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Jake Shimabukuro

Rock

Jake Shimabukuro Tickets

Events4 Results

United States

About

Jake Shimabukuro on Tour

In a way, it’s Hawaiian ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro’s live performances that first brought him international attention — in 2006, Shimabukuro’s success skyrocketed after a video of him playing The Beatles’ “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” became one of YouTube’s first massively viral videos. Ever since, he’s shared his joy of music with audiences all over the world, playing songs that range from jazz and classical to rock and bluegrass. Before he blew up, Shimabukuro was signed to a label in Japan and toured the country extensively. After starting his own label and playing more U.S. shows, he’s appeared on a number of talk shows with hosts like Conan O’Brien, Jimmy Kimmel and Carson Daly. Now, Shimabukuro tours the world frequently, often leading a versatile string trio that includes guitar and bass, though he’s also been known to groove in a quartet with drums, keys and bass. Jake Shimabukuro’s current tour takes him across the U.S. as he continues to find new ways to interact with the styles that have made him the musician he is today. 

Jake Shimabukuro in Concert

Jake Shimabukuro is a Hawaiian-born, fifth-generation Japanese American ukulele player who has become known as a virtuoso musician that can jam in almost any style. Born in 1976 in Honolulu, Shimabukuro received a ukulele from his mother, a musician herself, at age four. He studied with her for years, eventually entering the Roy Sakuma Studio and taking lessons from Tami Akiyami. In the 1990s, Shimabukuro would become a member of the trio Pure Heart alongside percussionist Lopaka Colón and guitarist and singer Jon Yamasato. The group’s first album, 1999’s Pure Heart, won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards — basically the Hawaiian Grammys — including Contemporary Album of the Year, Most Promising Artist, Album of the Year and Favorite Entertainment of the Year.

Shimabukuro signed with Epic Records International, a division of Sony Music Japan, in 2002. He toured in Japan and released a number of Japan-only albums. Wanting to share his music with the U.S. as well, Shimabukuro founded Hitchhike Records and soon released 2005’s Dragon, which charted at No. 5 on Billboard’s Top World Music Albums. The following year, after his YouTube success, he released Gently Weeps, which peaked at No. 2 on the Top World Music Albums. Shimabukuro has gone on to release numerous high-charting albums. 

Reviews

Rating: 4.9 out of 5 based on 562 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fun show

    by Chris on 12/21/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    We went with full family, Jake is a great musician and a great stage presence. Fully enjoyed show never a slow moment. Great show for adults as well as kids strongly recommend seeing Jake

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Incredible!

    by Dale on 12/21/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    I never knew a ukulele could sound like I heard in the show. Jake S is amazingly gifted.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    A good evening in a beautiful theater.

    by The show was full of fun and positive energy. on 12/20/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    great music, a Drummer Boy surprise in a 1937 theater with all original looking designs, the lighting expertise and wall shadows were perfect.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Wonderful evening of artistry and inspiration

    by Bear ( Tiny Tim) and Goldi on 12/20/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    Jake. Thank you for sharing your talent, unique musical skills, love of music and performing, and genuine positive energy with the world. We sincerely enjoyed our evening with you at the Uptown Theatre in Napa.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Jake S.

    by EmS on 12/19/23Ludlow Garage Cincinnati - Cincinnati

    It was a great concert. Mr. Shimabukuro has great musical talent, knows his instrument inside and and out and is very entertaining. The musicians playing with him were great , too. We'd love to see him again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Jake’s show

    by C S Gawley on 12/19/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    Great show! Started with a great song and didn’t let us come up for air. Very engaging with good audience interaction. I loved his take of Bohemian Rhapsody. That was fantastic. Singing with the audience was special. I will never forget it. One of the best shows I have ever seen. Can’t wait to see him again. What a experience!

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    So Talented

    by MaryP on 12/19/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    I have no idea how he does it and I sat through the whole show. He can make it sound like 6 people are up there playing different instruments. Totally amazing. Cant wait to see him again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great entertainment

    by Syl on 12/19/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    Jake is an amazing uke player and very personable. It was fun and entertaining. We would go again.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Jake and friend’s rocked

    by LT Napa on 12/19/23Uptown Theatre Napa - Napa

    I love Jake but having Justin and Jackson join him on stage was a real treat. I love how much fun they were having and how they interacted with each other. All three so gracious and talented.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Awesome show

    by Mike on 12/13/23Ludlow Garage Cincinnati - Cincinnati

    Jake and guests put on an amazing performance on Sunday night. We were hoping for a little more Christmas music including Mele Kalikimaka but overall it was an excellent show.