Daniel Ward is a gifted musician who has taken his 30 years experience performing world music, jazz, rock and most notably flamenco and focused it on an unlikely instrument: the ukulele. Born in Los Alamos NM, he holds degrees in classical guitar and composition. As a guitarist, he toured with flamenco dance troupes Yjastros, Dance España, and Maria Benitez, the heavy metal vaudeville band Skümbaag, and went around the world with nouveau flamenco sensation Ottmar Liebert.

Focusing on four strings has allowed Daniel to share his advanced techniques with all levels of player, and he considers his life enriched by the social element of ukulele. In the past five years he has enjoyed performing and teaching at ukulele festivals in England, Canada, Mexico, China and all across the United States. He is a contributing editor at Ukulele Magazine, where his instructional videos and lessons are a perennial favorite. His best-selling book of studies for the ukulele, Arpeggio Meditations for Ukulele has become standard repertoire in the ukulele world. His recording "EL UKULELE" is a lively adventure in what the instrument can do. http://www.danielward.net/

Heidi Swedberg

Heidi Swedberg is passionate about people, which is why she loves the ukulele- the people’s instrument. Encouraging all ages to engage and connect through music, she teaches, writes, lectures and performs for the youngest children to older adults.

She has been a performer for more than 30 years, working in music, film and television, and is known for her role as "Susan" on Seinfeld. Heidi is a contributing editor at Ukulele Magazine, where she writes about community and connectedness, and has published recordings and instructional books, including "Color-Along Ukulele: a Method Book for those Drawn to Play".

Born in Hawaii, her first ukulele came from the Easter Bunny when she was 5 years old. Her family relocated to New Mexico, the place she considers home. Currently based in Los Angeles, Heidi has helped start uke programs internationally: in schools, hospitals, orphanages, churches and libraries. She loves making new friends while performing and teaching at music festivals around the globe.