"Shimabukuro has been called the 'Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.'"

Set your TiVo's Thursday. From the PGA Tour:

Mark Rolfing of GOLF CHANNEL will emcee the Opening Drive Ceremony, which will take place on No. 1 tee approximately 20 minutes prior to the estimated 10:45 a.m. (HT) first tee time.  Four King’s Guard Drill Team members from the Iolani Palace will perform as representatives from Mercedes-Benz present the tournament trophy, and spectators and players will participate in a traditional Hawaiian blessing led by Kapalua Resort’s
Hawaiian cultural advisor Clifford Nae’ole.

Following a presentation of colors by the King’s Guard, the ceremony will continue with the playing of the “The Star-Spangled Banner” by award-winning recording artist Jake Shimabukuro.  A fifth-generation Japanese American, Shimabukuro has been called the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” He has performed at Wrigley Field and toured with Jimmy Buffett.

Torre, who won four World Series titles as manager of the New York Yankeesand who is a property owner at Kapalua, will serve as honorary starter and announce the Mercedes-Benz Championship’s first pairing.  Stephen Ames, winner of the last official event in 2007 – the Children’s Miracle Network Classic presented by Wal-Mart – will hit the first tee shot of the 2008 season.