Jake Shimabukuro to Play Ukulele Concert at CHMH; Jergel’s Hosts No Bad Juju (Fri., 8/28/15)

1) It started with a YouTube video, a cover of The Beatles’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” OK, it started a little earlier than that. Jake Shimabukuro started playing the ukulele when he was four and was already well-known in Hawaii and Japan for his instrumental prowess by the early 2000s. But it wasn’t until 2006 when someone posted that video, one of the first to go viral, that Shimabukuro’s popularity skyrocketed. He’s released numerous albums since, collaborated with musicians like Yo-Yo Ma and Jimmy Buffett, and toured the world. As for that video, it’s still racking up views—14 million and counting. His albums are a mix of island and abroad, originals and covers. Take his upcoming album, Travels, to be released October 9 of this year. There will be new material, new takes on Hawaiian classics, and renditions of pop standards like the Jackson 5’s “I’ll Be There.” For a preview of some of these cuts, plus standards like “Bohemian Rhapsody,” see Shimabukuro at Carnegie of Homestead Music Hall. 8 p.m. 510 E 10th Ave., Munhall. (CM)

2) No Bad Juju is a local party band featuring a staggering eight members. This includes two lead vocalists and a horn section, which allows them to replicate the tracks of such beloved jumbo-sized bands as Parliament, Kool and the Gang, and Earth, Wind & Fire. Their set lists also include new hits from the likes of Katy Perry and Adele, as well as a few originals. This evening, they’ll be playing well into the night at Jergel’s Rhythm Grille. 9 p.m. 285 Northgate Dr., Warrendale.

3) Sommore who is billed as the “Queen of Comedy” makes a royal appearance at the Pittsburgh Improv. Known for her combination of “sass and class,” Sommore has appeared in such films such as Family Reunion (2002), Soul Plane (2004), Something New (2006), and Dirty Laundry (2007). She has also been a guest on many  television shows including, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” The Tonight Show with Jay Leno,” “The View,” and “Politically Incorrect with Bill Maher.” She was even a “roaster” on Comedy Central’s celebrity roast of rapper Flavor Flav. 7:30 and 9:45 p.m. tonight. Sommore will make several more appearances at the Improv through Sunday. 166 Bridge St., The Waterfront, Homestead.

4) Our battlin’ Bucs take on the Colorado Rockies tonight in a 7:05 p.m. game. It’s also Free Shirt Friday, with the first 20,000 fans receiving a Pirates T-shirt. Tailgate before the game at the Friday Night Block Party featuring live entertainment, food and beer options, games and more. You can even meet former Pirate Al Oliver, who was known for his community involvement when he was with the team. PNC Park, 115 Federal St., North Shore.

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