Hawaii's annual Duke's Uke ukulele competition is taking entries now, good news for young local musicians looking for a stage.

• Entries close this Wednesday, September 16, through the Duke's Waikiki website.
• The contest runs in four categories, including a junior division.
• The winner gets to perform live at Duke's Waikiki restaurant.
• Ukulele maker Kamaka is among the sponsors backing the event.
• Past contestants point to the judges, the other players, and family support as the best part.

Outlook: The competition takes place next month in Waikiki, with the entry window closing in days.