On Dec. 21, the winter solstice was marked in Aberdeen with a lively ukulele showcase hosted by the Salmonberry Band at the Aberdeen Timberland Library.

The event not only celebrated the longest night of the year but also highlighted the importance of community and music. The winter solstice, on Dec. 21, was the shortest day of the year and has been celebrated for centuries in various cultures as a time of reflection and renewal.

This date also aligned with World Music Day — winter edition — which aims to encourage music participation and appreciation globally. Aberdeen is proud to be one of over 800 cities participating, ranking as the 134th city to join the movement in the world.

The event kicked off with Executive Director Wil Russoul of the Downtown Aberdeen Association. He explained the significance of the day, noting that “we are part of a national initiative called Make Music Day.”

He spoke passionately about the global nature of World Music Day and was enthusiastic about the ukulele jam session that was about to begin.

“If you’re not sure if your instrument is in tune, don’t worry,” Russoul told the audience. “Nobody else will know either. If you need help, just look for Jonas Allen in the back. He’ll help you get it tuned.”

Allen shared his own journey with the ukulele, recalling how he started playing in seventh grade. He noted the ukulele’s simplicity with its four strings, suggesting that it serves as a great gateway for new musicians to transition to the six-string acoustic guitar.

As the event progressed, Russoul introduced Mary Lou Gregory from the Salmonberry Band, who led the class on how to play “Jingle Bells.” Participants enjoyed a light-hearted atmosphere filled with laughter, strumming and singing. Gregory jokingly mentioned that if you have one ukulele, you generally end up with more, leading to a quip from the audience about ukuleles being “like rabbits,” which prompted hearty laughter.

The Salmonberry Band is known for their roots in folk and Americana music, playing community events in and around Aberdeen. Their commitment to fostering a love for music and camaraderie was evident during the session, as many newcomers found joy in learning together. Grays Harbor resident Kyna Wilson, attending with her friends, said, “This ukulele workshop looked fun. It could be a great girls’ day out.”

Wilson said she had never picked up a ukulele before Saturday. Wilson expressed her desire for a ukulele of her own for Christmas.

Emily Hudson, another enthusiastic participant, shared her excitement about finally playing a ukulele.

“My sister got gifted a ukulele, but she never let me touch any of her stuff,” Hudson said.

Saturday was a chance for her to play her own instrument, and she hoped to win one of the five ukuleles being given away.

Mo Moss, visiting from Ocean Shores, remarked on the perfect combination of celebrating the winter solstice with music, friends and ukuleles.

“When I was a kid, today brought back sweet memories of us all playing music together. ‘You Are My Sunshine’ was one of my dad’s favorites,” Moss recalled nostalgically.

As laughter and music filled the room, a sense of fellowship blossomed among the participants. The ukulele showcase not only celebrated the winter solstice but also the power of music to unite and uplift the community in Aberdeen.

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Ukulele players mastered the Jingle Bell song this past Saturday.