singlespeedsteve@yahoo.com
• Apple Valley area:
  Karl Drutowski — karldru55@gmail.com

The coordinators work directly with venues and confirm gig details as appropriate.

Once a gig is scheduled, it will appear on our GIGS page. It is also shared on our TCUC email list. Members who are interested respond to the Gig Leader, who then provides details to the participating players.

We perform at a wide variety of locations throughout the Twin Cities metropolitan area.

Gigs take place throughout the week and at various times of day. Availability depends on scheduling.

• Adult gigs typically last 45–120 minutes, with 60 minutes being most common.
• Gigs for children’s groups may be shorter, sometimes as little as 15 minutes, depending on attention span.

We usually recommend 10 or more players, but this can be adjusted depending on the venue and space available.

TCUC does not charge for gigs.