■WELCOME BY ANGY ALTAMIRANO One new shop is strumming its way into Astoria, bringing the sounds of the tropics to the big city. Uke Hut, located at 36-01 36th Ave., held its grand opening on Halloween and has brought what manager Jeff Novak calls the only shop of its kind to the northeast United States, selling ukuleles, offering lessons and bringing together the ukulele community. “We’re dedicating ourselves exclusively to ukuleles, and the aim is to have quality instruments at all price points,” said Novak, who has been playing the ukulele for four to five years. “We’re aiming to be a full-service shop.” The corner shop is owned by musician Ken Bari Murray, who hopes to bring a new center for music to the community. Uke Hut offers all types of ukuleles and strings for sale, and although the lessons and performances have not yet started, these aspects will be emphasized as the shop seeks to serve the western Queens neighborhood. Professional ukulele musician Sakai, who has been playing the instrument for the past seven years, will be one of the teachers at the shop. “Astoria is an up-and-coming neighborhood and it’s a vibrant neighborhood, and I think it would be a good tip for us and we’d be a good tip for the general area,” Novak said. “We’re easy and accessible. We’re there for their needs and we’re working for all level of needs.” The shop is still being set up, but customers are welcome to stop by Tuesday through Saturday from noon to 7 p.m. The store’s official website ukehut.com is still under construction as well. “It’s an easy instrument to play compared to others. It’s very portable. It’s been said to be a very happy instrument. You never see a sad ukulele,” Novak said. Photos by Angy Altamirano Ukulele shop opens its doors in Astoria Sakai, who has been a professional ukulele player for the past seven years, is working at the Uke Hut and will soon be giving lessons as well.
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