When you walk into the mass of colourful ukulele players at Jack Dusty’s Ale House on any Monday evening, it’s almost impossible to picture the humble beginnings of the enthusiastic group.

It was in 2021 that Jill Leighton asked the pub whether she and a few friends could sit in a corner and quietly practise playing their instruments together.

“I can’t say I’d had that kind of request before, but we’re a venue that embraces live music and Mondays were quiet, so I thought ‘why not’,” bar manager Jess Luxton said.

It snowballed, surprising even Leighton. “To begin with, there were five of us in the corner and over the last two and a half years it’s got bigger as people tell their friends about it.

“We ended up forming a band from within our members to lead the singing because it had grown so much,” said the 72-year-old Pāpāmoa resident.

Now, groups of 10-25 players from Jack Dusty’s Ukulele Club perform at gigs around the city and the money earned is donated to charity. This is the second year they’ve donated to Otūmoetai Social Supermarket.

“We all get immeasurable joy performing for people in residential facilities and at community events. It’s wonderful having the opportunity to give to others by sharing our passion for playing ukulele and singing,” Leighton said.

The ukulele group founder Jill Leighton. Photo/ Bob Tulloch

Graeme Crossman, of Kiwifruit Country Tours, has been instrumental in organising cruise ship companies to contribute to the band, knowing the money is going back into the community.

“As part of our excursion we visit the Historic Village and needed some activity there, so we created it by inviting the musicians,” said Crossman. “These ukulele players are enthusiastic and happy and connect with the passengers brilliantly.”

“I think the reason the Monday event has become popular is that everyone is participating and we keep it straightforward with simple strumming and singing,” Leighton said.

“As this is predominantly older people, we play mostly 1960s and 1970s songs. We also play traditional and local Māori waiata.”

Rawini Ngaamo and Jill Leighton on stage leading the ukelele strummers. Photo/Bob Tulloch

Leighton insists within half an hour, first-timers pick up enough to be able to join in. “We always dress up, which adds to the fun.

“It’s the kind of instrument that really lends itself to this. We don’t have a uniform, we just dress in bright, colourful clothing.

“It’s like a symphony of colour when we walk into a gig venue. People are meeting and making new friends here and everyone is so positive. You’re immediately in a party mood when you walk in. It’s a great vibe.”

If you’d like to join, you know where to find the group on Monday evenings.