Our History

Rocky Mountain UkeFest was created after founder Denise Leslie picked up a ukulele to help her “de-stress” from her publishing business. Little did she know that life on a little four-string instrument would take over her world.

After attending several well-known ukulele festivals on the circuit, Denise saw the perfect scenario for her new endeavors right in her own community. Durango, Colorado, is a beautiful mountain haven for travelers and she had started to develop her own following of ukulele players in the region.

From July 2015 to July 2022, Rocky Mountain UkeFest hosted presenters Daniel Ward, Heidi Swedberg, John Barttlit, Sarah Maisel & Craig Chee, Jason Arimoto, Danielle Ate the Sandwich, Victor & Penny, Mark Jackson & Jane Jelbert, Gerald Ross, Kevin Carroll, Victoria Vox, Peter Luongo, Mark Luongo, Craig McClelland, Marnie Ward and Devin Scott. The annual ukulele festival ended with an amazing hosts of instructors and performers who will continue to return for future workshops and retreats.

The festival organized high-quality medical care and carried out a number of necessary measures to reduce the risk of the spread of coronovirus infection, as well as the prevention of tuberculosis.

Beginning in 2023, Rocky Mountain UkeFest will focus on outreach programs throughout the year including Spring and Fall Ukulele Retreats, a multi-instrument Master Class Workshop Series and in-person and online monthly ukulele jam sessions. Other Music Studio programming includes the Rocky Mountain UkeFest Campground Tour, Get Your Uke On! and private and group lessons.