2025 Mayberry Ukefest
Aloha! Join us for the seventh annual Mayberry Ukefest. Enjoy learning and playing ukulele in Andy Griffith’s hometown. The weekend features over 15 classes and strum-alongs. Our goal is for you to make new friends and acquire new skills – while having fun in Mayberry.
Registration Fee: $99
Payment in full is confirmation of your registration. We are unable to offer refunds for any reason. Registration includes a t-shirt, classes, workshops, and more! Space is limited. Ukefest events will take place in the Arts Center and Historic Earle Theatre.
DATES:
October 24-26, 2025
SCHEDULE:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 24, 2025
10:00 am Registration,
10:30 am-12:00 pm Meet & Greet Circle Jam: Kent Knorr, George Smith, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
12:00 pm-2:00 pm Lunch on your own
2:00-3:30 pm The Art of Strumming! Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
2:00-3:30 pm Improvising A Solo, George Smith, Arts Center Meeting Room
3:45-5:00 pm How to Navigate Songbooks, Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
3:45-5:00 pm Rehearsal for Merry-Go-Round, George Smith, Arts Center Meeting Room
5:00-7:00 pm Dinner on your own
7:00-7:30 pm Open Mic Tips & Tricks (Kent & George), Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
7:30-8:30 pm Open Mic, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
SATURDAY OCTOBER 25, 2025
9:30-10:30 am WPAQ Merry-Go-Round Rehearsal, George Smith, Historic Earle Theatre
10:00-11:30 am Fun Hawaiian Songs, Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
10:30-10:45 am Break for Merry-Go-Round participants, Historic Earle Theatre
10:45-11:00 am Sound Check for Merry-Go-Round, George Smith, Historic Earle Theatre
11:00-12:00 pm WPAQ Merry-Go-Round Live Performance, Historic Earle Theatre
11:45-1:00 pm Beginner Q & A and Strum-Along, Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
1:00-3:00 pm Lunch on your own
3:00-4:30 pm Jim Croce for Ukulele – “Operator (That’s Not the Way It Feels),” Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in the Arts Center
3:00-4:30 pm Songwriting, George Smith, Arts Center Meeting Room
5:00-7:00 pm Dinner on your own
7:00-8:30 pm Jam/Strum-Along, Kent Knorr, George Smith, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
SUNDAY OCTOBER 26, 2025
10:00-11:30 am Goodtime Gospel Strum-Along, Kent Knorr, Betty Wright Room in Arts Center
10:00-11:30 am Uke Pop Rock Jam, George Smith, Arts Center Meeting Room
LOCATIONS:
Arts Center, 215 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Historic Earle Theatre, 142 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
INSTRUCTORS:
Kent Knorr and George Smith
KENT KNORR:
Kent Knorr, a seasoned musician with over 30 years of experience, is not only a performer but also a dedicated teacher and instrument collector. In 2007, he established the North Carolina Ukulele Academy, a hub for ukulele enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. As the Academy’s owner, Knorr has imparted his expertise to more than 2,000 students, emphasizing the unique qualities and techniques of the ukulele. Through his extensive knowledge of traditional ukulele music and instrument origins, he offers comprehensive instruction focusing on technique, style, and the joy of playing. Knorr’s passion for the ukulele has garnered recognition from various media outlets, and he continues to share his love for music from his home in Wilmington, North Carolina, where he enjoys the coastal scenery with his wife and two daughters.
GEORGE SMITH:
George Smith’s musical journey began with flute in middle school, eventually leading him to guitar and a deep passion for rock music. Over the years, he mastered multiple instruments including bass, mandolin, banjo, and ukulele, all while writing his own original music. George’s career boasts performances with renowned acts like Lynyrd Skynyrd and Marshall Tucker Band, alongside numerous CD releases and notable collaborations. Since 2007, he’s been teaching music privately, expanding into classes including the Mount Airy Ukulele Invasion (MAUI) and Granite City Rock Orchestra. With a debut album in 2014, ongoing projects, and a commitment to teaching and tuning, George remains a dynamic force in the regional music scene.
LODGING:
Comfort Inn 336-783-0008
Hampton Inn Mount Airy 336-789-5999
Heart & Soul Bed & Breakfast 336-789-0126
Holiday Inn Express 336-719-1731
Mayberry Motor Inn 336-786-4109
Quality Inn 336-789-2000
Veterans Memorial Park Campground 336-786-2236
Mayberry Campground 336-789-6199
www.visitmayberry.com/category/lodging for additional information.
