The Entertainment Lineup - Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival

Performers Schedule times and locations

SCHEDULES AND DETAILS COMING SOON

Festival Line-Up for 2026

Bryan Tolentino is a veteran Hawaiian ukulele player, educator, and sought-after accompanist with over forty years of experience performing locally and internationally. A self-taught musician who began playing at age ten, he has contributed his distinctive sound - what he calls his “fairy dusting” - to more than sixty recordings, including Na Hoku Hanohano - winning and Grammy-nominated projects with many of Hawai’i’s most celebrated artists. His solo work, such as Ka’Ukulele Lele, and collaborations with Herb Ohta Jr. have earned critical acclaim, and he continues to share his deep musical insight through performances, workshops, and teaching both in person and online. He also serves as an educator at the Performing Arts Academy at Kamehameha Schools, nurturing the next generation of ‘ukulele players.

Bryan Tolentino
HAWAII

The Fort Langley International Ukulele Festival is one of Metro Vancouver's premier music festivals this year. Bring out your family to be entertained by one of the world's greatest Ukulele Artists !

Guido Heistek holds a B.F.A. Music from Concordia University in Montreal and is a CANSTAT certified teacher of the Alexander Technique. He makes his home in Vancouver, BC. Guido has performed and taught in the US, Japan, Canada, and has worked as both an arranger and consultant for stage and film. Guido teaches private and small group lessons at his downtown studio, runs Ukulele in the Dark, a uke site with an international following of thousands, and is half of the Vancouver duo,

Heistek and Plato

Guido Heistek
CANADA

Photo Credit: Vincent Lim

Chris Kamaka Sr. is a highly respected Hawaiian ukulele artist, educator and cultural ambassador. A member of the renowned Kamaka family - founders of Kamaka Ukulele, one of Hawai’i’s most iconic ukulele makers - he carries a deep generational connection to the instrument itself. With decades of performance and teaching experience, Chris Kamaka Sr. is celebrated for his masterful musicianship, deep roots in Hawaiian tradition, and commitment to sharing the spirit and culture of Hawai’i with audiences around the world.

Chris Kamaka Sr.
HAWAII

Peter Luongo is the founder of The Langley Ukulele Ensemble. The ensemble became internationally renowned under his tutelage and performed throughout North America, in Japan, and annually at the Sheraton Waikiki Resort in Hawaii. Peter's work was featured as the focal point of the award-winning documentary film, The Mighty Uke.

After retirement from his role as a teacher and administrator in the Langley School District, Peter turned his passion for teaching ukulele to working with adult learners. He shares his 40-years of experience and expertise as a professional ukulele teacher at festivals around the world. He also continues to lead adult performing ensembles. He is the leader of The Legacy Ukulele Ensemble, a performance-oriented adult ukulele group that has toured along the west coast of America and performed at ukulele festivals in Palm Springs (2017-18), Reno (2017-19), and Hawaii (2018, 2020), and at the 2019 & 2020 Winter NAMM Shows in Anaheim, California.

Peter Luongo
CANADA

Aldrine Guerrero is an award winning musician, ukulele player, music teacher, and head instructor at the AG ‘Ukulele Academy on the island of Kaua‘i.

Born in Manila, Aldrine moved at the age of 7 to the Hawaiian island of Kaua‘i where he was introduced to the ukulele at a church song practice.

By middle school, he began performing around the island and in high school he met fellow Kaua‘i musicians Ryan Esaki and Aaron Nakamura. In 2007, the three started Ukulele Underground as a website and forum, eventually teaching the ukulele to hundreds of thousands of students all over the world through live video instruction, tutorials, Play-Alongs, and in-person workshops.

Since then, Aldrine has held ukulele workshops and performances in countries all over the globe including the US, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Taiwan, the Philippines, Korea, China, Australia, the Czech Republic, UK, Italy, and France. He has released 4 full-length studio albums and 3 EPs. His music has been featured in film and television including Adam Sandler's Hotel Transylvania, the film A Short History of Decay, and a crossover episode between the FOX hit series The Simpsons and Bob's Burgers.

After over 20 years of performing and 15 years of teaching ‘ukulele to players and students all around the world, Aldrine is focusing his knowledge and expertise into creating an ‘Ukulele Academy for the island of Kaua‘i. To find out more info, check out the Learn ‘Ukulele page.


Aldrine Guerrero
HAWAII

Aaron Nakamura is a ukulele player, teacher, and co-founder of the influential online learning platform Ukulele Underground, which he helped start in 2007, alongside Aldrine Guerrero and Ryan Esaki, to grow and inspire the global ukulele community through tutorials, workshops, and performance content.

He is known for his creative playing, video production, and collaborative teaching with Guerrero at festivals, events and online, helping thousands of students build skills and confidence on the ukulele.

Aaron Nakamura
HAWAII

Eduardo Garcia is Eduardo is a dedicated Ukulele teacher, and has been a feature instructor/performer internationally, in festivals around Canada, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, Mexico, Brasil, and was featured on the International spotlight of the Ukulele Festival Hawai’i in 2021, among other online and offline events since making his festival debut in 2017.

He was the founder/director of the Academia de Ukuleles de la Ribera (Lakeside Ukulele Academy), a self-financed music school that provides instruments and free music lessons to all children in his community and that continues active to this day.

Being both classically and traditionally trained, Eduardo was active in a wide diversity of music projects in Mexico, teaching, performing and writing music. He collaborated on the book ‘Tsenten Ajab’, a book of studies and arrangements of both traditional and modern music for the Jarana Huasteca, a traditional folk instrument from Mexico’s Huasteco region, and that was published in 2018. He also played several different traditional folk string instruments with ‘Amate’, a traditional mariachi based in Guadalajara. Parallel to that, he played the cello on the ‘Victor Manuel Medeles’ chamber orchestra, of which he was also the arranger/composer of almost all of their repertoire, and the main teacher of the Centro Regional de Estudios Musicales (CREM), the classical music academy that was behind that orchestra. Nowadays, Eduardo has been fully committed to the Ukulele for over 15 years, and continues to teach music through this beloved instrument anywhere he goes.

Eduardo Garcia
MEXICO / CANADA

Kalei Gamiao is a Hawaiian ukulele virtuoso, composer and performer whose passion for the instrument began at age 13 and has taken him around the world sharing his music. Born and raised on Hawai’i’s North Shore, he studied under legendary local masters and blends genres like jazz, rock, classical, blues, and Hawaiian contemporary into his dynamic playing. Since releasing his debut album Contemporary Ukulele in 2008, Kalei has become a recognized figure in the global ‘ukulele community with multiple award-nominated albums and performances at major festivals and events internationally. His engaging style and commitment to expanding the ukulele's reach continue to inspire audiences and aspiring players alike.

Kalei Gamiao
HAWAII

Matt Dahlberg is a Seattle‑born ʻukulele virtuoso, educator, and innovator whose fresh approach to the instrument pushes it beyond traditional boundaries. Taught his first chord by his grandfather, Matt became known for his creative instrumental arrangements of classic rock and pop songs on ʻukulele, gaining recognition as one of the premier rising voices in the modern uke world.

A two‑time Ukulele Underground Undie Award winner, Matt has developed a strong online presence through YouTube, Patreon, and private lessons, where he inspires a global community of players with his unique techniques and teaching style. He’s also released original music, including the 2025 album Baritone, showcasing his musical range and creativity.

Based in the Pacific Northwest, Matt continues to perform, teach, and expand what’s possible on the ʻukulele, blending virtuosity with a passion for helping others grow their musical skills.

Matt Dahlberg
SEATTLE

UkuLenny, also known as Lendl San Jose, is an ukulele player, teacher, and performer known for his expressive playing style and engaging performances. He moved to the Bay Area in 2004, where he became immersed in its vibrant music and arts community.

UkuLenny attended the University of California, Berkeley, graduating in 2008 with a BA in Music and a minor in Theatre. Lenny plays over 12 instruments, including Guitar, Bass, Ukulele, Violin, Cello, Flute, Clarinet, Saxophone, Trumpet, French Horn, Piano, and the 14-string Philippine mandolin, called the Bandurria. A Kala Ukulele artist, UkuLenny is a dedicated educator who enjoys helping students of all levels discover confidence, creativity, and joy through the ukulele.

Currently, Lenny is a full-time working musician, sharing his love of ‘ukulele with students and audiences alike. He teaches students from ages 6 to 86, privately as well as in group lessons at the Albany Community Center. He also performs at weddings, private parties, corporate events, restaurants, bars, street festivals, and everywhere where ukulele is accepted.

Lendl San Jose - Ukulenny
CALIFORNIA - USA

Paul Luongo began his journey towards becoming a certified educator by first completing a Bachelor's in Music, with a minor in Music Education - Instrumental Music, at the University of Victoria. Paul completed his Bachelor's in Education and became a fully certified teacher in the province of BC in the Spring of 2013. He was fortunate to begin his career in the Abbotsford School District, teaching music at The Abbotsford School of Integrated Arts (ASIA Sumas) Middle & Secondary Schools.

Paul enjoyed having the music program achieve award-winning status while providing excellent, educational experiences and opportunities for students to grow as both learners and individuals. Additionally, Paul is proud of making community connections in Abbotsford with the local arts community, the City, and Tourism Abbotsford. In December 2021, Paul completed a Master's in Educational Leadership & Administration from Western Washington University.

In August of 2023, Paul was appointed to his current position as a Vice Principal at Clayburn Middle School. Outside of the school district, Paul has been the Musical Director of the world-renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble since the Fall of 2013. Notably, Paul has produced four studio albums with the ensemble, while leading tours to Honolulu, Hawaii, 10 times, in addition to being featured at the Royal Nova Scotia International & Vernon, BC Tattoos, Stratford Summer Music Festival, Canadian & Pacific National Exhibitions, Whistler Arts Festivals, and opening for Grammy Award Winner, Bobby McFerrin, in Anaheim, California and the Grand Rally for Music Education as part of the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) convention.

Paul Luongo
CANADA

Elizabeth Zielke is a Canadian ukulele educator, performer, and musical director known for her long-standing work with the Langley Ukulele Association. She has been involved in playing the ukulele for over 15 years and, for more than a decade, has taught private lessons and directed feeder ensembles that prepare students for higher-level performance with the Langley Ukulele Ensemble. In her work she focuses on motivating students to realize their musical goals and share their talents through engaging performances. As musical director and teacher, Elizabeth supports community music, inspires passion for the ukulele, and contributes to one of Canada’s most respected youth ukulele programs.


Elizabeth Zielke
CANADA

Mark Luongo is a musician, teacher, and performer with over two decades of experience sharing music through performance and instruction. He teaches ukulele, guitar, bass, and piano to students of all ages across North America, as well as an active teacher within the Langley Ukulele Association, blending technical skill with creativity and encouragement. As a multi-instrumentalist and mentor, Mark has participated in collaborative music projects and continues to support community music initiatives while inspiring others through teaching and performance.


Mark Luongo
CANADA

Simon is one of the Langley Ukulele Association’s newest teachers, teaching children within the Association, and currently directs the Intermediate Ensemble. He has been a member of Langley’s Senior Ensemble for the past six years, beginning at the age of 10, and has spent the past 4 years training as an educator, under the tutelage of Peter Luongo. Simon brings experience working with adult learners as well, in California, Washington State and Pender Island.

He is currently studying Jazz with Juno-nominated Jodi Proznick, a Canadian bassist, composer and educator, and is also a member of the Vancouver Junior Symphony.

Simon combines strong musicianship with a thoughtful and supportive teaching approach.

Simon Gileff
CANADA

Under the direction of Paul Luongo, The Langley Senior A Ukulele Ensemble, is the top performing group at the Langley Ukulele Association. They perform as many as 80 times in a calendar year.

Established over 44 years ago, by Paul's father Peter, versions of this Ensemble have performed at ukulele festivals in Nevada, Oregon, Nova Scotia, Japan, and Hawaii and at local community events within the province of British Columbia, Lower Mainland, and Greater Vancouver regions.

In recent years, the ensemble has performed alongside Juno, Na Hoku Hanohano, and Grammy-nominated or winning musicians and artists. In January 2020, the ensemble opened up for Grammy Award Winner Bobby McFerrin as a part of the Grand Rally for Music Education within the National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Convention.

Prior to our festival the ensemble will be participating in the International Ukulele Festival of Hawaii in July 2025, while continuing its annual residency, performing nightly at the Sheraton Waikiki for the 28th year

Langley Ukulele Ensemble
CANADA

Hālau Hula KaʻUhane O Ka Pākīpika is an esteemed Polynesian dance school that has been guided since 1999 by the respected vision of Kumu Paddy Kauhane.

For 25 years, Kumu Paddy Kauhane has taught hundreds of students in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia, Canada. Collaborating with world-renowned Kumu Hula, and under the mentorship of Blaine Kamalani Kia, Kumu Hula and Director of the Lauakea Foundation, our students learn from some of the top teachers in the world.

In 2009 Paddy Kauhane moved back home, to Hawaiʻi, but she continues to mentor and teach our leaders and haumana, and govern the society as a Board Director. Our lineage carries on through Paddy’s family and our Poʻo, Hoʻopaʻa & Alakaʻi who remain in Maple Ridge and run the society & hālau today.

As a Canadian Non-Profit Organization with strong, familial ties to Hawaiʻi, the Spirit of the Pacific Cultural Society (SPCS) is proud to run a variety of programs and events that promote and preserve the unique traditions and cultural heritage of Hawaiʻi and other Polynesian nations.

From our hālau (hula school) to workshops, performances, school presentations, and camps, the SPCS is a great resource for anyone interested in learning more about Polynesian traditions, particularly those of Hawaiʻi.

Hālau Hula Ka'Uhane O Ka Pākīpika
CANADA

Hawaii:

1. Bryan Tolentino - Oahu

2. Chris Kamaka Sr. - Oahu

3. Aldrine Guerrero - Kawaii (and his playing partner Aaron Nakamura)

4. Kalie Gamiao - Oahu (and his playing partner Corey Fujimoto)

Pacific Northwest:

1. Matt Dahlberg (Seattle)

2. Eduardo Garcia (Vancouver)

3. Guido Heistek (Vancouver)

Langley Ukulele Association:

1. Peter Luongo

2. Paul Luongo

3. Mark Luongo

4. Elizabeth Zielke

5. Simon Gileff

6. The Langley Ukulele Ensemble

7. The Senior B, Intermediate, and Junior Student Ensembles

The Spirit of the Pacific Hula Dance Group:

1. Jessica Demos

REFUND POLICY

Our Festival is a one of a kind event that includes free outdoor concerts and jams at various venues combined with premium indoor ticketed concerts and top notch workshops and learning opportunities lead by some of the worlds greatest Ukulele Instructors and highly acclaimed performers. We fully anticipate this festival to be fully subscribed.

As funds raised after festival and workshop expenses have been paid go directly to supporting our youth ukulele ensembles and youth learning and leadership development in our community, we are unable to offer refunds to ticket subscribers.