Flight Dealer of the Month: Aloha City Ukes
At the heart of Chicago’s growing ukulele community is Aloha City Ukes, a shop built from passion, experience, and a love for bringing people together through music. Founded in 2019 by Matt Cantlon, the store has become a destination for players looking for quality ukuleles, expert guidance, and a welcoming community atmosphere. With a background in the guitar industry and years of hands on music retail experience, Matt set out to create the kind of ukulele shop he wished existed in the Chicago area. In this Dealer of the Month interview, we talk with Matt about the story behind Aloha City Ukes, the local uke scene, memorable moments from the shop, and why instruments like Flight continue to connect with players of all levels.
Can you tell us a bit about your store and how it all started?
I opened the store in 2019 because I fell in love with the ukulele, and there were no stores in the Chicago area that had any decent ones to try out. I had worked in the guitar industry prior to this as the Product Manager for Washburn Guitars and also as the Assistant GM of a very busy Guitar Center store, so I was familiar with the music business already.
What inspired you to open a music store, and why focus on ukuleles?
I saw a need for nice ukes in the Chicago area and decided that I would be the guy to provide them.
What makes your store unique compared to others?
We only carry quality ukuleles, we don’t carry cheap plastic toys. We also offer free shipping, and we do a free set-up on every uke that we sell.
How would you describe your local music community?
It’s very vibrant, there are a lot of local uke groups in the area, and we have groups that come in from surrounding states as well.
What role do ukuleles play in your store today?
We are all ukes all the time.
Why did you decide to carry Flight Ukuleles?
We specialize in nice ukes, and Flight Ukuleles definitely fall into that category.
Do you have a favorite Flight model or one that your customers especially love?
My personal favorite is the Maia baritone as I love mango wood. The Fireball (in all sizes) is definitely one of the best-selling Flight ukes, along with the solid body steel string models.
Can you share a memorable moment or story from your store?
I had a lady come in one time looking at ukes, and she asked me if I could demo one for her. I picked it up and played the intro to Stairway to Heaven, then she started crying and told me that she had just lost her brother and that was his favorite song. It made me tear up as well, as we both knew that she was meant to be there at that moment.
Do you host events, workshops, or community activities? If so, tell us about them.
Yes, we’ve done many clinics over the years, including multiple ones with Jake Shimabukuro. We also hosted a free sing-along/beginner class for about 4 years and had tons of people come out for those.
What are you most proud of when it comes to your shop, and what’s next for you?
I am most proud of being able to bring some joy to people’s lives. The ukulele is an amazing instrument that brings people together in a very friendly and inviting environment. I am very glad to be a part of that. As Jake always says, “If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a much better place.”
