We are beyond excited to announce the biggest Salt Lake Strummers event of the year!

On October 3rd and 4th, two powerhouse performers and educators—Lil Rev and Ray Cygrymus—are bringing their Root n Rock 2025 Western Tour to Salt Lake City.

This two-day celebration of music includes:

• A Beginning Harmonica Workshop on Friday night
• Two Ukulele Workshops on Saturday
• A Concert to close out the weekend

Along the way, you’ll enjoy learning from two masters, have a chance to shop their merch, and even participate in a special Opportunity Drawing (hint: you could walk away with a Martin Ukulele, courtesy of Acoustic Music).

Trust us—you don’t want to miss this one!

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📅The Schedule

Location: 6876 S. Highland Drive, Cottonwood Heights, UT 84121
(Same location as our monthly jams — see map below.)

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Friday, October 3rd

• 6:30 – 8:00 pm: Intro to Harmonica Workshop with Lil Rev
  Learn harmonica basics in a fun, beginner-friendly setting from one of the best. Bring a Key of C, 10-hole diatonic harmonica or purchase one from Lil Rev for $20 (while supplies last).

Saturday, October 4th

• 11:00 am – 12:30 pm: 12 Essential Strums Workshop with Lil Rev
  Break free from the same old down-up strum! Learn 12 versatile strum patterns across Rock, Blues, Folk, Reggae, Calypso, and more—each tied to a song. PDF handout included.
  
• 12:30 – 1:15 pm: Lunch Break
  Best option: bring your own brown-bag lunch. If you’d rather step out, there’s a KFC next door, plus McDonald’s or Whole Foods Market within walking distance.
  
• 1:15 – 2:45 pm: Rock n Roll Uke Styles with Lil Rev & Ray
  Learn to bring the rock ’n roll spirit to your uke! This high-energy session covers rock strums, boogie notes, 12-bar blues, chunking, intros, riffs, and more. Songs from Elvis, Johnny Cash, Ike & Tina Turner, and Carl Perkins will keep the strum-along spirit alive.
  
• 2:45 – 3:10 pm: Merchandise & Opportunity Drawing
  Browse Rev & Ray’s merch, then join in our Opportunity Drawing—with prizes including a Martin Ukulele (courtesy of Acoustic Music) and other goodies.
  
• 3:10 – 5:00 pm: Concert with Lil Rev & Ray
  Cap off the weekend with a lively concert showcasing the musicianship, energy, and heart that Lil Rev and Ray bring to the stage.

Who is Lil Rev?

Lil Rev is a nationally acclaimed educator, musician, storyteller, and poet who has been touring for decades. He plays harmonica, ukulele, guitar, mandolin, and dulcimer—and has recorded more than 20 albums.

Rev has also authored over a dozen instructional books through Hal Leonard, including his newly released Clawhammer Ukulele. He is known for his mastery of styles such as campanella, clawhammer, blues, and chord melody.

Highlights of his career include:

• Induction into the Old Time Country Music Hall of Fame
• Winner of the 1996 National Blues Harmonica Championship
• Voted “Best Folksinger” in 2004

This October, he’ll be the Headliner at the prestigious Reno Ukulele Festival. Folk legend Pete Seeger once said:

“Hey, listen to this! Lil Rev is great!”

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Who is Ray Cygrymus?

With over 30 years of teaching experience, Ray Cygrymus has inspired countless musicians. He holds a BS in Music Education with a vocal emphasis, has starred in musicals, and has fronted rock bands as both a singer and instrumentalist.

Ray’s teaching blends tradition with innovation, encouraging ukulele players to expand their skills, explore new techniques, and even add sound effects. His mission is simple but powerful: to entertain, inspire, and share the joy of ukulele with the world.

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Tickets

Early Bird Pricing (before September 21st)

• Harmonica Workshop (Friday night): $20 members / $35 non-members
• Ukulele Workshops & Concert (Saturday full day): $35 members / $45 non-members
• Concert Only (Saturday): $5 members / $10 non-members

Regular Pricing (September 21st or later)

• Harmonica Workshop (Friday night): $35 members / $45 non-members
• Ukulele Workshops & Concert (Saturday full day): $55 members / $65 non-members
• Concert Only (Saturday): $10 members / $15 non-members

PDF Handouts for the Workshops will be provided after you have purchased tickets.

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Links & Media

• Lil Rev’s Website
• Lil Rev – Pap n Jenny (short clip)
• Lil Rev – Blues Uke “Having Fun”
• Lil Rev – Harmonica Demo
  
• Ray – Facebook page
• Ray – Uke “Kiss” Cover
• Ray – Rolling Stones Uke Cover