The New England Ukulele Festival has healing at heart
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As a ukulele instructor at An Unlikely Story in Plainville, Miller often helps adult students — many of whom are 30 or older — learn an instrument for the first time. She likens playing the ukulele to 'a big exhale,' and recognizes the value of bringing that same outlet to medically vulnerable children. When kids are ready to leave a treatment center, their ukulele comes with them, and they can continue their recovery through a free 'UKC At Home' program that offers online lessons and continued work with music therapists.
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'It's not just, 'we'll make kids smile for a minute with the ukulele,'' Miller said. 'It's such a durable thing, because you're giving this kid music.'
Even Keith Richards recognizes the impact of the program — the legendary Rolling Stones guitarist has autographed a ukulele
While the festival is free to attend, guests can pitch in for the cause in by purchasing raffle tickets or making donations on site as they enjoy the ukulele groups' sets, a workshop lead by headliner (and Berklee grad)
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'The fact that the Ukulele Kids Club is connected to hospitals around here is very meaningful to people,' Miller said. 'They work with Hasbro Children's Hospital, they work with Boston Children's Hospital and Dana-Farber, and people like to know that they're having an impact at home, as well as across the country.'
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