David Reetz is one that enjoys the sounds of a ukulele so much, he decided it was best to have a festival for the instrument.

That’s why he and Mexico Music, 101 North Washington Street, will host its Ukulele Festival 12-6 p.m. Saturday at Hickory Ridge Orchard for all ages and groups of performers.

It is the first Reetz and the store has hosted.

“I have done several Mexico Music student recitals with ukulele groups and soloists and also public-school concerts that included ukulele groups,” Reetz, who holds classes to teach the instrument at 7 p.m. Monday nights at Presser Performing Arts Center, said.

He also holds class for a Wednesday morning Callaway County Home School group of 20 students and Reetz also has 22 private ukulele students at Mexico Music.

“Ukulele has been becoming more popular everywhere as we’re learning that it is a good first instrument that everyone can succeed with,” Reetz said. “It makes learning other instruments easier because the students gain confidence, have fun and success and usually want to tackle something harder, like guitar or banjo.

“My students that go on to guitar still like participating with our ukulele groups and it’s great training for future ensemble and teamwork.”

The festival promises a lot of variety with ukulele banjos, baritone and bass ukuleles, harmonicas, percussion, lots of vocalist, guest violinist and violin teacher Emily Hobbs and harpist Melissa Purvis.“

“We have three out of towen groups: The Callaway County Kingdom Crusaders Home School Group, The Gloryland Band - a group of students from Fulton led by Lynn Demurio and a small group from the Columbia Ukulele Fight Club,” Reetz said. “So, there will be a fairly good attendance of family and friends of performers and I’m sure a few people who are curious about what we’re doing.”

Reetz has owned and operated Mexico Music for 30 years and he is one many are familiar with his myriad performances over the years.

“I love performing, writing and recording music, but what drives our business, and this festival is, I love to see other people enjoy and succeed with music and playing and singing together,” Reetz said. “Music can help people cope and discover who they are and who God wants them to be. It’s like a therapeutic magical bubble that is healthy to our spirits and souls. Ukulele provides an easier entrance into the musical realm.

“Ukuleles cost less, are more user friendly, easier to learn and more portable than other instruments. Their high register sounds like a child’s voice and calls us to listen.”

The 2022 Ukulele Festival Schedule (subject to change)
12:00 - Reetz Family
12:30 - Kingdom Crusaders Homeschool Group
12:45 - Glory-land Band, Fulton Missouri
1:00 - Mexico Music Ukulele Group
1:30 - Various Soloist
2:00 - Presser Performing Arts Ukulele Group
2:30 - Violinist - Emily Hobbs & Presser Ukulele Group
3:00 - Ukulele Fight Club of Columbia Missouri
3:30 - Harpist - Melissa Purvis & Ukulele Group
4:00 - Baritone Ukulele Showcase with Scott Weber and Poet - Justin Hamm
4:30 - Donnell Belcher and Friends
5:15 - Ukulele Workshop and Jam