Tune questions

So I just got back from my third uke jam.I really like playing with all the other folks.I also have gained some knowledge.
My question is this,we all use The Daily Ukulele book.I have picked up a few songs the internet,thought I was playing them well till I tried to use the BOOK.I think the songs sound just as well without the extra chords thrown in.Please don't think I trying to be insulting or anything. It seems that we talk about chords a lot when we could be playing.
Now that I started talking I will ask one more. How does one go about finding someone to make music. I have to drive an hour to get to the uke jams and I can't do that everyday. Is it safe post an ad at a music shop to or....?? Any help out there.
Thankyou

Go sit in a park or place where people gather and just start playing. I bet someone will come up and engage who is a musician, get it started from there.

Thanks, I did not think about that. Never did have any luck meeting folks.