Holiday/Christmas Sampler
Christmas Caroling, Crestwood Shops, KC
I'll be Home for Christmas
Cultural Celebrations
Oahu, Hawaii, July/Aug., 2014
Wedding Music, Sept. '18
Heroes & Holidays (Nov. '17): Historic C-Street, Springfield, MO
Empty Bowls Benefit, Fall '17
With DIY Guy, Jeremy Rabe at Repurposed Faire, Monett, MO, Aug. 2017
Ukulele World Congress, Indiana, 2017
International Ukulele Contest, Honolulu, HI, Feb. 2019
Arts Festival, Isesaki, Japan, 2017
Sunflower Festival, '18
Rick and Karen Maxson are international award winning ukulele players who travel and perform for the Missouri Arts Council. During the Holiday Season, their services include:
1) Corporate Holiday Gatherings: The joyful sound of Uke 66 playing familiar holiday songs is an ideal sound track for any Christmas party. Plus, they know all of Santa's walk-in songs just in case.
2) A Quiet Christmas: Soft instrumental and smooth vocal sets ideal for small gatherings that provide a spirit of calm. Pairs well with candles and conversation.
3) Caroling and Sing-Alongs: Private doorstep concerts for loved ones or seasoned song-leading for hay-rides or caroling parties. Portable P/A system available.
32 reviews
Jamie W.
December 9, 2025This was our second year with Uke 66. They are such a sweet couple that personalize a music experience based on the event. Great at reading the room, getting crowd involved, and fitting in perfectly with our festive group. We are already looking forward to next year!
Hired as: Christmas Carolers
Dhalia O.
December 3, 2025The Christmas band was fantastic. They brought great energy, played beautiful holiday music, and really set the festive mood for our event. Our residents loved them. Highly recommend!
Hired as: Christmas Carolers, Hawaiian Entertainment
Kathy L.
May 11, 2025Even before the event, they were responsive, fun, helpful and encouraging. At the event, they arrived in plenty of time to set up and also help our MC with their mic. Their care and attention to our flow of events was perfect. Their sound was fun and smooth and exactly what we wanted and expected. They were friendly to all, and they are just a truly likeable couple! I highly recommend them.
Hired as: Ukulele Player
Cathy L.
June 15, 2024Uke 66 provided the perfect Hawaiian ukulele sound track for our little backyard party. They were truly professional, providing a complete setup for their performance and performed a variety of songs in a peaceful and pleasant way. We were happy and pleased to have them at our celebration.
Hired as: Ukulele Player
Alyssa L.
September 13, 2023They were an amazing addition to our Cruise Week to the Islands at our assisted living facility! All of the residents loved their sound and appreciated their friendliness as they stayed an extra 20 minutes, chatting with them. Very reasonably priced as well and traveled 3 hours to our location! Will be booking them again!
Hired as: Hawaiian Entertainment, Ukulele Player
Price range: Negotiable: generally $200 and up.
Languages: English, Spanish
Gig length: 60 - 180 minutes
We are an acoustic duo who feel equally comfortable featured on stage or quietly tucked into a corner, creating just the right mood for a wine pairing or intimate dinner party. We have our own portable sound system and take up little space. We have played outdoor events for the Springfield Lasers, Drury University, downtown associations and country clubs in Springfield, Kansas City, St. Louis, Monett, and Joplin. We have played for music festivals throughout the Midwest, Japan, Hawaii, and Mexico. And, we have played for indoor weddings, memorial services, wine pairings, dinner parties--even a biker bar!
Meet Uke 66:
Rick and Karen Maxson found the inspiration for Uke 66 in their hometown of Springfield, MO, the birthplace of Route 66. Like the highway itself, the Maxsons believe that all people, regardless of age or income, can "get their kicks" from the carefree and unassuming music of the ukulele. While the Maxsons spend most of their time teaching others to play ukulele, they created Uke 66 to bring its joyful sound to public events and gatherings. For the last five years, they have been turning live ukulele music into a spirited sound track for luaus, luncheons, fund-raisers, corporate meetings, weddings, worship and memorial services. Folk, pop, island songs, jazz, and original tunes – everything from Chicago to L.A. – is what you will find when you get your kicks from Uke 66.
More about Karen:
A longtime musician, Karen added ukulele to her instrument repertoire in 2010, playing it as a reward for practicing her cello. She began as many do – strumming and singing in the privacy of her home – and it didn’t take long for her to realize she’d rather be playing the ukulele than the cello (apologies to the cello teacher). Three years later, she moved from California to Springfield, Missouri and began facilitating Springfield’s Queen City Ukulele Club at its twice-monthly uke jams. In March 2015, she began Uke 66 as a way to provide ukulele instruction to adults who want to learn how to play. In July 2015, she enrolled in the prestigious James Hill Ukulele Initiative, a three-year ukulele teacher training and accreditation program taught by world-renowned ukuleleist James Hill. Presently she offers group lessons and directs the "Mother Road" ukulele ensemble.
More about Rick:
Rick grew up in Ventura, CA playing guitar and performing at events, gatherings, camps and weddings. In 2005, on a business trip to Hawaii, he took advantage of a free ukulele lesson and was hooked! In 2012, Rick started a ukulele club at Drury University in Springfield, Missouri where he is an associate professor of communication. In August 2015, The DUkes were chosen by city officials to represent Springfield at an arts festival Isesaki, Japan. Rick is not very competitive by nature but in February, 2019 he won First Place, in his division, and Best Original Song at the International Ukulele Contest in Honolulu, HI.
Together, Rick and Karen perform, as Uke 66, at events and ceremonies in Springfield and beyond.
Often, when the occasion fits, they team up with a ukulele-bass player and drummer to add more kicks to Uke 66!
Tuesday
Uke 66 - Polk County Library
3:30pm - 4:30pm
Wednesday
Uke 66 - Founders Park Concert
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Thursday
Uke 66 - Schweitzer/Brentwood Concert
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Thursday
Uke 66 - Schweitzer/Brentwood Concert
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday
Uke 66 - Kirkwood Library, Wacky Wed.
All-day event
Thursday
Uke 66 - Millsap Farms
6:00pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Uke 66 - Kirkwood Library, Workshop
All-day event
Sunday
Three Amigos do Alaska!
All-day event
Thursday
Scenic Regional Library
All-day event
Saturday
Uke 66 - Rock & Ride Festival
All-day event
Tuesday
Hayner Public Library
All-day event
Saturday
Farmers Market Ozarks
9:00am - 12:30pm
Saturday
Farmers Market Ozarks
9:00am - 12:30pm
Thursday
Crestwood
All-day event
Friday
Lebanon Library - Uke Workshop
All-day event
Saturday
Clifford Wedding
All-day event
Saturday
Rhonda's Memorial Service
All-day event
Friday
QCUC Route 66 Parade
All-day event
Sunday
Uke 66 - Tri Lakes Choir
All-day event
Saturday
Uke 66 - Tri-Lakes Choir
All-day event
Saturday
Ukulele Orchestra of GB
All-day event
Saturday
Rick - Sound Tech for Poets
All-day event
Thursday
Florida Tour Uke Fest
All-day event
Saturday
Lebanon/Laclede Library
All-day event
Saturday
Nancy's Birthday, Arkansas
All-day event
Tuesday
St. James Mardy Gras
All-day event
Friday
Wexford Caribbean Happy Hour
1:00pm - 3:30pm
Thursday
Them Uke Boys Collaboration
All-day event
Friday
Warrensburg Vets Christmas
10:00am - 2:00pm
Wednesday
Schwab Christmas Banquet
5:30pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Uke 66 - Christy Howell Party
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Thursday
Schweitzer Church
10:30am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Lees Summit, MO
Thursday
Crestwood Shops
All-day event
Wednesday
Christmas Party
4:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Saturday
Mayor's Christmas Tree Lighting
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
3:00pm - 5:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Sunday
Village of Diggins Festival
9:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday
Montgomery Public Library
2:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Kirkwood Library
11:00am - 12:00pm
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
1:00pm - 1:45pm
•
Columbia, MO
Thursday
Wexford, KC Luau
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Stan Fam Visit
All-day event (Sun)
Friday
Warrensburg Vet's Home
1:00pm - 4:00pm
Thursday
Haily Center
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday
Schwab Christmas Party
6:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
qcuc Parade
All-day event
Thursday
Schweitzer church
11:30am - 12:30pm
Tuesday
MSU: Jingle Flamingo
4:00pm - 7:00pm
Saturday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Lees Summit, MO
Saturday
Crestwood Center
10:00am - 1:00pm
Friday
Crestwood Center
10:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday
Crestwood Center
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Monday
North Arkansas College
5:00pm - 7:00pm
Sunday
Nonprofit Event
10:00am - 11:30am
•
Lees Summit, MO
Friday
Anniversary Party
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Nixa, MO
Tuesday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Overland Park, KS
Saturday
Rock & Ride Festival
All-day event
Saturday
SGF Cider Days
2:15pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday
Retirement Community Event
12:00pm - 1:00pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Thursday
Creekside Assist Living LUAU
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
65th Birthday Luau
7:00pm - 9:30pm
Saturday
Repurpose Faire
10:30am - 12:00pm
Thursday
Millsap Farms
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Canela @ SGF
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday
Rick's Eye Exam
10:20am - 1:00pm
Sunday
Wire Road Brew
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Kat & Curt Fish Fry
All-day event
Saturday
Willard Public Concert
11:30am - 1:30pm
Thursday
??Workshop/Library Center?
All-day event
Wednesday
Warrensburg Vetrans
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Monday
H-Bros Grand Opening
11:00am - 1:00pm
Friday
Wexford Community K.C.
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Saturday
Springfield's Best
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday
Adult Concert Series
7:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
(link hidden) Music Day
8:00am - 5:00pm
Wednesday
Camp Olivet
All-day event
Tuesday
Horizons BBQ
11:00am - 1:30pm
Monday
Gary Ellison Birthday
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
West Plains Festival
All-day event (Sat)
Friday
Ukulele World Congress
All-day event
Thursday
Spring Valley Rehab
All-day event
Monday
MEXICO
All-day event
Sunday
MEXICO
All-day event
Saturday
MEXICO
All-day event
Friday
MEXICO
All-day event
Thursday
MEXICO
All-day event
Monday
Hi Bros
All-day event
Saturday
Pontiac IL Red Carpet
All-day event (Sun)
Wednesday
SGF Music in Park
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Saturday
Queen City Shout
5:40pm - 6:40pm
Saturday
St. Patrick's Day Parade
All-day event
Friday
Nashville Tap Room
All-day event
Wednesday
Ukulele Gent Show
All-day event
Saturday
Walker Christmas
8:30pm - 9:30pm
Saturday
Christmas Party
6:30pm - 7:30pm
Saturday
Surprise
5:00pm - 5:15pm
•
Lees Summit, MO
Saturday
Lee's Summit Caroling
5:00pm - 5:30pm
Friday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Tuesday
Christmas Party
11:00am - 12:00pm
•
Independence, MO
Tuesday
TMC Community, Lawrence
11:00am - 1:00pm
Wednesday
Christmas Party
7:00pm - 7:15pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Monday
HI Bros N KC
9:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Christmas Parade
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday
qcuc
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Saturday
Imagine Concert
4:00pm - 9:00pm
Saturday
Crestwood Shops: Christmas
11:00am - 1:00pm
Thursday
Crestwood Shops, KC
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday
PEO Luncheon
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Tuesday
Karen's Recital
5:00pm - 9:00pm
Sunday
QCUC UkeJam
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Friday
Tampa Bay Ukulele Getaway
All-day event
Wednesday
Marlene F. Retirement Party
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday
Fuzy Wedding (KC)
All-day event
Saturday
Rock & Ride
10:30am - 1:00pm
Friday
Bluegrass & Brats
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Monday
QCUC UkeJam
3:00pm - 4:30pm
Saturday
Care 2 Learn Ozark Luau
3:00pm - 5:00pm
Sunday
Cider Days
1:30pm - 2:30pm
Thursday
The Gardens Luau
5:30pm - 7:30pm
Thursday
Creekside Assisted $200
12:30pm - 1:30pm
Sunday
Parkcrest Back to School
2:00pm - 4:00pm
Saturday
Monett Repurposed Faire
10:30am - 12:30pm
Friday
Cocktail Party
5:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Friday
Cinder Block Brewery Luau
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Friday
Rehearsal Dinner
7:00pm - 7:30pm
•
Olathe, KS
Friday
Waterford Luau
11:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
KC Uke Slam
All-day event
Monday
Cindy Jobe's Mom
All-day event
Thursday
Mom's 80th in Branson
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Wednesday
Founder's Park SGF
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Saturday
SnowFest: Jordan Valley
12:00pm - 2:00pm
Friday
Soul Fire Luau
5:45pm - 9:00pm
Wednesday
Elementary School Concert
10:00am - 11:00am
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Bolivar, MO
Saturday
Ukulele Workshop
10:00am - 11:00am
Thursday
Springfield's Best Luau
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday
Restaurant/Bar Event
11:30am - 12:30pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Thursday
Millsap Farms
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Sunday
Peace Pavillion
11:30am - 2:00pm
Saturday
Willard Celebrate Women
5:30pm - 6:30pm
Saturday
Parnell/Sade Wedding
5:30pm - 10:00pm
Saturday
Library Station
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Thursday
GFWC Convention
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Thursday
Wexford Assisted Living
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Sunday
Queen City Shout
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday
Gaithersburg Uke Fest
All-day event
Friday
Natalie
4:00pm - 11:00pm
Wednesday
Occidental Management/Aspiria
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Tuesday
QCUC
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Tuesday
Wexford Memory Support
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Tuesday
Christmas Party
12:00pm - 1:30pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Sunday
Brentwood Church
5:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Drury Commencement
11:00am - 1:00pm
Friday
Karen/Library
8:00am - 12:00pm
Thursday
Northside Pediatrics
1:00pm - 2:30pm
Wednesday
Occidental Management/Aspiria
3:00pm - 4:00pm
Wednesday
Walnut Lawn Live Well Club
11:00am - 11:30am
Friday
KC Bourbon/Cigar Club
All-day event
Thursday
Bob Stephens
3:30pm - 5:30pm
Thursday
Davis Uke Club Zoom
1:30pm - 2:00pm
Wednesday
Occidental Management/Aspiria
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Wednesday
Booster
9:30am - 11:00am
Tuesday
QCUC
6:00pm - 7:30pm
Thursday
Nonprofit Event
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Tuesday
Funeral/Memorial Service
1:00pm - 1:15pm
•
Webb City, MO
Friday
Christmas Party
1:30pm - 1:45pm
•
Springfield, MO
Thursday
Surprise
10:00am - 10:15am
•
Springfield, MO
Wednesday
Surprise
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Springfield, MO
Wednesday
Surprise
5:00pm - 5:30pm
•
Branson, MO
Friday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 5:45pm
•
Springfield, MO
Saturday
Fundraiser
8:00pm - 10:30pm
•
Kansas City, MO
Friday
Christmas Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Sunday
Hold Fast Brewery
4:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Birthday Party
6:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Thursday
Corporate Event
5:30pm - 6:15pm
•
Rogers, AR
Saturday
Dinner Party
6:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Marshfield, MO
Thursday
Corporate Event
5:00pm - 7:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Friday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Carthage, MO
Saturday
Birthday Party
5:30pm - 7:00pm
•
Strafford, MO
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
6:30pm - 7:15pm
•
Mount Vernon, MO
Saturday
School of Uke: SGF Creamery
10:00am - 11:30am
Friday
House Party
11:00am - 1:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Friday
Iron Bridge Luaua: Private Party
11:00am - 1:00pm
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
7:00pm - 8:00pm
•
Jenks, OK
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
6:00pm - 6:15pm
•
Branson, MO
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 4:00pm
•
Springfield, MO
Saturday
Nonprofit Event
12:30pm - 2:30pm
•
Springfield, MO
Saturday
Dinner Party
7:30pm - 8:30pm
•
Joplin, MO
Saturday
Wedding Reception
5:30pm - 5:45pm
•
Springfield, MO
Saturday
Wedding Ceremony
3:00pm - 3:15pm
•
Webb City, MO
Sunday
Wedding Ceremony
2:00pm - 2:45pm
•
Springfield, MO
Thursday
Cultural Event
11:30am - 12:15pm
•
Springfield, MO
Wednesday
Widow to Widow, Neosho, MO
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Saturday
Spencer & Salley's Wedding, KC, MO
6:00pm - 8:00pm
Saturday
Japanese Fall Festival, SGF, MO
12:00pm - 1:00pm
Sunday
Queen City Shout, Music Festival, Springfield, MO
2:00pm - 3:30pm
Saturday
Repurpose Faire, Monett, MO
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Sunday
Arts Fest Parade, Isesaki, Japan
2:00pm - 3:00pm
Sunday
Isesaki Arts Festival Main Stage
1:00pm - 2:00pm
Our set lists cross the musical genres of folk, pop, and jazz. We play nostalgic and contemporary Hawaiian songs, original compositions, Brother IZ; American folk and pop songs from artists such as James Taylor, John Denver, Arlo Guthrie, Van Morrison, Bruno Mars, Creedence Clear Water Revival, Beatles, Blondie, Jimmy Buffett, Bob Dylan, the Gershwins, and that one angry song by Miranda Lambert ;-)
We can provide our own sound system and fit into a small space, about 10x10 foot square. We can also provide a microphone for your emcee or recorded music during breaks.
Hawaiian Entertainment