Ukulele group brings island vibes to South Carolina's Grand Strand

Ukes by the Sea, a ukulele group in South Carolina's Grand Strand, brings tropical island vibes to audiences along the East Coast, according to Atlanta News First. The band members wear Hawaiian shirts, panama hats, and flowers, creating a breezy, happy sound that director Tom Woodle describes as difficult to frown at while playing.

Woodle, who began playing ukulele at age 4 and performed on live radio by age 6, formed the band nearly three years ago. The group plays a variety of music including rock and roll from the 1960s and 1970s, folk songs, and contemporary pieces like 'Africa,' per WBTV.

The band consists of 25 members ranging from seasoned musicians to beginners. Woodle recruited members such as Kristen Toben, who plays both ukulele and steel drum. Toben shared that learning the steel drum lifted her spirits and rekindled her love of music.

Woodle also taught his wife to play bass so she could join the group. Many members had never played an instrument before joining Ukes by the Sea, and Toben said they should be proud of their progress. When not practicing, the band performs throughout the community with a purpose, NBC12 reported.

The group aims to spread joy and island vibes through their music, enhancing the cultural experience of the popular vacation area known as the Grand Strand, according to Live 5 WCSC.