Meetup November 22, 2025
2025-11-22 09:00 - 11:45 (America/Los_Angeles) | CCLA in Atwater Village, 3852 Edenhurst Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90039, United States
GOODTIME GOSPEL SONGS WITH ELLEN BLOOM
These are songs of hope and good news. Much of our popular music comes from the roots of gospel, blues, soul and country music.
November 22nd, 1963 was the day that President John F. Kennedy was assassinated. We will be remembering JFK on November 22, 2025 when I lead the Plucking Strummers in Gospel and Freedom songs, many from the civil rights movement during President Kennedy’s era. These are songs of hope and good news. Much of our popular music comes from the roots of gospel, blues, soul and country music.
We will sing a combination of gospel and gospel-inspired feel-good songs! We’re gonna’ raise the roof off this ol’ church! Hallelujah!
All the songs are in PDF form. CLICK TO DOWNLOAD

9 AM to 9:45 AM – We will go over Ellen’s “Ukulele Frills and Flourishes” worksheet using some of our gospel songs as examples.
9:50 AM to 10:00 AM -Breaktime, and a chance to mingle and share snacks and refreshments.
10:00 to 11:15 AM – This will be our classic strum session, performing a list of songs chosen by our guest leader. This meetings songs are…
I Saw The Light
Will The Circle Be Unbroken
Morning Has Broken
I’ll Fly Away
Let It Be
Farther Along
This Little Light
Ain’t Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around
When The Saints Go Marching In
11:15 AM to 11:30 – Second Breaktime.
11:30 AM to 12:00 Individual performance time! I really hope we can get many people to sign up. I would love to see some of our new Strummers stretch their wings. Then we need to pack up and exit the building before Noon.
Disclaimers:
Masks are no longer mandatory, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do.
It is very important to the church that we have completely exited the building and cleaned up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me early copies of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.
The address of C.C.L.A. is 3852 Edenhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90039
Let’s have some ukulele fun! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!!!!!!
Gene

Meetup December 13 2025
2025-12-13 09:00 - 11:45
Hello all you Plucking Strummers. Once again, we are fortunate to have the many talented Cali Rose as our strum leader for the December 13th meeting. Cali is a singer, keyboard and ukulele player, songwriter, recording artist and a teacher. In her own words, “I’m thrilled to be a professional musician and entertainer. It’s a wacky world and we need all the music we can get!” So true.
Cali makes all her own arrangements and has provided us with a full set of PDFs for the meeting. Here’s the list of songs Cali has chosen for this meeting.
WINTER WONDERLAND (Revised 11/2019)
ONE MORE UKE (Revised 11/2017)
HANUKKAH IN SANTA MONICA (Revised 11/2018)
SECRET O’ LIFE (10/2020)
HAPPY XMAS (WAR IS OVER) (11/2025)
YOU ARE THE SUNSHINE OF MY LIFE (11/2022)
WHAT ARE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE? (Revised 12/2023)
FELIZ NAVIDAD (Revised 11/2018)
STAND BY ME (Revised 8/2018)
DOWNLOAD SONG SHEETS
Cali has also YouTube tutorial links for two of the songs in the list.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yj00pqx1HTk
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qAfkTMmX5c

Our schedule for this meeting is;
9 AM to 9:45 AM – Cali will preview some of the songs in this list. She will go over the arrangements and discuss some of the tricky parts.
10:00 AM to 11:00 – This is the time when we will strum and sing our hearts out to a list of songs chosen by this meeting’s song leader Cali.
11:15 to 11:45 – Individual performance time! I really hope we can get many people to sign up. I would love to see some our new Strummers stretch their wings. Then we need to pack up and exit the building before noon.
Disclaimers:
Masks are no longer mandatory, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do.
It is very important to the church that we have completely exited the building and cleaned up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform, will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me early copies of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.
The address of C.C.L.A. is 3852 Edenhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90039
Let’s have some ukulele fun! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!!!!!!
Gene Mazzanti

Meetup January 10 2026
2026-01-10 08:30 - 11:45
Happy New Year!! In addition to our weekly music jams we will be having a Swap Meet starting at 8:30 AM. Learn more here.

“Do not swear by the moon, for she changes constantly. then your love would also change.”
― William Shakespeare, Romeo and Juliet
The moon reminds us that life is ever changing, yet constantly beautiful! And by the way there is no “dark side of the moon”. Every square inch of the moon gets just as much light as every other square inch. It’s just our point of view that changes.
All the songs are in PDF form. DOWNLOAD THEM HERE.
Here’s the list of the songs…
Page 1 – Blue Moon of Kentucky
Page 2 – Blue Moon
Page 3 – Carolina Moon
Page 4 – Fly Me to The Moon
Page 5 – Everyone’s Gone to The Moon
Page 6 – It’s Only a Paper Moon
Page 7 – Harvest Moon
Page 8 – Lazy Moon
Page 9 – Shine On Harvest Moon
Page 10 – Moonlight Bay
Page 11 – Moon Dance
Page 12 – Moon Shadow
Page 13 – No Moon at All
Page 14 – Bad Moon Rising
8:30 to 9:00 AM – Early bird for “New Year, New Uke” Swap Meet
9 AM to 9:40 AM –
Introduction to the Moon Songs with Gene.
Based on available time, we will learn the melodies of songs in the strum list you may not remember that well. Or at all. It’s an idea I had that we would all enjoy the strum/singing section of the meeting more if we weren’t learning the songs and trying to play/sing at the same time.
9:40 AM to 10:00 AM -Breaktime, and a chance to mingle and share snacks and refreshments and bargain for a new ukulele.
10:00 to 11:15 AM – This will be our classic strum session, performing a list of songs chosen by our guest leader, me.
11:15 AM to 11:30 – Second Breaktime.
11:30 AM to 12:00 Individual performance time! I really hope we can get many people to sign up. I would love to see some of our new Strummers stretch their wings. Then we need to pack up and exit the building before Noon.
Disclaimers:
Masks are no longer mandatory, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do.
It is very important to the church that we completely exit the building and clean up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me with early pdfs of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.
The address of C.C.L.A. is 3852 Edenhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90039
Let’s have some ukulele fun! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!!!!!!
Gene

Meetup January 24 2026
2026-01-24 09:00 - 11:45
MARDI GRAS PARTY! JAN 24th!

Grab your beads, wear your purple, green & gold, and come on down for a Plucking Strummers Mardi Gras Party! It’s time far Carnival! Celebrate the Social Season ukulele-style! We’re going off road with a custom PDF of sheet music. Gene posted the PDF in the featured section. Laissez Les Bons Temps Roulez!

For this upcoming meeting, I selected some of my favorites of the Mardi Gras season. Some are traditional Mardi Gras songs. Some are more modern interpretations, plus I included a small tribute to New Orleans’ own, Fats Domino. You’ll even find my contribution to the Social Season.

DOWNLOAD THE CHORD CHARTS

The set list:

Iko Iko
Down Home Girl
But I Do
Mardi Gras Mambo
Walkin’ to New Orleans
I’m in Love Again
My Girl Josephine
Mardi Gras King Cake
Jambalaya
When The Saints Go Marching In

Check below for Youtube links.

Iko Iko
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5GzVZjd0iI](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5GzVZjd0iI)

Down Home Girl
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfXrf2ReO9Y](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfXrf2ReO9Y)

But I do
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbfJ3t3CwBc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbfJ3t3CwBc)

Mardi Gras Mambo
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7hxqp2reVc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7hxqp2reVc)

Walking to New Orleans
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-eWAuFmjN0](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-eWAuFmjN0)

I’m in Love Again
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxUC2bTJ6nA](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SxUC2bTJ6nA)

My Girl Josephine
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tDplC7jRQk](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8tDplC7jRQk)

Jambalaya
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A1SFjLOr4QE…

When the Saints go Marching In
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USpYJB6rdRs](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USpYJB6rdRs)

Meetup February 14
2026-02-14 09:00 - 11:45
Some things never change in popular music – at least the themes stay the same, if not the chords or complexity. We are talking about Love and Heartbreak in the Songs of the 20th Century. Some are very easy. Some will challenge you beyond your comfort zone. And isn’t that what a good relationship does for us? Cory is bringing some of his favorites from as far back as the 20’s to as recently the 90’s. Come join us this Valentine’s Day and find a new song or two to fall in love with!
All the songs will be in PDF form so there is no need to bring either blue or yellow books.
There are 2 different PDF formats for the song sheets: Digital Version or Print Version
Here’s the list of the songs…

It Had To Be You – 1924
Dream a Little Dream- 1931
I Found A Million Dollar Baby – 1931
How About You – 1941
I’m Beginning To See the Light – 1944
San Francisco – 1953
You Didn’t Have To Be So Nice – 1965
I Go To Pieces – 1965
I Will – 1968
God Only Knows – 1966
Here, There, and Everywhere – 1966
You Were Always On My Mind -1972
Heartbreaker – 1982
Passionate Kisses – 1989
Grow Old With You – 1998

9 AM to 9:40 AM –
Introduction to the Songs with Cory.
Based on available time, we will learn the melodies of songs in the strum list you may not remember that well. Or at all. It’s an idea Gene had that we would all enjoy the strum/singing section of the meeting more if we weren’t learning the songs and trying to play/sing at the same time.
9:40 AM to 10:00 AM -Breaktime, and a chance to mingle and share snacks and refreshments and bargain for a new ukulele.
10:00 to 11:15 AM – This will be our classic strum session, performing a list of songs chosen by our guest leader, Cory.
11:15 AM to 11:30 – Second Breaktime.
11:30 AM to 12:00 Individual performance time! I really hope we can get many people to sign up. I would love to see some of our new Strummers stretch their wings. Then we need to pack up and exit the building before Noon.
Disclaimers:
Masks are no longer mandatory, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do.
It is very important to the church that we completely exit the building and clean up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me with early pdfs of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.

Meetup February 28, 2026
2026-02-28 09:00 - 11:45
“JUST LIKE MAGIC”
“I believe that magic is art and that art, whether it be writing, music, sculpture, or any other form is literally magic”.
Alan Moore
I don’t believe in Ghouls or Goblins, Witches and Wizards or talking Birds, but I do feel that there is something ethereal and remarkable about making and bringing music to an empty room. I hope you join us February 28 for a chance to make a bit of magic.
Your humble director,
Gene
All the songs will be in PDF form, but four of them are from the Daily Ukulele yellow book. So please feel free to bring that book with you.
Here’s the list of the songs…

Do You Believe In Magic
Black Magic Woman
This Magic Moment
Magic Moments
The Magic Touch
Bewitched Bothered And Bewildered
Witchy Woman
Devil In Disguise
Love Potion Number 9
Puff The Magic Dragon (maybe)
That Old Black MagicPDF TO COME.

9 AM to 9:40 AM –
Introduction to the Songs with Gene.
Based on available time, we will learn the melodies of songs in the strum list you may not remember that well. Or at all. It’s an idea I had that we would all enjoy the strum/singing section of the meeting more if we weren’t learning the songs and trying to play/sing at the same time.
9:40 AM to 10:00 AM -Breaktime, and a chance to mingle and share snacks and refreshments and bargain for a new ukulele.
10:00 to 11:15 AM – This will be our classic strum session, performing a list of songs chosen by me.
11:15 AM to 11:30 – Second Breaktime.
11:30 AM to 12:00 Individual performance time! I really hope we can get many people to sign up. I would love to see some of our new Strummers stretch their wings. Then we need to pack up and exit the building before Noon.
It is very important to the church that we completely exit the building and clean up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me with early pdfs of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.
The address of C.C.L.A. is 3852 Edenhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90039
Let’s have some “ukulele” fun! Can’t wait to see everyone there!!!!!!!
Gene

Meetup March 14, 2026
2026-03-14 08:30 - 11:45
Join us March 14th for a musical voyage through the “American Western Music” genre led by our dear friend (and one of our favorite guests) “Fred Sokolow”.

Hey everybody, are you getting excited for Saturday? I sure am, Fred’s cowboy songs set list is fantastic. If you haven’t already listened to it, you should check out Graham’s Spotify playlist for the songs we will be performing. It’s really great.

The first hour of Saturday, Cory will be presenting an edited list from the Irish set that we have been performing for the last couple of weeks. This is going to be a fantastic meeting. DOWNLOAD CORY’s SETLIST HERE.

Fred will be doing Cowboy Songs because he knows that the chord melody solos are pretty easy…and the songs are delightful.

Here are the songs Fred will be leading. BTW that PDF is something Fred prepared for one of my $25 zoom group lessons, but the Plucking Strummers are getting it for free. Download it here.

And here’s Graham’s COWBOY Playlist…

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5mnvzjZccWAfbisOjM1en4…

Back In the Saddle Again
Cool Water
Don’t Fence Me In
Along The Navajo Trail
Ghost Riders In the Sky
Home On the Range
I Ride Old Paint
I Want To Be a Cowboys Sweetheart
Blue Shadows On The Trail
I’m An Old Cowhand
My Little Buckaroo
Oklahoma Hills
Red River Valley
Riding Down the Canyon
Streets Of Laredo
Someday Soon
That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine
Tumbling Tumbleweeds
Happy Trails

Introduction to the Irish Songs with Cory.
Corey will be presenting and leading Irish Songs from the 2026 Holiday Ukulele Chorus show.
9:40 AM to 10:00 AM -Breaktime, and a chance to mingle and share snacks and refreshments and bargain for a new ukulele.
10:00 to 11:15 AM – This will be our classic strum session, performing a list of songs chosen by our guest leader, Fred Sokolow.
11:15 AM This will be the end of the meeting today. We will not have open mic performances today but they will continue at the next meeting.
Disclaimers:
Masks are no longer mandatory, however, if you feel more comfortable wearing one, please do.
It is very important to the church that we completely exit the building and clean up behind us before the next group arrives. So, depending on the number of performance signups, we may or may not get to all of them. Any member who signs up but does not get to perform will be moved to the top of the list for the next meeting.
Any member who wishes to be a guest presenter/teacher needs to contact me the week before the meeting, let me know what you plan to present and provide me with early pdfs of any material you will be handing out.
As there are only a few music stands readily available to us, if you have a music stand, please bring it with you.
The address of C.C.L.A. is 3852 Edenhurst Ave Los Angeles CA 90039
We look forward to seeing everyone there.

Meetup April 11, 2026
2026-04-11 09:00 - 11:45
Our first meetup in April is scheduled for April 11th. Return here that week for more information.

Meetup April 25, 2026
2026-04-25 09:00 - 12:00
“Lights! Camera! Beatles!!!” THE PLUCKING STRUMMERS! PDF! FEB 25th!
Lars will be leading us today.

Join us Saturday April 25th for a Magical Musical Mystery Tour! I picked out a fun collection of songs from the Beatles official five movies. There’ll be some favorites and also a little off roading into some of their more unusual songs. I think I put together some arrangements that will be a HELP beginners, but also convey the songs’ deeper structure. And as we all know, Beatles’ song often have more than meets the ear.
Thanks to Honey B for leading us in songs of friendship. It really got me thinking about the meanings of friendship. Plus, I walked away with a couple ear worms.

Here’s the set list, and don’t forget the to down load the sheet music that is pinned to the featured section of the Plucking Strummers page! DOWNLOAD NOW.You’ve Got To Hide Your Love AwayIf I FellI Am The WalrusNowhere ManGet BackShould Have Known BetterTell Me What Your SeeFool On The HillIt’s All Too MuchTwo Of Us

Meetup May 9, 2026
2026-05-09 09:00 - 11:45
Return here for all the details about our May 9th meetup.

Meetup May 23, 2026
2026-05-23 09:00 - 11:45
Return here the week of May 23rd for more details about the meetup.
