If your inner Jake Shimabukuro is just itching to be unleashed, here's your chance to show off those pluck-and-strum skills.

Aspiring 'ukulele virtuosos can audition for the second annual Duke's Ukes Contest, 10 a.m. to noon today and Aug. 18 at the Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach Hotel.

"It's a fun event," said Chris Kamaka, of the legendary 'ukulele-making family and one of the contest judges. "(Participants) shouldn't be afraid to strut their stuff."

Contestants must audition to enter the Duke's Ukes Contest, which will be held Sept. 8 at Duke's Waikiki. The contest is free to enter, audition for and attend.

The Duke's Ukes Contest auditions are open to any nonprofessional 'ukulele player. The competition has four age divisions: 6 to 10; 11 to 15; 16 to 18; and 19 and older. One grand-prize winner in each category will receive a new Kamaka 'ukulele, and every participant will receive a prize bag.

Judges for this year's contest include Henry Kapono, Jim Heather and JR from the Lilikoi Sisters. Judging criteria will be based on instrumental ability, clarity of notes, rhythm and timing, overall performance, and a surprise category to be revealed after the performances.

The contest was created to celebrate talented nonprofessional 'ukulele players of all ages, as well as the tradition of playing 'ukulele music as part of Hawai'i's cultural heritage, organizers said.

Reach Zenaida Serrano at zserrano@honoluluadvertiser.com.