Jake Shimabukuro, who takes the ukulele beyond its traditional reach by playing jazz, blues, funk, classical, bluegrass, folk, flamenco and rock, will bring his unique brand of music to UNC Asheville at 8 p.m. Thursday, February 10, in Lipinsky Auditorium.

Shimabukuro began his career playing coffee shops in Honolulu, and by the age of 30, he was touring and recording with Jimmy Buffett & the Coral Reefer Band. He’s also performed with Bela Fleck, Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Cyndi Lauper, and Ziggy Marley, and he’s played on network television as well as NPR’s Morning Edition and World Café.

His nine albums have garnered numerous awards from Na Hoku Hanohano, the Hawaiian counterpart to the Grammy Awards, including five Instrumental Album of the Year awards and two Favorite Entertainer of the Year awards. Shimabukuro is a spokesperson for “Music is Good Medicine,” touring tours schools, hospitals and senior centers around Hawaii to promote healthy lifestyle choices and a strong community through the power of music.

Seating is general admission and tickets are $20 or $5 for area students, and can be purchased in person at the Highsmith University Union box office, or online at uncatickets.com. For more information, go to cesap.unca.edu/events/jake-shimabukuro.