Uke Wizard: Jake Shimabukuro Returns to Edmonds on Thursday

Ukulele maestro Jake Shimabukuro is one of the most popular performers to come to Edmonds, as his sold-out show Thursday at the confirms. It's his third appearance in Edmonds at the ECA, which this year is marking its fifth anniversary.

Shimabukuro, who began playing the ukulele at 4, really came into worldwide consciousness after a video of him playing the Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral on YouTube.

For many, it was their first introduction to the virtuosity that could result from the playing of a much-maligned instrument that was often thought of as just a toy.

Shimabukuro, a fifth-generation Japanese-American born in Hawaii, released his latest CD, Peace Love Ukulele a year ago.

PBS News Hour recently interviewed Shimabukuro. There are also a few videos posted.

Jake Shimabukuro performs Thursday at 7:30 p.m. at the Edmond Center for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. The show is sold out.