There's a good chance that you've been at least slightly aware of the growing number of ukuleles popping up everywhere. The trendiest of indie bands use them, movie characters strum away on the celluloid, and ukulele orchestras who play much more than Hawaiian riffs are springing up around the world.

One of the more popular indie musicians to put the focus on this charming little instrument is Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele. Combining classic crooner stylings with a healthy dose of humor and sardonic wit, this Mississippi-born musician is doing his part to elevate the ukulele. You can hear him for yourself on Friday, August 28, at Ekko in Utrecht. The show starts at 8:30, with support from Utrecht-artists Heug!, and tickets are €9. Check out the Ekko website for some videos and more information on ticket purchases.

If you're a ukulele musician yourself, or want to become one, Rotterdam is the place to be. The Uke Box, a ukulele duo, helps organize a monthly Ukulele Jamboree, which usually includes a free lesson before the show starts. The Jamboree has been on hiatus this summer as The Uke Box has been hitting the international ukulele festival circuit, but they're starting back up in September. To get back into the swing of things, a picnic will be held in Breda on Sunday, September 6, at 1 p.m. in Het Valkenburg Park. Take a tasty dish for the picnic potluck and don't forget your ukulele! More information can be found at the Ukulele Interventie website. The site is in Dutch, but if you need some English-language help, you're in luck, as Shelley Rickey, one of the members of The Uke Box, is another native of Mississippi and will most likely be more than thrilled to help out.