Ukulele lovers from all over the world will converge April 3-6 in New York City for N.Y. UkeFest 2008, a four-night, three-day celebration of ukulele music. This extravaganza of concerts, workshops, seminars, world-renowned ukulele makers and vendors, all under one roof, is presented by Theater for the New City, 155 First Avenue (at East 10th Street).

N.Y. UkeFest is the largest ukulele music festival in the continental U.S. It was founded in 2006 by playwright and musician Uke Jackson, and is hosted by his band – the New York Ukulele Ensemble. Last year’s festival drew 3,000 concertgoers, workshop attendees, performers and uke collectors from throughout the U.S. and Canada, together with visitors from the U.K., Denmark, Japan, France, and Australia.

Mayor Bloomberg wrote in a dedication message to the Fest, “As the birthplace of hip hop and the American cradle of punk rock, no city can match New York’s musical tradition-so we are a natural home for the Ukulele Event of the Year… this week’s festivities promise to strike a still-more resonant chord with residents and visitors alike.”

Doors open Thursday at 7:00 pm and concerts begin at 7:30. On Friday through Sunday doors open at 11:30 am and workshops begin at noon. Each day, there is an Open Mic and Ukulele Jam Space. Throughout the festival, free Samuel Adams beer will be available, courtesy of The Boston Beer Company. Visit the festival’s website, www.nyukefest.com, to purchase tickets and for further details on workshop events and performances.