GARDINER — Ukulele Russ will be performing at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 3, at Johnson Hall Performing Arts Center on Water Street. 

With a stage name like Ukulele Russ, one might imagine Hawaiian shirts and inoffensive luau music, or maybe a bunch of kid-friendly songs espousing the benefits of making friends and learning to tie shoes. But that is about as far away from reality as possible.

Russ is hugely talented on the axe (or, as he refers to the diminutive instrument, the hatchet) and he does some pretty innovative stuff with a loop pedal and a bass ukulele that he secures to a stand with DeWalt clamps. Plus, he is an engaging storyteller, frank, funny (maybe a little crass) and highly entertaining.

Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $16 for adults, $14 for seniors, $5 for youth. Tickets are available at Johnson Hall’s box office from noon to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Friday; at 207-582-7144 or at www.johnsonhall.org