Ukulele brings people together, and Kerry's story is full of heart, music, and giving back. Based in the Riverland, her group Kool Strummings is sharing joy one strum at a time.
🎤 Tell us a bit about your ukulele group.
In May 2018, St Catherine’s Aged Care asked for volunteers to entertain residents. I put my hand up with my ukulele and played for an hour — the residents sang along and had a blast!
Next time, a friend joined me. Before I knew it, there were four of us playing every three weeks.
We’re based in the Riverland, with members from Loxton, Glossop, and Berri.
We also love joining in on the Annual Great Adelaide Ukulele Picnic.
🎤 What inspired you to play ukulele and join a group?
It all started with my husband, John. He heard a radio program about ukuleles and bought one with Mike Jackson’s Uke’n Play book. He handed it to me to try — and I was hooked!
I’d already played guitar and bass since I was 11, so it came naturally. I joined a local uke group, made some great friends, and many of them are now part of Kool Strummings.
It’s been so much fun — and full of amazing friendships.
🎤 How has volunteering shaped your connection to the community?
I love seeing aged care residents light up when the music starts.
And it’s wonderful that Kool Strummings gets invited to community events.
Spreading the joy of music — it means a lot to me.
🎤 What makes the ukulele community in Australia so special?
Ukulele players tend to be happy, friendly people.
The community is welcoming and full of heart.
My favourite weekend of the year? The Great Adelaide Ukulele Picnic in March — it’s the perfect time to catch up with friends I’ve made over the years.
🎤 What advice would you give someone thinking of joining or volunteering in a uke group?
Just do it!
I’ve never met anyone who regretted joining a ukulele group.
Volunteering — especially in aged care or community events — brings joy to others and to yourself.
🎤 How can people get involved with Kool Strummings?
We meet every three weeks at St Catherine’s in Berri to play for the residents.
Our Facebook group is private (we use it to share videos and songs), but if you're interested, feel free to email me at:
📧 kerrystanger@gmail.com
🎤 What song always gets your group smiling and singing?
Everyone has their own favourite, but mine is "Leaning on a Lamp Post" — everyone needs a little George Formby in their life!
Also, "You Are My Sunshine" — it gets all the residents singing along every time.
🎤 What makes the ukulele community in Australia so special?
The welcoming atmosphere. No matter where you travel across Australia, you’ll find a uke group that greets you like an old friend. Most groups use The Ukulele Club Songbooks, which makes it easy for newcomers to jump in and strum along.
You can check them out here:
👉 The Ukulele Club Songbook Volume – Ukulele Trading Co Australia
📸 Send us a photo!
Got a shot of your group jamming or a moment you love?
We’d love to feature it in our next spotlight!
