This week the Big Blog introduces you to the buskers who give Pike Place Market its soundtrack. Next up, a 25-year veteran who loves the ukulele, his rat tail and dancing babies.

A little chair. A little instrument. A little man. Howlin' Hobbit is a busker in miniature.

Five-foot-four and folded onto a two-foot metal chair, the 49-year-old Lebanon, Ore. native looked as tall Tuesday as the kids whose dollars lined the small ukulele case at his feet. His voice, raspy as his beard, didn't carry far down the flower-scented market stalls. But like his outfit -- black loafers, black tie, dark glasses and a rat-pack black hat -- it had style.

Hobbit (we'll get to his name in a second) plays guitar, washboard and harmonica. But these days it's all about the National steel resonator ukulele he cradles like a baby and plucks like a heart. Howlin' Hobbit calls other guys "cats." Three of them said hi as they packed up their market goods to head home. Hobbit has busked here 25 years. For a short man, he's long on presence.

Here's Hobbit singing "I Want To Be Like You" from "The Jungle Book."

Big Blog: You've been going by "Howlin' Hobbit" for years. Where'd that come from?

Howlin' Hobbit: It's not the name on my birth certificate, but it's legal. It's like my brand. "Hobbit" was given to me by a couple girls when I was -- ay chihuahua -- I was 12 years old. I kind of looked like a hobbit. Many years went by and right around 25 years ago, I went to a now defunct establishment, the Old Timers Tavern, I went in one night to sit with (a band) on harmonica. (Sax player) Lonnie Williams looked down from the stage, and he said, "Oh, Howlin' Hobbit's in the house." It's a little nod to Howlin' Wolf. I cash checks under it. It's all very legit.

BB: How would you describe your music?

HH: Hot jazz, novelty tunes. I've been doing Sinatra lately.

BB: What was your coolest moment at the market?

HH: I was sitting here one night and Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top was listening to me. Then I was at the clock spot (under the big clock at the market), looked up, and leaning against a pillar was Gregory Hines. ... And I love dancing babies.

BB: What don't people understand about busking?

HH: We are not panhandlers. Panhandlers don't offer you anything. With us you can come by, listen, let your babies dance and everything ... The panhandlers that stand there with a sign -- I think, dude, tell me a joke.

BB: How long have you been growing that rat tail?

HH: When I started going bald. All my hair was that long for the longest time. Gee, I haven't cut the cue since about '84. It should be down to my butt, but it's not.

For more on Howlin' Hobbit, his music and his upcoming shows outside the market, check out his Web site and his MySpace page.