Before you’ve convinced yourself that MySpace has made finding talented new artists impossible, check out who’s coming to our neighborhood this weekend. Melodic pop rocker Brendan James was born and raised in Derry, New Hampshire, but relocated to Manhattan a few years ago and has been on an upward trajectory ever since.

His debut album, The Day is Brave, was just released this month. It was produced by Mikal Blue, who recently hit platinum status with another debut album he produced - Colbie Caillat’s Coco. James is a pianist by nature, and his powerful vocal style fits perfectly with his songs about the pain of lost love, the horror of war, and growing up in New Hampshire. James will be at the Tupelo Music Hall in Londonderry on Thursday, June 19, beginning at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

Meanwhile, out on the coast, Newburyport’s Firehouse Center for the Arts will host ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro for two shows this weekend. Famous for his YouTube video featuring a cover of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” (see below), Shimabukuro has been wowing audiences on the islands for the last ten years. But after he plugged in and began using effects pedals to push the limits of his instrument, Jake found himself more in the limelight, even earning the nickname “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele.” His lightning-fast fingers are on display once again on his latest album, My Life.

Jake Shimabukuro will be at the Firehouse on Sunday, June 22, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Tickets are $22 for members and $25 for non-members.