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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
It is almost impossible to understand how this young man produces so much sound from his instrument. Many people won't give him a blink of an eye when they hear he is a ukelele virtuoso, but they are really denying themselves a fantastic musical experience. This is the second time I have seen Jake and it won't be my last.
Amazing, wondrous, joyful, moving, emotional, sensitive, mind-blowing Jake!
Michael Hedges comes to mind but few others to compare to the raw energy/talent of Jake Shimabukuro's performance. We saw him at the Birchmere in Alexandria, VA which is a wonderful, homey venue. If you're interested in seeing a ukelele played like a twelve string guitar by a virtuoso, Jake is the guy to experience!
Great show, great seats! Great sound in an intimate environment.
Incredible show! What he does with a uke is amazing!
It's refreshing to see raw talent. Just a guy and his ukelele. He was amazing and inspiring and just an unbelievable ukelele player. Will definitely see him again!
We love it! Jake Shimabukuro is one incredible artist. The raptures of his fingers were so mesmerizing, he breathes live to his instrument and makes an old ukulele sings :)
Articulate, forceful yet delicate, truly inspiring music and performance. From an obviously delighted, joyful, and humble young man. Such a talent. Don't miss him when he comes to town.
Attended our first ever concert at the WIlbur. Great intimate venue. It was one of the COLDEST and most WINDY nights I have ever experienced in Boston in the 25 years living here, but the house was packed and ready to rock. From start to finish Jake held everyone's attetion with his undenible passion for the instrument. He blew our minds with his talents and innovations in exploring the edge his instrumennt could reach musically. I can't wait to see him again and to share his talent with more friends and family!
I brought my husband who is skeptical about the uke; after hearing some uke bands play, he had it dubbed as a dinky little instrument of no real consequence. Now he knows it can do amazing things in the right hands! A very entertaining performance by a very talented and warm guy! It inspired me to keep at the uke and maybe even get more serious about playing it.
This young man is an amazingly talented yet not pretentious artist. I do believe his talent is a gift from the Lord Himself. I hope and pray that Jake doesn't change. I took my 20 year old son and his friend and they were blown away. Bring him back real soon.
Wicked awesome!!! The bass playah added more depth to the show.
Amazing showman and talent !!!!!! Meet and greet was a pleasant surprise.
First time I saw Jake, he was touring with Jimmy Buffett, enjoyed the little bit we saw him then. Was excited to see him again close to home!! Again he does things that are off the chart with the uke!!
Jake's concert was wonderful and i had a terrific seat. I could see him as well as hear him quite well. The sound was not at a level that was unbearable. He is an amazing performer and a giving talent. I was disappointed that none of the VIP items arrived when they were supposed to and still have not. Also, the way I read the VIP package, I was supposed to be able to meet Jake, but when I got to the theater, they said I had the "wrong VIP package". That was not clear on the website. I liked his lighting. It was playful and fit the music. I have not activated the Uke Nation membership yet, so I have no idea what that is.
Did the pre show meet and greet. Met some other fun and intetesting fans. Jake is so nice and appreciative of his fans. Unforgettable experience. His crew were all super nice. Jake signed a uke for me and I will treasure it always. Jake rocks on some tunes and on others can bring you to tears with the beauty of his music. He came out after the show to meet everyone and sign autographs. Loved every minute.
Over the years I have been to more music shows than I can count-from rock classical,folk and on...... Jake gave one of the best concertsI have ever seen. I have not seen a mustcian more thoroughly enjoy playing in a long time. His energy, and virtuosity on the uke was amazing! The icing on the cake was the time he spent talking to concertgoers after the show. Come back soon Jake!!
I never knew a ukelele could sound so awesome. I enjoyed every minute of his concert. He is very innovative and at times I found it hard to believe it was a ukelele making this music.
You probably don't think of the ukulele as an instrument that can rock the house, but in Jake Shimebukuro's hands, that's exactly what happens. You have to see this amazing musician to believe it. He can play the sweetest ballad, traditional Hawaiian song, or Japanese folk song (Sakura) and then somehow segue into jazz, Jimi Hendrix, or rockin' original compositions using a looping pedal. His arrangements are complex and sophisticated, and he can whip the audience into a delighted frenzy with covers such as Bohemian Rhapsody or While My Guitar Gently Weeps. Jake himself is clearly passionate about his playing and fully engaged with his music and with his audience. He thanks the audience for being there and is authentically humble. He stayed after the performance to meet people in the lobby. I have been to hundreds of concerts in my life and this stands out as one of the top ten.
I didn’t think it would be possible to enjoy this 2014 concert of Jake’s more than the one I attended in 2011, but I did. It was phenomenal, and the crowd was mesmerized. Jake did an excellent job of mixing the set up with fast-paced, intense numbers and slow, poignant ballads. What he can do with a ukulele is mind-boggling. His artistry and musicality are boundless. As a nice bonus, he is also extremely personable and seems to have such a sweet and beautiful soul. If you have the opportunity, please treat yourself to one of Jake’s concerts. You will not regret it.
