Jake is the ukulele master!
by Runn on 2/22/14Balboa Theatre - San DiegoRating: 5 out of 5His performance was spell binding! It was surprising to see how much he can do with such a small instrument. The bass player was also amazing.

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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
His performance was spell binding! It was surprising to see how much he can do with such a small instrument. The bass player was also amazing.
Jake is fantastic with a ukulele. the drummer was outstanding - he stole the show! without the drummer, Jake was alone.
Concert was a very good time. Jake is a great talent.
This was one of the best concerts I have seen (and I am 62). Jake played some amazing jazz pieces pairing with various older jazz musicians of Hawaii and they were incredible. A great variety of music and styles performed by a man who was obviously having a great time.
An amazing musician. What Jake can do with a ukulele is very impressive. Collaborations with Noel Okimoto and Dean Taba were outstanding. We were bothered by the haze that hung in the hall from the smoke machines. A very sincere performer.
Enjoyed the concert. It really was but this survey said my review text was too short so I'm adding words.
Shimabukuro does amazing things with a uke. He is a very skilled musician, full of energy and innovative. I could not believe he was playing a uke amped up and rockin'. I would have preferred more of the traditional Hawaiian uke music, of which he did play one at the end, but he is quite a showman.
Never pass up the opportunity to hear and see Jake! Amazing ukulele.
There are moments in our life when you think this is so beautiful - that was Jake's concert! I feel grateful for having a chance to experience it - Jake is soooo talented! I giggled, some songs even made me cry.
Jake Shimabukuro's performance was amazing- our only complaint is that he can play REALLY loud for a solo concert!
What a show and what a showman! The range of music performed kept the audience captured and left us wanting more.... Virtuoso is not an adequate term to describe Jake's talent and presentation. The sounds that come from his Uke are amazing!
Jake was mesmerizing! The flurry of his fingers on 4 strings was amazing to watch. He told us stories about his baby and an old woman so we got lost in his songs that followed the stories. He is a breath of fresh air and very energizing.
A good performer with a good range of material and some funny stories. Overall a great perfrmance.
Besides being a phenomenal performer, Jake took advantage of the venue and provided an intimate experience. He can produce unimaginable sounds from the ukulele . And...he is a nice guy! I highly recommend seeing Jake Shimabukuro.
To listen to Jake play and then realize that he was playing a ukulele made the show more exciting. As a musician, listening to the different sounds and types of music with just one instrument was worth every dollar spent on this ticket.
Jake is an amazing musician. He did not disappoint! His unassuming demeanor and passion for the ukulele are just icing on the cake. Would gladly pay $200 again to spend 100 minutes with this artist.
Jake Shimabukuro has been compared to Jimi Hendrix. This is a fair comparison, and not hyperbole. It was astonishing to see and hear what sounds this virtuoso can create on a tiny instrument with only 4-strings. Jake is a remarkable performer and composer. His original compositions are beautiful and complex. He has a warm and gentle stage presence, coming across as funny, personable, and immensely likeable. His virtuosity is breathtaking. After every piece he played, I found myself saying "WOW!"
Jake is an amazing artist on top of being a great down to earth person. If you haven't seen him live, it is a must!
Never seen anybody play the ukulele like that before. Not your traditional Hawaiian Ukulele, He has mastered it!
An amazing musician and a spectacular venue. What this man does with 4 strings is just incredible.