As we approach the 10th Anniversary of the Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival, Kiana Kalahele explores how Cali Rose turned a love of music into a thriving community that reaches far beyond the stage. Read the article.
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Thank you for another special day. felt a little more special. The runners were applauding and taking pictures of us! And we were supposed to be there for them. Thank you for your hard work, your amazing charts, your enthusiasm, your musical gifts, and…
—M.F.
Today, your video of “Goody Goody” inspired me to contact you. You are really really good and your groups are beyond fortunate to have you as a teacher and a leader.
— K.D.
I also get inspiration from Dolly Parton. I’ve always loved her. But I recently heard a couple quotes I also like: “If you have a pulse you have a purpose.“ and “Don’t let the noise drown out your joy.”
These are hard times. I began this…
— D.
Your classes bring me (and so many others), apart from uke knowledge, the joy and happiness and laughter, truly a bright light all year around, and especially when the world is dark, your classes are a sanctuary! I forgot to say, and I learn so much about uke…
— L.W.
You know that we appreciate YOU, across nations! Thank you for being a patient teacher and a marvelous cheerleader to your ukulele family.
—E.B.
You are always very generous about congratulating us for what we do in our community with ukulele. But, please keep in mind, that all of this, my friend, is your legacy. These people are all playing and enjoying ukulele and spreading the joy thanks to your kindness,…
—B.H.
- [member of a flourishing ohana in Washington State]
I joined Cali’s intermediate class, her profound reservoir of musicianship subtly engaging us in learning and choice. Cali sets the context of appreciation, love and care, and awareness of human possibilities. I’m so grateful for the chance to meet such wonderful and giving people.
—L.
I had your music on and two guests mentioned how beautiful the music was. One guest sat near my blue bottle garden and listened to your entire album.
–D
I LISTENED TO ALL OF THE SONGS. BEYOND SPECTACULAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!YOU COULD DO GREAT THINGS WITH THIS CD!!!
—J.
Thanks for the Saturday sessions. Music is such good relief in these horrific times. I use your Saturday videos for practice a lot especially since I can SLOW the tempo down to practice the strumming. (Youtube is such a useful and wonderful learning tool.)
—J.
I am having so much fun with you and the rest of the group. I am learning so much and having so much fun. I really like the way you encourage everyone to try things out and create ourselves. Your pedagogy is wonderful.
–M.
Cali, you are the best!! A woman after my own heart! Responsible, kind, patient, and conscientious! You are the reason I am able to stick to this challenge! Update: I have been tuning up everyday and now it’s a cinch to get to the green…
—T.
Thanks Cali for the joy you put in the universe.
—N.
Can I mention that we all play in a group led by Cali Rose in Culver City and she is just amazing! She writes great ukulele charts and we adore her! Thanks Cali.
—V.
“Singing is like taking your voice on a joy ride to lift the blood and tears of life. Without music, I couldn’t bear the stress.” —Winston Churchill. Cali, thanks for bringing music to our lives. (more…)
—B.
How wonderful it is to celebrate you and all the pleasure you bring to us with your voice, our music, your smile and your great big heart.
—L & B
Thank you! I have just added the Thursday class to my life and fingerpicking. What a transition you and the uke have brought to my life. Life with the ukulele is so much richer.
—A.
I moved to LA about 5 years ago and have been ‘uking’ ever since. It has been an enormous gift for me. I found good friends, a welcoming community (which you have built) and a greater love of music. Thank you so much.
— R.
Thank you! Your extra advice during the class helps enormously, as does your encouragement.
— RK
… I credit you with always encouraging us to try different things as there in no absolute right and wrong way to play a song. Only if it sounds good to us. Just wanted to share this with you, as you like fun “wacky “stuff.” And mention the wonderful…
— M.
Thank you. It’s always a happy time when taking your class, and making music.
— JS
Even though I am just a beginner, I am hooked! You are a fabulous teacher! I love the way you give us options and challenge us to try new strum patterns. Also, the alternate fingering for chords is very helpful. Love, love, love your class.
— P.
I owe my music to you, your charm, loan of a uke and endless enthusiasm gave me a new lease on life. Thank you thank you thank you!
— T.
Thank you for providing this special forum. Although I only see most of the folks in your classes virtually, I feel the sense of community and love that comes through – a large part because of you and the tone that you’ve set. Brava!
— L.
Dear Cali Class today was an epic event. Thank you for your inspiration always. There was so much love and heart in the zoom room. You look great and I am so grateful that you listened to your inner wisdom. You are a gift to all of us. Sending…
— E.
Cali, So glad you are back in the saddle! I’m looking forward to working out arrangements and becoming fluent with the ever increasing bag of tricks. You and the musical journey we are all on together makes a big difference in our lives and our world. Thank you.
— C.
Wow, what an impressive list of songs that you have taught us starting last April when I joined you on Zoom. You’re such a highlight of the week. My husband has noticed a dramatic improvement in my playing and technique.
—T.
Thank you for your time and the love you put into your classes. You don’t know how much we appreciate it, especially during these trying times.
—K.
You really have created an amazing community/ohana with your excellent personality and teaching abilities, my Dear. So many of us have remained connected during this dreadful pandemic because of YOU! Thank you.
— E.
During this terrible year you and the ukulele have been my sunshine! Keep shining spreading joy and laughter.
—A.
Ukulele tutorial: “Better Times Will Come”
Janis Ian has generously shared her glorious and uplifting song with musicians everywhere, to learn, record, and share. Read more and get the chart.
Learn to play and sing Cali’s tune “OO-KOO-LAY-LAY” — with all kinds of ways to fancy things up!! Get the sheet music here. The UKC is an international organization that helps children overcome the stress of serious health conditions by playing the ukulele. Check out their website and their YouTube page for more academy workshops.
Cali Rose featured in OokTown’s Ukulele Podcast
Coming to you straight outta Culver City, Cali Rose comes to talk to us about the beginnings of The CC Strummers, affirms the power of the ukulele in music therapy, and takes us through her journey from studying nursing to full-time musician. Hosts: Stuart Yoshida, Doug Brown. Watch on YouTube or Listen on iTunes.
The CC Strummers… in the news!
A great video story by Kristopher Gee about Cali Rose and The CC Strummers – read it here!
Cali’s version of Chopsticks
Cali sings her own song “Smile, Smile, Smile
This Morning Something Wonderful Happened to Me (I Woke Up)
Cali Rose plays “The Way You Look Tonight” on piano
The CC Strummers and Cali Rose are performing a Strum & Sing Along Show at the 2026 Los Angeles International Ukulele Festival. This article, written by Kiana Kalahele, is produced by the Journalism Arts Initiative, which is underwritten by donations…
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Yes, there’s that “practice, practice, practice” thing. But it takes a village to get there. It takes a village to get anywhere. A village of one or two, hundreds, thousands… Our Zoomers and local CC Strummers all know Tom Kuwata. He’s been strumming his uke and…
