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Presented by Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz
The Ukulele Club of Santa Cruz is proud to announce our 14th annual Smoldering Uke winter retreat event at the Hidden Valley Music Seminars campus in beautiful Carmel Valley, CA.
As is our custom, this year's event will feature a full schedule of fun events, including workshops on a variety of musical topics taught by talented musicians (and a special guest or two), as well as organized play-alongs. All classes and events are aimed at helping you to become a better ukulele player - regardless of ability level, as well as enhance your overall enjoyment of the instrument. There'll be plenty of free time between workshops for impromptu jams, chatting with old and new friends, and general merriment. Our "Luthier Shop" will be open again, where you can get strap buttons installed (free!), get your strings and action checked, or just chat out all things ukulele.
We have more give-away prizes than ever in 2025, including several unusual and beautiful ukuleles! Our evening programs will be as entertaining as ever with brand-new musical games and band challenges as well as an open mic night and a few fun surprises. We'll also host our annual Saturday Cocktail Dance Party where you'll have a chance to get your groove on! This year's theme is County & Western. You are encouraged to dress up for the occasion: cowboy/girl hats, boots, western shirts/blouses, etc. (just leave the six-shooters at home!)
In past years, our event has sold out quickly, and as there are a limited number of spots available, it's best not to wait too long before registering - don't miss out on one of the most fun ukulele events on the planet!
The specific workshop schedule/event info is not released ahead of time by the Santa Cruz Ukulele Club. You will receive an Event Booklet with all scheduled and information when you arrive at Smoldering Uke.
Start Time: Thursday afternoon at 4pm
End Time: Sunday afternoon at 3pm
We're very excited about this year's Smoldering Uke and are doing everything we can to make it the best Smoldering ever! We very much look forward to seeing you there. Until then, happy strumming, Sandor Nagyszalanczy & Karen Lehman (Smoldering Uke Directors).
• This is not a campout - We will sleep and play indoors and meals will be provided •
Pre-event Letter for Registered Participants
Accommodations for Smoldering Uke 2025 include on-campus single or double occupancy rooms in Waddell Center and Lubow Lodge, as well as hotel rooms at the Hidden Valley Inn next door and at the Los Laureles Lodge just down the road. RV parking (no hookups) is also available, as are commuter meal packages for those who wish to attend the full event, but plan to provide their own overnight lodgings. For double rooms in Lubow Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, and Los Laureles Lodge, you must sign-up with a roommate, we cannot pair you. We are only able to offer roommate matching in Waddell Center where you may sign-up for a double room by yourself and we will pair you with a roommate.
Bed Configuration Note: Hidden Valley Inn does not have rooms with 2 beds, only one King; a limited number of rooms with trundle coaches are available (please indicate when registering if you would like one) and rollaway beds are available upon request. The currently available Los Laureles rooms have one king. The on campus accommodations (Waddell & Lubow) all have 2 beds. More information about each accommodation HERE.
Covid-19 Vaccination: Since we are all aware of the Covid challenges, we expect people to be vaccinated and boosted when they enter our programs. If you cannot vaccinate or boost for medical reasons, please notify us in advance of the program and we may require a pre-arrival negative test. Thank you!
Registration - Please Read Everything Carefully Before Signing Up!
Cost options are all inclusive (all meals, facility use, all workshops, administrative costs, and housing (except commuter)). All registration for Smoldering Uke must be done through the website links.
Registration Instructions:When registering, please include your roommate's name (unless you're a single), any food allergies, or handicap needs in the comment section. For double rooms in Lubow Lodge, Hidden Valley Inn, and Los Laureles Lodge, you must sign-up with a roommate, we cannot pair you. We are only able to offer roommate matching in Waddell Center where you may sign-up for a double room by yourself and we will pair you with a roommate. If your first choice for housing is not available, we recommend signing up for your second housing choice to secure your place, then please email info@hiddenvalleymusic.org or add a comment to your registration check out, that you wish to be added to the waitlist for your preferred housing choice.
Cancellation Policy: Our cancellation policy is a refund minus a $25 per person processing fee up to 2 weeks before the event. Within 2 weeks of the event, it is non-refundable. For Hidden Valley Inn, it is non-refundable starting February 14. Please do not contact the external hotels directly; communicate through Hidden Valley Music Seminars only as staff at the hotels may not be aware of all Smoldering Uke group policies in place.
For those staying on campus or commuting, there are exceptions for last minute cancellation due to a doctor certified illness; provide a doctor's note and we can either forward your reservation to next year or provide a refund minus the $25 per person processing fee.
Registration Links
Waddell Center (on campus) Double Room--$490 / person (roommate matching available)
Waddell Center (on campus) Single Room ------------------------- $605
Lubow Lodge (on campus) Double Room --------$600 / person SOLD OUT
Lubow Lodge (on campus) Single Room ----------------------------$700 SOLD OUT
Hidden Valley Inn (next door) Double Room------------- $735/person SOLD OUT
Hidden Valley Inn (next door) Single Room ---------------------- $1125 - There is 1 room available at Hidden Valley Inn. A participant had to cancel last minute and is hoping to get a refund . . . but only if someone else takes the room! If you'd like this room as a double, please sign up as a single and put a note in the comment secion - we will then send you a link for the difference to pay for the second person's fees.
Los Laureles Lodge (1 mile from campus) Double Room ---- $616/person SOLD OUT
Los Laureles Lodge (1 mile from campus) Single Room ----- $887 SOLD OUT
RV (2 people in vehicle)---------------------------------------$415 / person
RV (1 person in vehicle)--------------------------------------------------$490
Commuter Meal Package (no sleeping accommodations)------$340