Not since Tiny Tim passed away has the ukulele received so much adoration in the lower 48. While the size and pitch of ukuleles can vary, the most famous model is a soprano, and it's most associated with grass skirts and flower necklaces.
Jake Shimabukuro is slowly changing the standard hula accomplice into a vehicle for jazz and rock 'n' roll in mind-boggling style. Shimabukuro has been dubbed the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele, and for good reason. His nimble fingers run up and down the fretboard with the greatest of ease, and his soulful expression shines through whether he's playing his original compositions or cover songs, including "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
Aug. 1, 7 p.m., $18, Iron Horse Music Hall, 20 Center St., Northampton, (413) 586-8686, www.iheg.com.
