THE CANBERRA Tugs Ukele Gang took over Junee’s Antheneum stage rocking out to a number of 50s and 60s tunes. 

The group, ranging in age from 15 to late 80s, proved that had rhythm, entertaining patrons at the Rhythm and Rail Festival for close to two hours across two performances. 

Group co-ordinator Geoff Bairnsfather had travelled with the group from Canberra.

“We have a rule that the furthest we travel as a group is three hours,” Mr Bairnsfather said.

The ukele, a small stringed instrument is easy to learn and something Mr Bairnsfather said people can pick up at any stage in their life. 

“(The group) is mainly made up of people who didn’t know how to play an instrument but wanted to,” Mr Bairnsfather said.

The groups diverse reportoire consists mainly of “golden age” rock favourites.

“We play anything Elvis, Bill Haley, the Big Boppers and Little Richard,” Mr Bairnsfather said.

“The start of the 50s and 60s that people know very well.”

16-year-old Louise Cooke, one of the groups youngest members, said being a Tug member was socially and musically rewarding.

“I love singing and I wanted to learn to play an instrument,” Ms Cooke said.

“It’s really fun and there are lots of games and fun on the bus ride too.”