The Ukeladies performing at the Youanmite Hall for International Women’s Day 2023.
Never underestimate a dozen women in their 70s sitting down for an early lunch at Burke’s Hotel in Yarrawonga.
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You may well be looking at the infamous Ukeladies — a ukulele playing group who are also sure-footed line dancing enthusiasts.
“We went to one of the lady’s backyards after line dancing back in 2018,” Rachele Tricarico, a founding Ukelady, said.
“Someone had a ukulele and didn’t know how to play it, so I taught everyone some chords.
“They were very busy concentrating on where to put their fingers at first, but now we can all sing and play.”
What began as a bit of fun for the women has led to a lot of fun for their audiences over the years.
Playing mostly at aged-care residences, the Ukeladies bring upbeat energy to the residents and the staff.
“We try and play songs that the residents can clap along to, or sing along to — we all have so much fun with it,” another of the ukulele-wielding women, Anne Crawford, said.
The group’s members hail from Benalla, Yarrawonga, Cobram, Barooga, Tocumwal, Numurkah and Nathalia — and they were not particularly musical before they got together.
“We have all learnt new skills and we’ve supported each other along the way,” Anne said.
Meeting monthly for a nice lunch, followed by a couple of hours of ukulele play to hone their skills, has meant this band of retirees is now in demand around the region.
A highlight on their calendar was playing at this year’s Moira Shire International Women’s Day event at the historic Youanmite Hall.
Rachele said they also played for Nathalia Senior Citizens’ Week, Probus in Yarrawonga and at many dance group Christmas parties.
These musicians don’t take themselves too seriously, donning costumes and props to truly entertain the crowds.
“We have nun habits for when we sing to Sister Act, there’s a Dolly Parton wig when we do 9 to 5 and we get our tallest Ukelady, Anne, to lead Long Tall Texan,” Rachele said.
The Ukeladies believe this unique pastime has given them a sense of purpose and is a new interest they can all share.
While they joke that they are keeping the dementia at bay, there is a strong sense of support among the group.
“We’re in constant contact, if anyone’s got a dilemma, we talk it through. I feel blessed to be part of the group,” Rachele said.
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