Ukulele Magic Hosts Ukulele Melee at Salem State November 14

Ten days from today, the Harrington Campus classroom building at 71 Loring Avenue will fill with the sound of strumming as Salem’s Ukelele Magic hosts its Ukelele Melee from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, November 14, Salem State University reported.

The five-hour festival promises activities for every skill level, with workshops open to beginners and seasoned players alike, live music jams, strum-alongs, vendors, and an open mic. Attendees who arrive without an instrument need not worry, since ukeleles will be available on site.

Headlining the event is Victoria Kolasinski, known online as Jiggy with Viggy, a performer and teacher who has built a following of 280,000 on TikTok. Salem State University reported that her dual role as both social media sensation and instructor bridges digital performance with hands-on community music education.

A Suggested Donation Supports the Center for Creative and Performing Arts

Admission operates on a suggested donation basis of $10 for individuals and $20 for families, with all proceeds directed toward Salem State’s Center for Creative and Performing Arts. This funding model keeps the event accessible while channeling resources directly into the university’s arts programming.

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The choice of a suggested donation rather than a fixed ticket price reflects a deliberate effort to keep the melee open to students, families, and casual players. At $10 for individuals and $20 for families, the cost remains modest for a Saturday afternoon of entertainment and instruction.

The event is sponsored by a coalition of campus and local partners: the Salem State music and dance department, Jenni Stuart Fine Jewelry as the headline artist sponsor, The Guitar Center, Creative Collective, and Salem Main Streets. This mix of institutional and Main Street support underscores the gathering’s role as both a campus and community event.

What to Expect at the Harrington Campus

All activities take place in the classroom building at 71 Loring Avenue on the university’s Harrington Campus, placing the event within an academic setting that suits workshop-style learning. The schedule runs continuously from noon to 5 p.m., offering a full afternoon of music and interaction.

Between the structured workshops and the open-ended jams, the melee offers multiple entry points for engagement. Strum-alongs invite group participation, where attendees follow chord progressions in real time, while the open mic provides a stage for those ready to perform.

Ukulele Melee

Vendors on site will offer goods throughout the afternoon, giving attendees the chance to browse between musical sets. The availability of ukeleles on site removes the barrier of instrument ownership, allowing first-timers to test the waters without an upfront purchase.

Victoria Kolasinski’s appearance adds a contemporary draw to the traditional instrument. As Jiggy with Viggy, she has cultivated a significant online presence, and her work as a teacher aligns with the festival’s educational component. Her 280,000 TikTok followers represent an audience that bridges viral content and in-person music-making.

For families weighing the $20 suggested donation against a day of activities, the event offers structured workshops alongside free-flowing jam sessions. The open mic and live music jams create a dynamic atmosphere where watching and participating blend together.

The November 14 date places the melee squarely in the fall semester, giving students and community members a weekend activity. Salem Main Streets’ involvement signals the event’s economic connection to downtown businesses, while The Guitar Center and Creative Collective bring music retail and arts community ties.

Attendees can expect the day to unfold as a continuous celebration rather than a rigid schedule, with workshops punctuating the afternoon alongside ongoing jams. The classroom building venue accommodates these varied activities, with space for small-group instruction and larger gatherings for the open mic.

Proceeds supporting the Center for Creative and Performing Arts ensure that the afternoon’s entertainment translates into lasting support for campus arts programming. Every suggested donation funds the spaces and programs where events like this melee take root.

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