SUS UKULELE TAKEOVER - 8TH NOVEMBER 2025 - Julia Traser, Ukulele Cheats & Christopher Davis Shannon

We have had some incredible events in 2025 at Southern Ukulele Store! We will be drawing the year to a close in style with one more instore takeover day, sponsored by the good folks at Flight.

There will be 3 workshops and 3 performances from some of the ukulele world's best artists/teachers throughout the day.

Ukulele Cheats

Vasko is the creator of Ukulele Cheats - the learning home of more than 280k ukulele students. Originally from Bulgaria; Vasko has found the ukulele after an extensive journey as a professional musician on accordion and guitar. Over the course of 45 minutes you will learn how to overcome common musical roadblocks, have fun and confidently share a song and strum with others. 

Vasko will lead a beginner's workshop called: Become a Ukulele Karaoke Machine!

An old school technique that makes 'impossible songs' easy to sing. The simplest trick to make strumming and singing flow together. Whether you are a total beginner or already strumming away, this workshop will help you turn any gathering into an instant Karaoke party. 

Julia Traser

Julia is an Italian singer-songwriter, teacher and vocal coach currently living in Brighton. Julia came to life as an artist when she discovered the ukulele and she has become one of our favourite performers at UK ukulele festivals with heartfelt songs and a warm approach to original music on the ukulele. 

Julia will be teaching a workshop on the magic of singing and playing. For those that struggle to multitask - this will break down coordination in the rhythm of your playing, enabling you to be dynamic with a song. With the help of a metronome, Julia will break down simple strumming patterns and then reconstruct them to create a more complex rhythm that you can find your voice with.

Beginners will get a friendly introduction to vocal basics including breathing, warming up and singing fundamentals. Experienced singers will get a chance to explore simple harmonies and blend voicing to create something beautiful.

Christopher Davis Shannon

Chris has been a highlight on the SUS calendar for several years now. We really can't pass up on any opportunity we have to work with him whilst he is living in London. Chris is an international Ukulele megastar who cut his teeth as the Bass player in Bill Haley JR and the Comets!

Chris will be teaching a chord melody piece called 'Moonglow'. Accessible to beginners but with some real depth for those that want a challenge.

Event info

The event will run from 12pm - approximately 6pm. Workshops will run 40-50 minutes followed by a short performance and an interval between acts. Please bring your own music stand if you have one (and your ukulele too of course).

Cafelele will have drinks for sale and some cakes on the day and there will be one longer break in the middle for people who wish to go offsite and get lunch. There is a seating area for anybody who wants to bring a packed lunch or have a break.