Ian Whitcomb, that prolific British ex-pat extraordinaire, has always done a sensational job of not only contributing to pop culture (don't forget he was a bona fide teen idol with his winsomely horny 1965 hit, “You Turn Me On”) but also rediscovering, redefining and delightfully documenting it through a remarkable series of books, articles, radio broadcasts and personal appearances. He (and co-author Ronny S. Schiff) has an engaging new tome, Ukulele Heroes: the Golden Age, an examination of that small army of four stringed ax men (or should that be hatchet men?) who parlayed the lilting tones of the humble uke into some unforgettable and often quite successful recording careers. The book delivers another rich dose of his characteristically meticulous, illuminating research and wry, engaging text, covering the instrument's tropical origins and examining almost every uke-toting stylist, from Ukulele Ike and Tiny Tim to Eddie Vedder. This appearance will find Whitcomb not just discussing and signing but also performing and running a communal sing-along. Grass skirts optional. Vroman's Bookstore, 695 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena; Tues., Sept., 18, 7 p.m.; free, book is $24.99. (626) 449-5320; vromansbookstore.com.

Tue., Sept. 18, 7 p.m., 2012

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