Singer/Musician, Puppeteer Early Childhood Specialist
A lifelong singer, musician, and performer, Connie grew up in Virginia listening to her grandmother ‘tearing up the keys’ as a ragtime pianist, and her mom tickling those same ivories to share timeless favorites. It became a beloved family tradition played out whenever mom started “In the Mood” on the piano; Connie and her siblings would drop whatever they were doing to race to the living room to sing and groove along!
Connie has always loved connecting with others through music. In middle school she particularly loved small ensemble singing, caught the ‘theatre bug’ and found herself onstage acting and carrying lead roles and soloing in musicals. In her teens, a dear friend taught her how to play the guitar and she began playing and singing in song circles and for special events.
Connie attended college and graduated with a major in Performing Arts. Soon after she was cast in plays and musicals in regional theatre, and began sitting in a wee black box theatre with arms held high, manipulating rod puppets with the puppet troupes’ founder in a series of children’s puppet stories.
The creative multicultural buzz of NYC caught her fancy, and she continued training and was an active member of a theater troupe based in Soho. While in New York Connie discovered additional passions, including jazz vocal improvisation, Afro-Haitian dancing and drumming, and teaching young children!
There she founded and became the artistic director of Starlite Puppets & Music, sharing puppetry and song at schools, private events, and libraries. She began to write and record music using keyboard and vocals. She also earned a master’s degree in education, learned a treasure trove of stories and music for children, and began to create a series of resource books featuring classic & original children’s stories and songs.
Connie learned how to play lilting melodies on the recorder and was persuaded by a harpist to pluck up the courage to study the instrument and perform for special events. She was a co-founder of the musical groups “Kinderfolk” and a teacher’s band, “Making the Grade”. In addition to early childhood teaching, she began leading elementary school grades music classes, co-directing grade school productions, and leading community festivals in song. She soon after fell in love with the ukulele, which is currently her primary instrument!
Her music includes a fusion of folk, soft rock, pop, jazz, blues, and island style.
Connie performs at festivals, eateries, libraries, senior centers, and private events; leads jams and workshops, and teaches ukulele privately to children and adults.
“Aloha is more than just a greeting, it is a philosophy on how to interact with the world. Live the aloha way and find harmony with the world around you and peace within yourself.” –from Collections of Waikiki
She is most inspired by music’s profound capacity to bring people together through the celebration of inspirational imaginations that elicit warmth, joy, excitement, and a spirit of community. Connie expresses music from the heart and performs as a solo artist, duo, and in her acoustic band Coconut Groove. She performs for children’s audiences as Starlite Puppets & Music.
Live Events
Perfect for corporate gatherings, community celebrations, or any special occasion—let’s make it unforgettable together!
Come see me live in the Tampa Bay area and bring the joy of ukulele music to your group event!
Private Events
Add a touch of tropical charm to your next event with a private ukulele player in the Tampa Bay area!
Perfect for weddings, parties, or any special occasion—create unforgettable memories with live music.
Ukulele Lessons
Learn to play the ukulele, no matter your age or skill level!
Lessons are fun, easy, and tailored just for you—whether you’re a beginner or looking to master more advanced techniques. Start your musical journey today!
Live Events, Private Events, Instruction
Experience the joy of live ukulele music in the Tampa Bay area!
Whether you’re looking for private lessons for any age, vibrant entertainment for your special event, or live performances for group gatherings, I’m here to make it unforgettable.
Let’s strum up something amazing together—book now!
Connie Ukulele 