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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 do not think there could have been a better concert to bring my dad to. He is very much rock oriented, yet was delighted and amazed by Jake's set. If he ever comes back, I will be bringing more people to see him.
I'm new to Jake's music and didn't know what to expect, but he was enjoyable to listen to. You won't be 'rocking out' but if you like music, you'll enjoy listening to him play. And he's kind of funny when he interacts with the audience.
His music was amazing and soothing! It was a wonderful show! Jake is not only talented, but a genuinely good person who is not jaded by his success.
Great venue. Fabulous evening. Jake was just incredible. Amazing!!
How does anyone get that much sound out of 4 strings? Incredible artistry, everyone around us in awe
This was the second time I've seen him. This time took the kiddos, and they absolutely loved it. Will certainly go back if he comes again for a third helping.
Jake Shimabukuro is an amazing musician and talented performer! Loved his show! Ron Artis II was also a very impressive musician!
Loved this show. What Jake does with this instrument must be seen to be believed. The speed of his hands, the musical and emotional range he is able to bring to the ukelele is magical. As if this were not enough, he brings such a sweet sensibility to his stage performance.
Jake is an amazing player. It is incredible what he can do with 4 strings. I would go to his performance anytime he comes to South Florida. His presentation is musically excellent and his stage presence very personable.
This Guy is Amazing. I would recommend this show to All Ages !!!
I've been a fan of Jake's for just a couple of years since discovering his work on YouTube. I had the pleasure of seeing him live this week in Ft. Lauderdale and he did not disappoint. He is a genius on the uke which he describes as an underdog instrument. He has elevated the stature of this wonderful instrument to the highest level--and it seems impossible that anyone could take the skills he displays to a higher level. He was masterful, and such a humble and gracious human being. I was able to chat with Jake for a few minutes after the show as he was signing fans' ukuleles and other merchandise. If you have the opportunity to see him live, you'll come away feeling that you have just witnessed something incredibly special--and possibly the greatest ukulele musician on the planet. Thanks for a really amazing experience, Jake! As a guitar player for 50 years, I know that I was in the company of the best.
Another incredible show from the most amazing ukulele player in the world. He makes it sound like a classical guitar, electric guitar, and even a banjo at times. A master of his craft doesn't begin to describe it.
Humphrey's is a wonderful venue for live music, and Mr. Shimabukuro is the type of artist for whom the word 'virtuoso' was created. The variety of sounds he is able to produce on the humble ukulele is nothing short of amazing. His performance style is energetic and engaged; he is clearly enjoying the music as much as the audience is! Several songs, including "Bohemian Rhapsody," were enhanced by the addition of accompanist Meena Cho on cello. Opening act Ron Artis II is an accomplished writer, singer, and instrumentalist. His low key personality matches his mostly laid back songs, although he can start a musical fire when so inclined.
Traveled from Phoenix, AZ to Humphry's in San Diego to see Jake Shimabukuro. The trip was so worth it. Jake, as always, was beyond belief. His mastery of the ukulele is beyond fantastic. He makes that instrument do things you normally wouldn't imagine. This was our first visit to Humphry's, and we very impressed with the venue and accommodations. We'd definitely come back for another concert.
The first time I watched Jake perform was in Hawaii at the Hawaii Theater on Oahu in 96. He was great then and now is Amazing. I watched him in Escondido about 6 months ago with a Bass Guitar player and that was a great show, this time was even better.
We chose the dinner show combination and it was just awesome. After a fabulous dinner at Humphreys, we were seated in the 4th row for the concert. The weather was perfect, and the entertainment did not disappoint. Ron Artis is excellent, and Jake is just awesome. I took my uke with me and after the show Jake autographed it for me. So sweet!
Jake Shimabukuro is an amazing musician and artist. We were only able to stay for four songs as our children were sleepy. All of that said we have seen Jake Shimabukuro several times and he had incredible stage presence. The music was incredible and I'm not quite sure how he plays so well. I texted a friend and said I'm watching a miracle. If you haven't seen Jake Shimabukuro live then I highly recommend it. My wife and I will be sure to catch the next show in San Diego or maybe even Hawaii.
I know I know the Ukelele? Think again! While my guitar gently weeps...bohemian rhapsody...they have never sounded like this! The sounds he gets to come out of that little instrument are amazing and his enthusiasm is contagious. See him whenever you can! Trust me on this
First time to Humphrey's. seating needs cushions. Staff was warm and friendly. Brought my mom who uses a walker, they parked it for her but forgot to bring it back. but that was ok. Opener Ron Artis II amazing and then Jake, mom calls him a rock star, even more fabulous, thrilled my 80 year old mother with his technical skills and loved the music. Mom wished her father had been around to see Jake. Will do this venue again.
Ron was great to warm up the crowd as he is very talented. Jake is charismatic and dynamic and a great showman and my husband and I enjoyed every minute of the concert. Mia (?) the cello player was also great, and all the music was beautiful and moving. I especially liked the blue roses number being a grandma myself. We lived in Hawaii 25 years and have missed Jake. I only had 2 issues: Those seats were too close and Jake did not do "Somewhere over the rainbow", my favorite of his. But no worries, my husband played it for me when we went home!!!!!! It really was a great show and by the way, in all fairness, Jake DID play "while my guitar gently weeps", my husband's favorite!!!!!! Loved the show, will go again!!!!!!
