Tag Archives: Leigh Square

Cutie Circle’s 12th Birthday Celebration — Music in the Square

In collaboration with the City of Port Coquitlam, Cutie Circle is bringing two world-renowned ukulele artists to Leigh Square for an afternoon of workshops, concerts and a ukulele jam!


Intended for ukulele players and music lovers alike, this event will show the audience some ukulele techniques; entertain via various music genres played through the lens of this happiest instrument on Earth; and engage the community in an open jam for a hearty singalong !

Program

Check-in (for registered attendees who would like to receive workshop and jam packages)

01:00 PM onwards

Workshops

02:00 PM – 03:40 PM

Concerts

03:40 PM – 04:30 PM

Ukulele Jam

04:30 PM – 05:00 PM

About the Artists

David Chen

A leading figure in the Ukulele world from Taiwan — performer, author, and educator across Greater China.

He graduated from York University in UK for his master degree, now is the president of Chung Hua International Ukulele Association in Taiwan.

David Chen is a key promoter of the ukulele in the Chinese-speaking world, devoted to music education and international cultural exchange. He has served as a special guest ukulele instructor for companies such as Alibaba Group and Apple Shanghai Headquarters. He is widely recognized as a renowned performer, best-selling author, and educator in Taiwan, China, Singapore and Malaysia.

David is particularly known for his unique “Hawaiian Two-Finger Style,” which has captured attention across the industry. He has held solo ukulele concerts at prestigious venues like Shanghai Concert Hall and Shenzhen Concert Hall, delivering emotionally rich and technically refined performances.
As the founder and organizer of the Taiwan and Shanghai International Ukulele Festivals, David has played a crucial role in fostering the ukulele boom in Greater China, while also promoting deep international collaborations among performers.

He is the author of over seven instructional books, including the best-selling “24 Essential Ukulele Lessons”, the first comprehensive ukulele textbook for Chinese readers, and the highly acclaimed “Perfect Hawaiian Two-Finger Arrangements.”

David’s unique style has made him beloved by ukulele enthusiasts around the world. He has been invited to perform and teach in over 20 countries and cities, including Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Europe, and the Americas, continuing to spread the charm of the ukulele worldwide.

Always with me

Demo of Two-finger style

Eduardo García

Eduardo is a multi-instrumentalist originally from Mexico who arrived in Vancouver in 2017.

He has been a full time Ukulele Instructor since 2012. He was the founder/director of the Academia de Ukuleles de la Ribera (Lakeside Ukulele Academy), a self-financed music school that provides instruments and free music lessons to all children in his community and that continues to this day.

He was a feature performer at the Vancouver Ukulele Festival in 2018 and 2019; the Ajijic Ukulele Retreat (Mexico) in 2017 and 2019; the Seoul International Aloha Ukulele Festival (South Korea) in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2025; the Kamloops Ukulele Festival (Canada) in 2022, 2024 and 2026, the Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival (Canada) in 2025, and was featured in the International spotlight of the Ukulele Festival Hawai’i in 2021, among other online ukulele events organized in Japan, Brazil, Canada and USA.

Autumn Leaves

Undertale

Acknowledgement

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for financially supporting this event at the beautiful Leigh Square.

Event Details

Date: Sunday · July 5, 2026
Time: 2:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: Leigh Square, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Ticket and Registration:
To receive a free workshop and jam package at the event, register at Eventbrite by June 29:
https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/music-in-the-square-tickets-1992175794429?

Parking Map: https://maps.portcoquitlam.ca/portal/apps/instant/basic/index.html?appid=2e0c6ce36b334b1c9aab01b949d5cb8b

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

What to Bring for the Workshops and/or Jam

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and clips (or clothes pins) for fastening songsheets.

What to Bring for the Concerts

While there will be benches on site, please feel free to bring chairs or blankets. Also, attendees can feel free to bring hats. There are eateries nearby for a quick snack or beverage.

Cutie Circle’s 2020 Ukulele Workshop Series Postponed Indefinitely

In light of the current Public Health Agency of Canada’s guidance on Covid-19, Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) deeply regret to announce that the Sixth Annual Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners will be postponed indefinitely in order to help mitigate disease transmission in the community-at-large.

In the meantime, ukulele kits (including instruction books) are available for loan from your local Fraser Valley Regional Library locations should aspiring students seek to have an early start on their ukulele journey via self-study.

We hope to offer it again at a future date and it will be announced on our website. If you would like to be informed by email, please feel free to complete the “Join Us” form to be added to our mailing list.

We have included below the general details about our workshop series for information only.

Stay healthy, hydrated, happy and safe.


Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth.

It was a fantastic experience for attendees and volunteers alike and we can hardly wait to meet everyone and spread the joy of ukulele this spring.

Many of our students have gone on to share music by volunteering their time to perform at municipal and regional events and/or to teach ukulele to other seniors and children in the community.

Photo Credit: Helena M.

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

LS2

Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Postponed Indefinitely
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is currently closed.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbook, Ukulele for Dummies, 2nd Edition. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

Ukulele Kits Loaning Program

We have acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $60. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below.

Ukulele Scholarship Initiative

We are in the process of establishing a small scholarship for a few keen students who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own ukuleles to continue their music journey upon conclusion of our ukulele workshop series. Those who would like to donate any ukulele in good condition (new or used) to this scholarship program are welcome to contact us. We will put you and the recipient in touch.

2019 Ukulele Scholarship Winners

Ukulele Lending, Rental and Sales in the Region

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website. For pick-up orders only (with a 24-hour advance notice because the company is a warehouse not a store-front), our students can pick up their orders in person to save on shipping.
    Empire Music has generously offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. The store also offers special discounts on ukuleles for all Cuties. The discounts can range from 9% to 15% depending on the make and model of the ukulele. Mention Cutie Circle at time of purchase to receive the discount. Ask for Brandon Smith for further assistance. (Information current as of March 24, 2017.)
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 10% discount on regular-priced ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd or Adam Dean at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)
  • Tapestry Music has offered participants of this workshop store discounts on regular-priced ukuleles. Please contact Michael Sabourin at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop.

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

LS1

Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Lending Collection at the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL)

  • Cutie Circle and Terry Fox Library collaborated in the Fall of 2016 to create the Uke ‘n Play ukulele public lending collection. The Cutie Circle, Empire Music, King’s Music, Ohana Music and our good friend, Linda Thiessen, collectively donated 50 ukulele kits (including ukuleles, gig bags and tuners) and the FVRL rounded out the collection with ukulele instruction books and plastic containers for each kit. Library patrons of the 25 FVRL branches (from Port Coquitlam to Boston Bar) can now borrow ukuleles for free. In fact, Library network cardholders in the surrounding region (e.g., Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley) can borrow ukuleles in person at FVRL locations as well. A further 20 ukulele kits were donated to FVRL in the Fall of 2017 by King’s Music and the Cutie Circle.

Cutie Circle’s 2019 Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners

For the fifth year in a row, Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) will once again be offering aspiring adult ukulele players a free ukulele workshop series on Saturday afternoons.

Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth from April 6 to June 8.

It was a fantastic experience for attendees and volunteers alike and we can hardly wait to meet everyone and spread the joy of ukulele this spring.

Many of our students have gone on to share music by volunteering their time to perform at municipal and regional events and/or to teach ukulele to other seniors and children in the community.

Photo Credit: Helena M.

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

LS2

Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Saturdays, April 6 to June 8, 2018
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is required. Registration form is located on the bottom of this page.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbook, Ukulele for Dummies, 2nd Edition. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

Ukulele Kits Loaning Program

We have acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $60. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below.

Ukulele Scholarship Initiative

We are in the process of establishing a small scholarship for a few keen students who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own ukuleles to continue their music journey upon conclusion of our ukulele workshop series. Those who would like to donate any ukulele in good condition (new or used) to this scholarship program are welcome to contact us. We will put you and the recipient in touch.

Ukulele Lending, Rental and Sales in the Region

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

LS1

Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Rental

  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has a couple of soprano ukuleles in stock for rent at $10/month. Please confirm with the store regarding availability if interested. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Ukulele Sales

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website. For pick-up orders only (with a 24-hour advance notice because the company is a warehouse not a store-front), our students can pick up their orders in person to save on shipping.
    Empire Music has generously offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. The store also offers special discounts on ukuleles for all Cuties. The discounts can range from 9% to 15% depending on the make and model of the ukulele. Mention Cutie Circle at time of purchase to receive the discount. Ask for Brandon Smith for further assistance. (Information current as of March 24, 2017.)
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 10% discount on regular-priced ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd or Adam Dean at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

Ukulele Lending Collection at the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL)

  • Cutie Circle and Terry Fox Library collaborated in the Fall of 2016 to create the Uke ‘n Play ukulele public lending collection. The Cutie Circle, Empire Music, King’s Music, Ohana Music and our good friend, Linda Thiessen, collectively donated 50 ukulele kits (including ukuleles, gig bags and tuners) and the FVRL rounded out the collection with ukulele instruction books and plastic containers for each kit. Library patrons of the 25 FVRL branches (from Port Coquitlam to Boston Bar) can now borrow ukuleles for free. In fact, Library network cardholders in the surrounding region (e.g., Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley) can borrow ukuleles in person at FVRL locations as well. A further 20 ukulele kits were donated to FVRL in the Fall of 2017 by King’s Music and the Cutie Circle.

Scheduling Notes and Supplementary Materials

The Workshop Series will be held on April 6, 13, 27; May 4, 25; Jun 1, 8.

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Registration

Online registration opens on March 15.
Registration confirmation will be sent to email addresses supplied via the form below. We look forward to meeting you at the workshop.

The workshop series is geared towards adult learners and is unsuitable for young children and unaccompanied minors due to the length of each 2-hour session and the pedagogy employed. Adult participants who would like to bring along minors must supervise and assist their children at all times during the workshop.

As seats are limited, we kindly ask that all who register for this workshop commit to attending all sessions. Participants with full attendance will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop. Registration is required for all participants (including accompanied minors).

To assist us in our lesson planning, please let us know briefly your music background.

For volunteers who are registering to help with the workshop, please indicate availability in the “Questions / Comments” box.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

I am signing up as a(required)

Music Background (Check all that apply)(required)
Ukulele, Tuner, Music Stand, Textbook Package(required)

 

Cutie Circle’s 2018 Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners

For the fourth year in a row, Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) will once again be offering aspiring adult ukulele players a free ukulele workshop series on Saturday afternoons.

Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth from April 14 to June 9.

It was a fantastic experience for attendees and volunteers alike and we can hardly wait to meet everyone and spread the joy of ukulele this spring.

Many of our students have gone on to share music by volunteering their time to perform at municipal and regional events and/or to teach ukulele to other seniors and children in the community.

Photo Credit: Helena M.

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

LS2

Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Saturdays, April 14 to June 9, 2018
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is required. Registration form is located on the bottom of this page.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbook, Ukulele for Dummies, 2nd Edition. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

Ukulele Kits Loaning Program

We have acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $60. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below.

Ukulele Scholarship Initiative

We are in the process of establishing a small scholarship for a few keen students who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own ukuleles to continue their music journey upon conclusion of our ukulele workshop series. Those who would like to donate any ukulele in good condition (new or used) to this scholarship program are welcome to contact us. We will put you and the recipient in touch.

Ukulele Lending, Rental and Sales in the Region

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

LS1

Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Rental

  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has a couple of soprano ukuleles in stock for rent at $10/month. Please confirm with the store regarding availability if interested. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Ukulele Sales

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website. For pick-up orders only (with a 24-hour advance notice because the company is a warehouse not a store-front), our students can pick up their orders in person to save on shipping.
    Empire Music has generously offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. The store also offers special discounts on ukuleles for all Cuties. The discounts can range from 9% to 15% depending on the make and model of the ukulele. Mention Cutie Circle at time of purchase to receive the discount. Ask for Brandon Smith for further assistance. (Information current as of March 24, 2017.)
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 10% discount on regular-priced ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd or Adam Dean at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

Ukulele Lending Collection at the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL)

  • Cutie Circle and Terry Fox Library collaborated in the Fall of 2016 to create the Uke ‘n Play ukulele public lending collection. The Cutie Circle, Empire Music, King’s Music, Ohana Music and our good friend, Linda Thiessen, collectively donated 50 ukulele kits (including ukuleles, gig bags and tuners) and the FVRL rounded out the collection with ukulele instruction books and plastic containers for each kit. Library patrons of the 25 FVRL branches (from Port Coquitlam to Boston Bar) can now borrow ukuleles for free. In fact, Library network cardholders in the surrounding region (e.g., Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley) can borrow ukuleles in person at FVRL locations as well. A further 20 ukulele kits were donated to FVRL in the Fall of 2017 by King’s Music and the Cutie Circle.

Scheduling Notes and Supplementary Materials

The Workshop Series will be held on April 14, 21, 28; May 5, 26; Jun 2, 9.

LS

Registration

Online registration is now full. To be added to the waiting list, please complete the form below.
Registration confirmation will be sent to email addresses supplied via the form below. We look forward to meeting you at the workshop.

The workshop series is geared towards adult learners and is unsuitable for young children and unaccompanied minors due to the length of each 2-hour session and the pedagogy employed. Adult participants who would like to bring along minors must supervise and assist their children at all times during the workshop.

As seats are limited, we kindly ask that all who register for this workshop commit to attending all sessions. Participants with full attendance will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop. Registration is required for all participants.

To assist us in our lesson planning, please let us know briefly your music background.

For volunteers who are registering to help with the workshop, please indicate availability in the “Questions / Comments” box.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

I am signing up as a(required)

Music Background (Check all that apply)(required)
Ukulele, Tuner, Music Stand, Textbook Package(required)

 

Cutie Circle Ukulele Jamboree on Culture Days 2017

Join the fun and discover a new instrument as you learn to play a song on the ukulele in just five minutes at our Culture Days events. For a complete listing of all the Tri-Cities’ Culture Days happenings, download this 2017 Culture Days Guide.

Cutie Circle volunteers will be celebrating Culture Days on September 30 from 1 to 4pm in the Michael Wright Art Gallery of the Gathering Place at Leigh Square Community Arts Village in Port Coquitlam and on October 1 in Room 789 at Pinetree Community Centre in Coquitlam.

We will have on hand ukuleles for curious aspiring musicians to try their hands at strumming and singing!

On Saturday, Cuties will also be performing twice at Leigh Square as part of the unveiling of the Canada 150 Mural at 12:15pm and 12:35pm. Come sing and/or strum with us!

Cutie Circle Performs during Canada 150 Mosaic Mural Unveiling
Time: 12:15 – 12:25pm; 12:35 – 12:45pm
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Location: Leigh Square Community Arts Village, 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam
Bring your ukulele and join us in the performances as the City of Port Coquitlam unveils its Canada 150 Mosaic Mural.

Cutie Circle Ukulele Jamboree in Port Coquitlam
Time: 1:00 – 4:00pm
Date: Saturday, September 30, 2017
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square, Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam
Come for a free ukulele lesson between 1:00 and 3:00pm. Bring your ukulele and come for our open jam from 3:00 to 4:00pm.

Cutie Circle Ukulele Jamboree in Coquitlam
Time: 9:00 am – 12:00 noon
Date: Sunday, October 1, 2017
Location: Room 789, Pinetree Community Centre, 1260 Pinetree Way, Coquitlam
Come for a free ukulele lesson between 9:00 and 11:00am. Bring your ukulele and come for our open jam from 11:00am to 12:00 noon.

We’ll have on display a fresh-off-the-factory-floor Populele, a smart ukulele that helps ukesters learn new songs.

Check out Canada’s only Conchalele and be immersed in the tropical island-feel!

Better yet, bring your uke and attend our open jam.

We thank Leigh Square of City of Port Coquitlam and the Pinetree Community Centre of City of Coquitlam for sponsoring our events. Special thanks go to Place Des Arts for including us in the Tri-Cities promotion.

Cutie Circle’s 2017 Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners

For the third year in a row, Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) will once again be offering aspiring ukulele players a free ukulele workshop series on Saturday afternoons.

Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth from April 8 to June 10.

It was a fantastic experience for attendees and volunteers alike and we can hardly wait to meet everyone and spread the joy of ukulele this spring. Many of our students have gone on to share music by volunteering their time to perform at municipal and regional events and/or to teach ukulele to other seniors and children in the community.

Photo Credit: Helena M.

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

LS2

Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Saturdays, April 8 to June 10, 2017
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is required. Registration form is located on the bottom of this page.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbook, Ukulele for Dummies, 2nd Edition. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

volunteers

Ukulele Kits Loaning Program

We have acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $60. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below.

Ukulele Scholarship Initiative

We are in the process of establishing a small scholarship for a few keen students who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own ukuleles to continue their music journey upon conclusion of our ukulele workshop series. Those who would like to donate any ukulele in good condition (new or used) to this scholarship program are welcome to contact us. We will put you and the recipient in touch.

Ukulele Lending, Rental and Sales in the Region

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

LS1

Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Rental

  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has a couple of soprano ukuleles in stock for rent at $10/month. Please confirm with the store regarding availability if interested. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Ukulele Sales

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website. For pick-up orders only (with a 24-hour advance notice because the company is a warehouse not a store-front), our students qualify for a 5% discount. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)
    Empire Music has generously offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. The store also offers special discounts on ukuleles for all Cuties. The discounts can range from 9% to 15% depending on the make and model of the ukulele. Mention Cutie Circle at time of purchase to receive the discount. Ask for Brandon Smith for further assistance. (Information current as of March 24, 2017.)
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 10% discount on regular-priced ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd or Adam Dean at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount. (Information current as of March 14, 2017.)

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

Ukulele Lending Collection at the Fraser Valley Regional Library (FVRL)

  • Cutie Circle and Terry Fox Library collaborated in the Fall of 2016 to create the Uke ‘n Play ukulele public lending collection. The Cutie Circle, Empire Music, King’s Music, Ohana Music and our good friend, Linda Thiessen, collectively donated 50 ukulele kits (including ukuleles, gig bags and tuners) and the FVRL rounded out the collection with ukulele instruction books and plastic containers for each kit. Library patrons of the 25 FVRL branches (from Port Coquitlam to Boston Bar) can now borrow ukuleles for free. In fact, Library network cardholders in the surrounding region (e.g., Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley) can borrow ukuleles in person at FVRL locations as well.

Scheduling Notes and Supplementary Materials

The Workshop Series will start on April 8.

There will be no workshop on April 15 due to the Easter long weekend.

There will be no workshop on May 13 due to the May Day Parade.

There will be no workshop on May 20 due to the Victoria Day long weekend.

LS

Registration

Online registration began on March 15, 2017 and is now closed.

Thank you for your support. All seats have been filled.

Registration confirmation has been sent to email addresses supplied via the form below. We look forward to meeting you at the workshop.

The workshop series is geared towards adult learners and is unsuitable for young children and unaccompanied minors due to the length of each 2-hour session and the pedagogy employed. Adult participants who would like to bring along minors must supervise and assist their children at all times during the workshop.

As seats are limited, we kindly ask that all who register for this workshop commit to attending all sessions. Participants with full attendance will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop. Registration is required for all participants.

If you would like to be put on the waiting list, please complete the form below. To assist us in our lesson planning, please let us know briefly your music background.

Volunteers who are registering to help with the workshop, please indicate availability in the “Music Background / Comments” box.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Ukulele, Tuner, Music Stand, Textbook Package(required)

Free Community Screening of “The Ukes Down Under”

TUDU logo landscape

Come and join us for the Tri-City Premiere of “The Ukes Down Under,” a documentary about the Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain’s first tour of Australia, produced by the independent filmmaker Robert Stern at Litmus Films.

This community screening is being held as part of the second half of the first session of the Cutie Circle’s 2016 Ukulele Workshop Series. Please arrive at 2:30pm and not earlier.

We thank Litmus Films for letting us purchase a community screening license for this film and the City of Port Coquitlam for the use of their facility to hold this event. Seats are limited.

Eventbrite - The Ukes Down Under – Community Screening

Synopsis

The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain played their first gig in 1985, and the world has been catching up with them ever since. Riding the global ukulele boom they did so much to inspire, in February 2012 the band embarked on their first World Tour, starting in Australia. Litmus Films filmed The Ukes throughout their two-week trip, capturing backstage mishaps, road trip adventures, jam sessions with local fans, guerilla gigs at unlikely venues and standing ovations across the country including Sydney Opera House. This intimate, uplifting and entertaining film shows the band as they’ve never been seen before.

Date: Saturday, April 16, 2016

Time: 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm (immediately after the Cutie Circle’s Cutie Circle’s 2016 Ukulele Workshop Series in the Michael Wright Art Gallery, the Gathering Place at Leigh Square.

Location: 2253 Leigh Square, Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 3B8, Canada

Cost: Free Admission

Cutie Circle’s 2016 Ukulele Workshop Series for Absolute Beginners

group_2015

Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) will once again be offering aspiring ukulele players a free ukulele workshop series on Saturday afternoons from April 16 to June 11. Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth!

It was a fantastic experience for attendees and volunteers alike last fall and we can hardly wait to meet everyone and share the joy of ukulele this spring.

Photo Credit: Helena M.

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

LS2

Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Saturdays, April 16 to June 11, 2016 (*note the start date has moved to April 16)
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is required. Registration form is located on the bottom of this page.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbook, Ukulele for Dummies, 2nd Edition. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

volunteers

Ukulele Kits Loaning Program

We have acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $60. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below. [The new deposit amount reflects the increased costs of textbooks and music stands.]

Ukulele Scholarship Initiative

We are in the process of establishing a small scholarship for a few keen students who might otherwise not be able to afford to buy their own ukuleles to continue their music journey upon conclusion of our ukulele workshop series. Those who would like to donate any ukulele in good condition (new or used) to this scholarship program are welcome to contact us. We will put you and the recipient in touch.

Ukulele Rental and Sales in the Region

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

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Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Rental

  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has a couple of ukuleles in stock for rent at $8/month. Please confirm with the store regarding availability if interested.

Ukulele Sales

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website and has offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. Please ask for Girard Knox for more information.
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 10% discount on regular-priced ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd or Adam Dean at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount. (Information current as of March 3, 2016.)

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

Scheduling Note and Supplementary Materials

The Workshop Series will start on April 16.

There will be no workshop on May 7 due to the May Day Parade.

There will be no workshop on May 21 for the Victoria Day long weekend.

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Registration

Online registration began on March 15, 2016.

Registration confirmation will be sent to email addresses supplied via the form below. We look forward to hearing from you.

As seats are limited, we kindly ask that all who register for this workshop commit to attending all sessions. Participants with full attendance will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop. Due to the length of each afternoon session, the workshop is unsuitable for young children. To assist us in our lesson planning, please let us know briefly your music background.

Volunteers who are registering to help with the workshop, please indicate availability in the “Music Background / Comments” box.

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Thank you for your response. ✨

Ukulele, Tuner, Music Stand, Textbook Package(required)

Cutie Circle Offers Free 10-Week Ukulele Workshop for Absolute Beginners

Free Workshop

Cutie Circle volunteers (aka Cuties) will be offering aspiring ukulele players a free ukulele workshop on Saturday afternoons from October 3 to December 5. Intended for absolute beginners with little to no background in music, this workshop will give participants some basic knowledge to begin a journey into music using the happiest instrument on earth!

We thank the City of Port Coquitlam for offering the beautiful Michael Wright Art Gallery at Leigh Square for this workshop free of charge.

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Gathering Place, Leigh Square Community Arts Village

Date: Saturdays, October 3 to December 5, 2015
Time: 1:30 to 3:30 pm
Location: Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free
Pre-registration is strongly advised.

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Workshop Requirements

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ukulele, music stand, digital tuner and copy of the textbookUkulele for Dummies. (Please do not be offended by the title of this rather good publication.)

We have also acquired a few sets of ukuleles, music stands, digital tuners and textbooks (with our personal funds) for loaning to participants who do not own any equipment, upon receipt of a refundable deposit of $55. Please do not mark in (and/or damage) the loaner textbooks (otherwise the deposit will be forfeited). Participants can reserve a set when they register using the form below.

As some of you have asked about the availability of ukuleles in the region, we have made some inquiries at local stores.

LS1

Michael Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place

Ukulele Rental

  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has a couple of ukuleles in stock for rent at $8/month. Please confirm with the store regarding availability if interested.

Ukulele Sales

  • Empire Music has a selection of ukuleles available via its website and has offered us a discount on the ukuleles we purchased for this workshop.
  • Long & McQuade (Port Coquitlam) has ukuleles for sale and can offer a payment plan. Please ask for Girard Knox for more information.
  • Tom Lee Music (Coquitlam) has offered participants of this workshop a 15% discount on ukuleles and music books. Please contact Dallas Todd at the store and mention you are a participant of this workshop to receive a discount.

Disclosure: We do not receive commission from any of these merchants. They are mentioned here as a service to the participants only.

Scheduling Note and Supplementary Materials

There will be no workshop on October 10 for the Thanksgiving long weekend. Workshop materials will be condensed to accommodate for this closure.

On October 24, the workshop will end early as we will be heading to a concert in Bellingham by one of the ukulele superstars, Jake Shimabukuro, from Hawaii. If you would like to take part, tickets can be obtained from Mount Baker Theatre while they are still available.

On October 29 at 9pm or on October 30 at 12am, please watch the documentary, Mighty Uke, on BC’s Knowledge Network if you have not watched it already.

On October 31, we will have a special Halloween-themed session.

On November 28, there will be no workshop as we have just been notified on October 2 that the Gathering Place will be used to host another function.

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Registration

The workshop is currently full and registration is now closed.

As seats are limited, we kindly ask that all who register for this workshop commit to attending all sessions. Participants with full attendance will receive a Certificate of Completion for the workshop. Due to the length of each afternoon session, the workshop is unsuitable for young children. To assist us in our lesson planning, please let us know briefly your music background. Volunteers who are registering to help with the workshop, please indicate availability in the “Music Background / Comments” box.

← Back

Thank you for your response. ✨

Ukulele, Tuner, Music Stand, Textbook Package(required)

Ukulele for Harmony Tutorials on Culture Days – Sep 26, 2015

The Cutie Circle is offering free ukulele tutorials to absolute beginners as part of the nation-wide Culture Days effort! Come and join in on the fun.

Culture Days

Learn to strum some chords and sing some songs with your fellow budding ukulele players! Let your inner musician shine and get a taste of what music can do for you! Get in on the soothing sounds so well-known in Hawaii and beyond!

Ukuleles, music stands, etc. will be provided on site. All you have to do is bring yourself, your friends and family!

Let’s play harmony together using the world’s happiest instrument. Music self-played is happiness self-made!

This event is sponsored by the Cutie Circle and the City of Port Coquitlam.

Date: Saturday, September 26, 2015
Time: 1:00 to 5:00 pm
Location: M. Wright Art Gallery, Gathering Place, 2253 Leigh Square Place, Port Coquitlam
Admission: Free

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam

Courtesy of City of Port Coquitlam