Five nights of free concerts, five days of exciting events across the charming city of Monopoli, a jewel on the stunning Mediterranean coast of Puglia. Celebrate music, culture, and connection at Italy’s largest ukulele festival! COME BACK SOON FOR PROGRAM, LINEUP AND ALL RELEVANT INFO!
Five nights of free concerts, five days of exciting events across the charming city of Monopoli, a jewel on the stunning Mediterranean coast of Puglia. Celebrate music, culture, and connection at Italy’s largest ukulele festival!
The Monopolele Ukulele Festival was born in Monopoli in 2022 with a mission to promote the ukulele as a tool for connection and cultural exchange, creating an event that celebrates music, Mediterranean tradition, and the value of community. Organized by the Associazione Voltare Pagina, the festival has attracted artists and enthusiasts from around the world since its inception, quickly transforming Monopoli into one of Europe’s ukulele capitals.
A genre-defying ukulele artist, Alessandro Pedroni brings energy, depth and surprise to every performance. Moving effortlessly from fast, intricate instrumentals to playful songs and more intimate, experimental moments, his music breaks boundaries and expectations. Having performed worldwide—from Europe to Asia and South America—his concerts are vibrant journeys where technique meets storytelling and nothing is ever predictable.
Born from the fusion of cultures, sounds and rhythms from around the world, Marea is the guitar duo of Gabriele Sagone and Roberto Belpanno. Their music flows through bossa nova, tango, milonga, Latin jazz, blues and pop, blending original compositions and improvisation in which the instrument becomes an extension of the soul—like a tide that can gently cradle or powerfully overwhelm.
With a classical background and experience in the singer-songwriter and pop scene, Gabriele meets Roberto’s rock and fusion influences, alongside his work in production and arrangement. Together, they have performed across Italy, from Sicily to Turin, created live scores for silent film festivals, and founded Ukulele del Sorriso, a project bringing concerts and music therapy into hospitals. It is through this initiative that the ukulele entered their sound—a journey that continues to expand, embracing new instruments and sonic possibilities.
A bassist by training and a “rhythm caregiver” by vocation, Vincenzo Vona is a professional ukulele player and certified teacher among the most qualified in Italy (Level 3 of the James Hill Ukulele Initiative Teacher Certification Program). His vision of the ukulele goes beyond performance: for Vincenzo, the instrument is a powerful tool for wellbeing and social inclusion. A pioneer in combining music with rhythm facilitation, he specializes in Drum Circle and Circle Singing, bringing these practices into masterclasses, schools and corporate settings. Author of the book Ukulele con classe, he brings to Monopolele his unique ability to turn music into a shared experience that connects people and nurtures the soul.
Veeble is pure vibration, it is street and collective ritual. It is that moment when the groove grabs you and never lets go. For over ten years they have been setting dancefloors and festivals on fire, bringing their sound wherever there is a system on: from the endless nights of Berlin to English festivals, from the squares of Almaty to underground clubs across Italy. Their sound is a whirlwind of incandescent horns, tropical disco grooves and Jamaican echoes that merge into a boundless sonic wave, sweeping through and igniting every corner of the dancefloor.
One year after her debut, performing with just voice and ukulele, Mil became the overall winner of Musicultura 2025, also receiving the award for Best Lyrics. On that stage, she shared the spotlight with artists such as Riccardo Cocciante, Antonella Ruggiero, Vinicio Capossela, and Eugenio Finardi. Her repertoire blends 1960s singer-songwriter traditions, folk, and jazz harmonies, and stands out for its expressive use of the voice and the depth of its lyrics.
May30Saturday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Elena Mil
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Piazza Palmieri
Alex AllyFy
Sicilian singer-songwriter and performer, Alex AllyFy shares the stage with her inseparable companion “Luke the Uke,” turning each concert into a playful and engaging experience. Blending pop sensibility with a strong visual identity, she has been featured on major Italian platforms including Rai Radio2 and Zelig. She was also the winner of the video contest that led her to perform at the first edition of Monopolele. With a growing presence and a distinctive voice, Alex brings freshness, originality and vibrant energy to the ukulele scene.
Singer-songwriter and author, Erica Mou is known for her refined writing and deeply evocative musical language. Blending Italian songwriting tradition with folk and Northern European influences, she has built a distinctive artistic path across music, theatre and literature. With numerous awards and international performances, her work moves between intimacy and narrative depth, placing words at the center of a rich and elegant sound.
Specchi is an inclusive project by the theatre association Allegra Brigata, bringing together young people and adults with intellectual disabilities through artistic, theatrical and culinary workshops. Rooted in the belief that creativity is a powerful tool for connection and growth, the project fosters exchange between participants, educators and volunteers, creating a shared space of expression, learning and mutual support. Through its activities, Specchi transforms artistic practice into a collective journey where inclusion becomes both process and performance.
Jun01Monday
⏰18:00 – 19:00
Sound embraces: “Specchi” inclusive labs with Daniel Ho
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Sant’Angelo
Paolo Damiani
Composer, double bassist and conductor, Paolo Damiani is one of the most respected figures in European jazz. Having collaborated with artists such as Pat Metheny, Anthony Braxton and Kenny Wheeler, he combines compositional depth with a refined and exploratory musical language. Former director of the French National Jazz Orchestra and founder of the Jazz Department at the Santa Cecilia Conservatory in Rome, he continues to shape new generations of musicians while performing on major international stages. He is currently President of the Italian Jazz Federation, representing a national network of festivals, musicians and educators, and following leading figures such as Paolo Fresu and Ada Montellanico.
May29Friday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Arlo Anwin and Paolo Damiani
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Piazza Palmieri
May31Sunday
⏰17:00 – 18:30
Sound embraces with “Strade aperte” and Paolo Damiani
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Palazzo San Martino
Ukulele Tuesday
Ukulele Tuesday is a well-known feature at music festivals across the island of Ireland and beyond, with appearances at Dublin’s TradFest, Ukulele Hooley, Monopolele Festival and Parbulele (UK). Renowned for their unmatched energy and eclectic selection of crowd-pleasing covers, they are dedicated to getting audiences singing at the top of their lungs. Based in Dublin, the group also hosts weekly community jam sessions in the city centre, nurturing one of Ireland’s most vibrant ukulele communities and celebrating the joy of collective music-making.
May29Friday
⏰23:00 – 01:00
Jam Session — When the Irish Take the Night
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Caffè Mezzopieno
May30Saturday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Daniel Ho and Ukulele Tuesday: the charm of the Hawaiian sound crossed by the Irish wave
📍
Piazza Palmieri
Ukulele Ska Collective
The Ukulele Ska Collective are a North London band united by their love of ukuleles and ska music. With a large and vibrant line-up, they perform catchy, danceable classics ranging from Prince Buster to The Specials and Toots and the Maytals, delivering energetic sing-along sets full of rhythm and joy. Blending ukuleles with an array of distinctive instruments, they create an irresistible atmosphere that gets audiences smiling and moving from the very first note.
May28Thursday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Ukulele Ska Collective: the ska ritual that opens the dances
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La pentima
Ukulele Uff Trio
Formed in 2014, The Ukulele Uff Trio is a UK-based ensemble specialising in jazz of the 1920s and ’30s, Tin Pan Alley songs and traditional Hawaiian music, performed with remarkable skill and authenticity. The trio features Chris “Ukulele” Uff on ukulele, Dave Searson on guitar and lap steel virtuoso “Brother” Bill Leach on Hawaiian guitar. Blending vintage swing, skiffle and jazz-age Hawaiian melodies, they have performed and headlined festivals across Europe, earning a strong reputation for their energetic and elegant live shows. Their music celebrates early jazz traditions with warmth, precision and an unmistakable sense of joy.
May29Friday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Ukulele Uff Trio
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Piazza Palmieri
Sage & Zaza
Sage Harrington and Remco “Ukulelezaza” Houtman-Janssen form the ukulele duo Sage & Zaza, blending vintage jazz, Hawaiian influences and original songwriting into a sound that feels both timeless and fresh. Sage, an inventive American singer-songwriter with a deep love of early jazz and folk traditions, brings expressive vocals and refined musical sensitivity, while Zaza is celebrated worldwide for his virtuosic yet delicate ukulele and acoustic steel guitar playing. Together they create elegant musical dialogues shaped by swing rhythms, warm harmonies and a shared passion for the golden age of jazz, captivating audiences at festivals and workshops across Europe.
May30Saturday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Sage & Zaza: the Yin and Yang of the ukulele
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Piazza Palmieri
Paper Moon Trio
Paper Moon Trio is an all-female ensemble formed in 2013, featuring Kristína Uhlíková (violin, vocals), Barbora Medeková (ukulele, vocals) and Andrea Kružliaková (guitar, vocals). The three musicians first met while performing with the renowned Bratislava Hot Serenaders, where they refined their distinctive vocal blend and mastery of close harmony singing — the foundation of their authentic interpretations of songs from the 1920s to the 1950s. Drawing inspiration from international vocal groups such as The Boswell Sisters and The Andrews Sisters, as well as Czechoslovak vocal trios of the same era, they create their own arrangements shaped by careful study of original recordings. Winners of the Jazz START UP competition in 2016, Paper Moon Trio have since recorded three albums and perform regularly across Central Europe.
May28Thursday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Paper Moon Trio: RadioUke is speaking to you!
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La pentima
Norwegian Uke
Gaute Søderholm, known as Norwegian Uke, approaches the ukulele in distinctive and unconventional ways. In 2024, he completed the world’s first Bachelor’s degree in Norwegian Folk Music with ukulele as his main instrument, marking an important step for the instrument within this tradition. His debut album Slåtter på ukulele followed soon after. Alongside traditional folk repertoire, Gaute interprets songs from various genres and composes his own instrumental pieces with a sensitive and personal touch. Having performed across Europe and Asia, he now works full-time as a ukulele teacher in Shenzhen, China.
May31Sunday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Norwegian Uke: all the magic of the North in the ukulele
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Piazza Palmieri
Jane for Tea
Jane For Tea is a duo from Salies-du-Salat, in the southern Toulouse area (France). Focused on original songwriting in French, they create an acoustic world blending French chanson, pop and vintage influences, both delicate and energetic, explored through a wide range of ukuleles (soprano, tenor, baritone, Tahitian…). With nearly 500 live performances in France and abroad (USA, UK, Finland, Germany, Spain…), Jane For Tea have shared the stage with artists such as Caravan Palace, Cali, and Musica Nuda, and performed at numerous festivals, winning audiences over with their musicality and on-stage chemistry.
May31Sunday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Jane For Tea: the artistic, vintage pop and slightly comedienne spirit of France on four strings
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Piazza Palmieri
Four String Boy
Under the title of ‘4stringboy’ Sammy is an award winning ukulele virtuoso, combining ambient composition with a modern style of solo playing using harmonics and fingerstyle techniques. In 2023 Sammy released his debut album ‘VEJR’ (weather in Danish) which is a ukulele led album of moody, ambient compositions all about the weather, challenging what a ukulele can do and is known for. At the end of 2025 he released two albums that showcased a new set of compositions from his award winning book ‘Fingerstyle First-days’. The first album ‘First Days’ is a bright, modern classical album vs the second album ‘lofi daze’ which delivers a moody and dark lofi spin on the ukulele.
May29Friday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Four String Boy: poetry on four strings
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Piazza Palmieri
Daniel Ho
From humble Honolulu beginnings to life in Los Angeles, six-time GRAMMY® Award winner Daniel Ho is a composer, arranger, singer-songwriter, producer and audio engineer. Renowned for his melodic language and refined artistry on the ‘ukulele, he moves effortlessly between intricate fingerstyle technique and elegant, understated songwriting. With a career shaped by collaboration and innovation, Daniel Ho’s music reflects both technical mastery and the welcoming spirit of aloha, captivating audiences around the world.
May30Saturday
⏰20:30 – 22:30
Daniel Ho and Ukulele Tuesday: the charm of the Hawaiian sound crossed by the Irish wave
📍
Piazza Palmieri
Jun01Monday
⏰18:00 – 19:00
Sound embraces: “Specchi” inclusive labs with Daniel Ho
📍
Sant’Angelo
Arlo Anwin
Arlo Anwin is a British composer and sound artist whose work blends ukulele with an expansive palette of instruments, found sounds and field recordings to create immersive sonic tapestries. Working with loop stations, cello, kalimba and other acoustic artefacts, he explores the interplay between organic textures and innovative sound design, resulting in music that is both beautifully detailed and deeply evocative. Anwin’s projects range from immersive performances and interdisciplinary collaborations to commissioned scores — including compositions built from site-specific recordings and music for film and contemporary dance — reflecting his commitment to finding beauty in unexpected places. He has presented his work at festivals and workshops where audiences can engage with his soundscapes, and his immersive approach continues to expand perceptions of the ukulele and its role in experimental composition.
Monopolele is a festival dispenser of joy, energy and creativity that generate special friendships. This is what happened between Irene Aliverti and Alessandra Scaraggi ukulelists, the first from Brescia (BS) the second from Aprilia (LT) who met right in Monopolele for the first time. Irene after different musical experiences, at the threshold of forty discovered the greatest joy by slinging a small and very light blue ukulele from which she never separates herself and with which she loves to sing all the Beatles’ songs, but really all of them eh!!! Alessandra started playing ukulele with Maestro Angelo Capozzi and then joined the teaching staff of the same school in 2018. She’s continuing her personal musical training also with Maestro Giovanni Albini, in the classical field and following other Masters of international level
Strade Aperte is a Neapolitan ensemble that blends music, craftsmanship, and community engagement. Their performances feature original compositions using percussion, mandolin, and ukulele, enriched with improvisations and interactive elements. Beyond concerts, they conduct workshops on building acoustic and mechanical instruments, exploring the physics and techniques behind their creation and use. Strade Aperte’s approach fosters a participatory experience, inviting audiences to explore music and instrument-making in unconventional ways.
May31Sunday
⏰17:00 – 18:30
Sound embraces with “Strade aperte” and Paolo Damiani
Davide Donelli, musician and educator with an academic background, is a point of reference for ukulele in Italy not only as performer and teacher but also as speaker of the radio show “Intorno all’Ukulele”. He published the first Italian book dedicated to the main figures in the history of the ukulele. He is a regular guest at Monopolele.
Vincenzo Gioia is a passionate musician and a formidable ukulele teacher. He graduated from ICMP and the University of East London. Later on, he also obtained his Post Graduate Certificate in Teaching from Middlesex University. In his quest to spread his love for the ukulele, he has published more than 100 tutorials on his YouTube Channel and keeps spreading his lessons through the website ukulelelovers.com. In 2022 when he became an ambassador for Kala, one of the most successful ukulele brands.
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Giovanni Albini
The first ukulele professsor in the world! Composer, performer, and educator, Giovanni Albini is a pioneer in the academic world of ukulele. As the first professor to establish a university-level ukulele course, at the Conservatory of Alessandria (Italy), he has played a crucial role in bringing the instrument into higher education. With a background in composition, music theory, and mathematical applications in music, Albini’s work bridges classical and contemporary approaches to the ukulele. His performances and research emphasize the expressive and technical possibilities of the instrument, making him a key figure in the modern ukulele landscape. At Monopolele 2025, he will lead a special lecture-concert at Biblioteca Rendella, guiding the audience through the history and evolution of the ukulele with live performances and expert insights.
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Ukulollo
Italy 🇮🇹
Ukulollo, born Lorenzo Vignando, is one of the most versatile Italian ukulelists among the best known also abroad. His concerts, often accompanied by multimedia fantasies, are known for their creativity, lightness and truly original and creative exploration of the big hits of the 80s and 90s. He founded the ukulollo power duo together with eclectic musician Vittorio Fioramonti. He was recently noted for “Teki,” an excellent editorial production in which science fiction, music, ukulele and superb illustrations create an interesting journey into the future.
The Chiesa di Santa Maria Amalfitana, nestled in the old town of Monopoli, is a striking example of Apulian Romanesque architecture. Built in the 12th century, the church reflects the cultural influence of the Amalfitan community that settled in the area during the Middle Ages. With its elegant stone façade, vaulted interiors, and atmospheric cloister, the space evokes a sense of history, serenity, and timeless beauty. In 2025, while Palazzo Palmieri undergoes restoration, the Chiesa di Santa Maria Amalfitana becomes the new headquarters of Monopolele – the Mediterranean Ukulele Festival.Throughout the festival, the church will host the workshop program, instrument exhibitions, and the official welcome desk, transforming its ancient stone halls into a living celebration of music and community. Open daily from 10:00 to 20:00 during the festival, the venue invites attendees to learn, explore, and connect in one of Monopoli’s most enchanting spaces.
La Pentima, set along the seafront just outside Monopoli’s historic center, is one of the city’s most striking panoramic spots. This open terrace overlooking the Adriatic offers a breathtaking view of the old town, with its white houses rising above the ancient walls and the sea stretching endlessly beyond. Positioned along Via Procaccia, it connects the coastline to the heart of the city and provides a privileged perspective on Monopoli’s relationship with the sea. During Monopolele, La Pentima becomes much more than a viewpoint: it transforms into a natural stage facing the horizon, where the energy of the festival meets the rhythm of the waves. With the skyline of the old town as a backdrop and the open sea in front, it offers a unique setting where audience and performers share the same space, immersed in light, wind, and sound. It is here that the opening night of the festival will come alive, turning this iconic terrace into a vibrant gathering point—where music, sunset, and the spirit of Monopolele merge into one unforgettable experience.
Largo Portavecchia, a charming square in Monopoli, is a scenic spot nestled between the city’s historic walls and the azure Adriatic Sea. Surrounded by whitewashed buildings and offering stunning coastal views, it captures the essence of Monopoli’s seaside charm. The square is a popular gathering place, often bustling with life, and provides an ideal setting for cultural and musical events. Since 2022, Largo Portavecchia has been home to the lively jam sessions of Monopolele, the Mediterranean Ukulele Festival. Centered around the MezzoPieno Café, musicians and enthusiasts come together in this picturesque location to create an intimate and spirited celebration of music. The combination of the square’s coastal ambiance and the café’s welcoming atmosphere makes it a highlight of the festival, fostering creativity and community by the sea.
Palazzo San Martino, located in the heart of Monopoli’s historic center, is an elegant historic building that offers a more intimate and refined setting within the festival. For the 2026 edition of Monopolele, its welcoming indoor spaces will host the festival’s workshop program, creating a perfect environment for learning, sharing, and musical exchange. Surrounded by the quiet charm of the old town’s narrow streets, Palazzo San Martino provides an inspiring atmosphere where participants can meet artists, deepen their musical skills, and experience the community spirit that lies at the heart of Monopolele.
Cathedral of the Madia, the spiritual heart of Monopoli, rises majestically at the edge of the historic center, just steps from the sea. The wide open space in front of the cathedral forms a natural stage framed by baroque architecture and the deep blue of the Adriatic. During Monopolele, this evocative square becomes an extraordinary setting for music and gathering, where performances unfold against one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. The steps, the façade, and the surrounding open space create a unique amphitheater-like atmosphere, making the Cathedral of the Madia a truly unforgettable stage where history, spirituality, and live music meet.
Church of Sant’Angelo, nestled within the intimate fabric of Monopoli’s historic center, is a hidden gem that embodies the quiet beauty and spiritual depth of the city. Surrounded by narrow white-stone streets and steeped in centuries of history, it offers a serene and evocative atmosphere, perfect for moments of listening and reflection. For the 2026 edition of Monopolele, this church will take on a special role: it will replace the Church of San Pietro, which is exceptionally closed this year due to restoration works. While San Pietro has traditionally hosted some of the festival’s most intimate performances, Sant’Angelo will carry forward that legacy, offering a new yet equally captivating setting. Inside, the acoustics and architectural intimacy create a natural chamber space, ideal for refined and emotionally rich performances, where every nuance resonates with clarity and depth. During Monopolele, the Church of Sant’Angelo will host two special Sound Embraces, the festival’s immersive concert format: in this context, Sant’Angelo becomes a true sanctuary for sound, where the festival slows down, listens, and breathes—continuing a cherished tradition in a new, beautifully resonant space.
Piazza Palmieri, the oldest square in Monopoli’s historic center, was originally named Piazza San Pietro. It is dominated by the 17th-century Palazzo Palmieri, a late-Renaissance palace that once belonged to one of the city’s most influential families. The square is also home to the Church of Saints Peter and Paul and the Church of Santa Teresa, both notable for their architectural and historical significance. Since the inception of Monopolele in 2022, Piazza Palmieri has served as the primary venue for major evening events, hosting performances by international artists and vibrant community gatherings. Its historic ambiance and central location make it an ideal setting for the festival’s main concerts and cultural activities.
Piazza XX Settembre, a vibrant square marked by its tall palm trees and framed by the historic complex of San Domenico, stands at the crossroads between Monopoli’s ancient town and its more modern urban life. It is a natural meeting point for locals and visitors alike, a space where the rhythm of everyday life blends seamlessly with the city’s cultural identity. During Monopolele, the square will take on a completely new energy. Already animated in those days by a traditional local celebration that fills the city with lights, decorations, and a festive atmosphere, Piazza XX Settembre will be dressed for a popular feast, becoming an open-air stage rich in color, sound, and collective emotion. This is where the grand final concert of the festival will take place: a moment designed to bring together the spirit of Monopoli and the international ukulele community. Surrounded by a lively, folk-inspired setting and embraced by the participation of the local community, the square becomes the perfect place for a true encounter—where music, tradition, and people come together in one shared celebration. In this unique atmosphere, Piazza XX Settembre is not just a location, but the culmination of the festival’s journey, where the energy of Monopolele meets the authentic soul of the city.
Larghetto Garibaldi is a small, inviting square where the vibrant Via Garibaldi gently opens up into a welcoming urban stage. Located in the very heart of Monopoli’s historic center, it combines the charm of narrow Mediterranean streets with the lively flow of residents and visitors. Thanks to its natural acoustics, constant foot traffic, and cozy proportions, Larghetto Garibaldi becomes the perfect spot for Saturday’s street performance—a dynamic prelude to the evening’s main concert with Raphael Gualazzi.
Largo Castello is a spacious square in front of Castello Carlo V, Monopoli’s historic coastal fortress. Overlooking the Adriatic Sea and surrounded by ancient city walls, this open-air venue blends history with breathtaking scenery. Its strategic location makes it a prime setting for cultural events, public gatherings, and live performances, offering a unique atmosphere where music and heritage come together.
Piazza Garibaldi, in the heart of Monopoli’s historic center, is one of the city’s most charming and vibrant squares. During Monopolele, it serves as a key passage for all parades and hosts the tourist Info-Point, a central hub for festival attendees. The square is also home to the Rendella Library, an elegant neoclassical building that has hosted festival events in the past. With its outdoor cafés and lively atmosphere, Piazza Garibaldi is a must-visit spot where history and culture come together.
Teatro Radar, located in Monopoli, is a historic venue that has become a central hub for cultural events in the city. Originally constructed in the late 1930s, it underwent extensive renovations and reopened in 2018 after 33 years of closure. The theater now serves as a multifunctional space, hosting a variety of performances, including theater productions, concerts, and film screenings. Since 2023, Teatro Radar has played a significant role in the Monopolele Mediterranean Ukulele Festival. In 2023, it provided an indoor venue for concerts that were relocated due to inclement weather, ensuring the festival’s continuity. In 2024, the theater hosted a special concert by Giovanni Albini, offering attendees an exceptional musical experience within its historic walls. Teatro Radar’s blend of historical charm and modern amenities makes it an ideal setting for the festival’s diverse events.
