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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.
Set One
Set Two
Encore
I’ve seen Jake many times since 2006 when I first saw him playing with Jimmy Buffett and have never been disappointed. The beautiful music he makes with a ukulele is astounding. Ukulele music would not necessarily be my go to but in his case it definitely is. Thank you Jake for bringing joy into the world!
Jake Shimibukuro never fails to impress me. His performance on the ukulele is incredible!
Who could ever guess that the ukulele could do all those things and create such a range of sounds! You forget it’s even a ukulele he’s playing! And his hands can move at record speed. The bass player and singer/guitar player that joined him were also wonderful musicians and the singer had a great voice!
I was pleasantly surprised and I mean that I'm the best way. My girlfriend is an accomplished ukulele player and this was a gift of inspiration and holiday spirit. I was unaware of Jake's many collaborations with artists I've always admired, his tributes to Jeff Beck, George Harrison and Jimmy Buffett were especially moving. I left with a new appreciation for his musical abilities and stage presence. Great show!
Jake is amazing, he is the best and most innovative uke player. He is great with the audience, and having Henry Kapono and the other musicians helped have more variety. Jake was also extremely gracious and generous with his time greeting us after the show and signing my 13 year old's ukelele and giving him encouragement in his musical journey.
Excellent experience by a unique talent whose love of music shines throughout his performance
Jake was excellent and his music is truly amazing! Loved the concert!
Jake is an amazing person and musician. Loved hearing all of his songs many augmented by Jackson, a base player. He is so friendly plus always takes time to address the kids in the audience. He takes ukulele playing to a whole new level. We are always so happy when he includes Charleston on his schedule.
Just an amazing night from start to finish. Parking was easy, entry into the venue was easy and Jake started right on time. He was an amazing performer and I loved every minute.
The Bijou in Knoxville is one of our saved classic venues from the past that we can still enjoy. And for anyone who has a chance to experience Jake’s music, know that you are in for an experience wherein this artist will take along for his ride through the music that moves his soul. A fantastic experience all around.
