I got my first uke in the mid 40's and have been playing various ukes since then.

The uke is actually a very versatile instrument.   I play the old standards from the ragtime ear but also play classical, blues, bluegrass, Irish, Hawaiian, easy listening, etc. It's possible to use banjo style three finger bluegrass picking as well as clawhammer or simple frailing. Lots of fun.   

There are several really great ukulele players about these days. For classical and semi classical check out James Hill and Jake Shimabukuro (Jake can be heard on youtube at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=puSkP3uym5k
Playing "while my guitar gently weeps") ***** you need high speed internet for the above. For blues check out Lil' Rev.

I have numerous ukes these days - several low end ukes that I use while doing uke workshops. For the past five years I've been building ukes which is a great way to keep occupied during retirement (mostly during the long winters here in N. Michigan).

The last one I built used mahogany from an old sailboat build back in the 40's. The sound board is build from Western Red Ceder that was taken from the siding that was used on Levitt kit houses back in the 40's - 60's. It has a great sound. Can't sell them because I refuse to work for twenty five cents an hour so I been giving them away to friends who appreciate a hand made instrument.

Cap't Bob