Chicago Ukulele World Record Attempt: Old Town School Of Folk Music Rallies Musicians

Chicago has had plenty of accomplishments that make the city, and its residents, stand out from the rest of the world. We have the tallest building in the U.S., the youngest-ever MVP in the NBA, end even our pumpkin-carving skills have earned us some superlative recognition.

With such a solid track record, hopes are high that the Old Town School Of Folk Music will bring more than 1,378 ukulele players to Welles Park in Lincoln Square this Saturday to break the record for the most ukulele players to assemble in one place at one time, and set the record for the largest assembled group performance of a traditional Hawaiian song.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the previous record for most uke-strummers assembled at one time was set last year in Helsingborg, Sweden.

The stunt is part of the Old Town School's Festival of Aloha, a four-day celebration of traditional Hawaiian music, dance and culture. Performances and events run from May 24-27.

Ukulele novice? All are welcome, and the all-ages event began with a free lesson taught by Lanialoha Lee to make sure all participants can strum through “E Huli Mākou” in unison Thursday. Mahalo painted ukuleles will be on sale at the Old Town School's store for only $25 to encourage participation from as many festival-goers as possible.