When a child is stuck in a hospital bed, a small instrument can make a world of difference. That’s the driving idea behind ‘Happy Holidays to UKE,’ a charity cabaret and piano open mic coming to The Green Room 42 on December 14th, 2026, hosted by Broadway veteran and multi-platinum pop artist Drew Lachey.
The benefit supports The Ukulele Kids Club (UKC), a nonprofit that delivers ukuleles to hospitalized and medically fragile children through music therapy programs in New York and around the world. Lachey, who is also a composer and writer, will share the stage with the cast of his musical Label·less for a special performance during the evening.
“I’m thrilled to be hosting this holiday benefit for the Ukulele Kids Club and supporting the incredible work they do bringing music, joy and connection to children when they need it most,” Lachey said. “Music has always had the power to uplift people, which is at the heart of Label•less, the musical my wife Lea and I created. I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the holiday season than by helping more children in need experience the healing power of music with an instrument of their own and guidance by caring music therapists along the way.”
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Alongside Lachey’s performance, the lineup will include inspiring sets from children and youth who have been directly impacted by UKC’s mission. Broadway performers from hit shows including Wicked, Hamilton, Ragtime, and Label•less are also scheduled to appear, with additional names to be announced. Joshua Turchin will serve as musical director for the evening.
The event will also feature one-of-a-kind auction items. Attendees can bid on exclusive Broadway-inspired experiences and hand-painted ukuleles themed after major Broadway productions.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Drew as the host of this special Broadway benefit,” said Marlén Rodríguez-Wolfe, Executive Director of The UKC. “As a lifelong performer, Drew understands the powerful role music can play in our lives and our mental health. We’re grateful to have Drew, Lea, and the Label•less cast helping us share a message at the heart of our mission: music can support you, even in the hardest of times – a message hospitalized kids everywhere deserve to hear.”
The evening is presented by Bear Givers and held in memory of the late Dr. Edmund Phelps, a Nobel Prize-winning economist, longtime Columbia University professor, philanthropist, and passionate advocate for human flourishing. Throughout his life, Dr. Phelps championed creativity, opportunity, dignity, and the belief that every person deserves the chance to thrive. His love of music and commitment to expanding human potential make his legacy especially meaningful to UKC, whose mission is rooted in the power of music to bring comfort, connection, joy, and healing to children facing serious illness.
Tickets to ‘Happy Holidays to UKE’ may be purchased from The Green Room 42. More information about the event and sponsorship opportunities is available at www.theukc.org/broadway.
Why it matters: This benefit highlights how the arts can directly support pediatric healthcare, using music as a therapeutic tool for children facing serious illness. By bringing together Broadway talent and a proven nonprofit model, the event underscores the growing recognition that creative expression is a vital part of healing.
