Absolutely amazing performer!
by Tom j on 12/13/23Ludlow Garage Cincinnati - CincinnatiNot what you would typically expect from a ukulele musician! Beatles, Queen...and wonderful holiday arrangements! See him if u can! Won't be disappointed.
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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.
Not what you would typically expect from a ukulele musician! Beatles, Queen...and wonderful holiday arrangements! See him if u can! Won't be disappointed.
What a fabulous evening of meaningful music from a true professional and his friends. Their love and joy of music couldn’t have been performed better. Grateful for the opportunity to hear a once in a lifetime experience! Hope Ludlow Garage has Jake back again soon!
Jake is the consummate entertainer!! Justin and Jackson were nice side dishes, but Jake is raw talent in an energetic bundle! Who knew a ukulele could do heavy metal … Jake knew. Thank you Jake for sharing yourself with us, you make us smile. Fins up!
Jake Shimabukuro never puts on a bad show. He is a great musician and a great entertainer. Having Justin Kawika Young as his guitar player added to the wonderful show. Jake is a great guy and never charges for a meet and greet. What a great show.
The concert poster, the adverts, don’t even come close to describing this man and his gift. Best show, best Christmas show I’ve ever attended. Thank you Ludlow Garage for your hospitality and great food. My feet still haven’t touched the ground. Thank you Justin for your beautiful gift also.
It was a wonderful night. It was amazing to watch Jake play. His skill is incredible and I watched my 12 year old son watch him, transfixed. Jake is very charismatic and he, and his two guests, gave a memorable performance. They played a mix of Christmas songs and some of their original songs. It was worth the hour-long drive.
Jake Shimabukuro put on the best show ever! He continues to build his show and this one was great!
The music and personal commentary were wonderful. The covers and original songs were memorable. The love shines through in the collaboration with the other performers. Very good sound, even from the last row of the balcony. Gracious box office, and cocession staff. Helpful ushers. Well-timed intermission. Easy free parking at North Center for the Performing Arts.
Loved the show and can’t wait to see Jake Shimabukuro in concert again!
My husband went on a date night. He hadn’t heard of Jake, but was totally blown away by his talent. Jake is very talented. He is such a humble, gracious man who really enjoys sharing his music with everyone. Will definitely be on the look out for his next concert in Chicago.
Jake is special and unique. Not to be missed if you have the opportunity. Not your average ukulele player. Truly a virtuoso.
Jake Shimabukuro is the best ukulele artist in the world! Please keep bringing him to Vegas - we will see him every time he is here!
Always enjoy Jake Shimibukiro’s concerts. He is a true virtuoso and has great rapport with his audience
It's so great to see musicians from Hawaii being supported by the local community. Since this is the 9th Island, I wish there were more Hawaiian concerts. Jake was fantastic.
I've seen Jake Shimabukuro 4 times in the past 12 months. He puts on a great, great show each time. What a kind, thoughtful and generous guy. His bass player, Jackson Waldhoff is excellent, also. His guest artist, Justin Kawika Young is awesome also. I've seen Justin play with Jake and Jackson 3 times now. They are all just soooo good....soooo talented. A++++
Jake is the most amazing musician. A wonderful performer and took the time to meet and talk to people afterwards. He is a master of the ukulele.
I am a big fan of Jake S but this concert was so fun! He is so engaging and clearly passionate about his music. He even hung around for a meet and greet after and took his time with everyone on the line, taking pictures, chatting, and signing shirts and ukuleles. I will certainly get tickets for the next tour!
Jake and friends put on an awesome show! I will definitely go see them again. The meet and greet after the show was just as good. My wife is half Hawaiian so she appreciated it even more. The only downside to the show was the event venue seating at the Vogel Center in Red Bank. The seats were folding chairs and folding tables. You had to sit across from your partner instead of next to them but the show was incredible.
The Jake Shimabakuru concert at the Vogel was FANTASTIC! What a wonderful venue to see such a talented musician. What a show. I will never forget it. Unbelievable what he can accomplish on the ukelele.
Fabulous show great entertainment, great venue, beautiful music just a wonderful experience to see and hear. Thank you