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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
Jake Shimabukuro coaxes sounds out of the ukelele like no one else on earth! Not only is he a talented musician, he's very personable and connects with the audience. When he plays While My Guitar Gently Weeps, I'm sure somewhere George Harrison smiles.
Fabulous musician. Humble. Fun. And, his talking and story telling makes a wonderful connection to the audience. I also recommend his new CD.
Intimate setting with high energy performance - what more could you ask for? Great value with perfect visibility from any seat in the room.
Hearing Jake Shimabukuro play ukulele opens up possiblities of just how complex music can come out of a small, four string instrument. He would be amazing to watch for that reason alone but the energy he brings to his performance as well as the personable way he connects with the audience made this concert a joy. His manager, Chris, and support crew were just as open and friendly as Jake. That made this concert a total package.
A fun night! A broad range of music all on an instrument not usually associated with such music. Loved the wah-wah. Go VAn Halen
You may not be a uke fan, but it's because you've only seen clips of Tiny Tim or thought of it as a toy. Jake Shimabukuro has transformed 4 strings through his unbelievable virtuosity. An excellent showman he was relaxed, enjoying himself, and had the audience transfixed with his amazing range. He clearly enjoys the Birchmere, and the venue suites his instrument very well. If you ever get a chance to see Jake, don't let it pass you by. He is fabulous.
This is the forth time we have seen Jake in concert. His artistry and musical command is extraordinary. We're looking forward to his next concert in our area!
The venue( The Birchmere) was cozy and every seat was a good seat. The crowd was a mix of young to old and many many ukuleles were brought to the show. Jake has no single word that describes his gift and his demeanor was candid, open and he talked to us not at us, From his own music to his signature "While my guitar gently weeps" to Van Halen heavy electric ukulele I was totally engrossed from start to finish. Thank you Mr. Shimabukuru. Thank you indeed!!!
Look. It's the ukelele. Got it. And maybe your expectations are low because of that. OK. But.... Jake is the master of this simple instrument and the performance will change how you think about not only the ulekele, but how you think about the possibilities of music, the possibilities of what human fingers and imagination can do. Be a shame to deny yourself that, no?
We had a marvelous time from start to finish!! Jake exudes Joy!! His playing is nothing short of astonishing! I have been to a LOT of concerts in my time -- this one was right up there among my most favorite. Hard to put into words how good this guy is, but after every single song I heard somebody say "WOW"!!! I could have listened to him play all day and all night, no joke. It was incredible!
In his hands, the Ukelele is a serious musical instrument.
This was the second Jake concert I attended this year. The first was at the Warfield in San Francisco. That venue was OK but it was a bad neighborhood, poor parking and so-so seating. The Carriage House Theatre at Montalvo Center was a delight. We were so close that we could see every nuance of his fingering technique and facial expressions. After the show, Jake had a Meet and Greet and it was only a short wait in line to meet him and have him sign my ukulele. Overall, it was a fabulous experience.
This was a great venue for such an amazing artist!
This ukulele master is so lovely to watch and hear. He is passionate and respectful to the music and connected and accessible to his audiences.
Sold out show. Jake Rocks! What a virtuoso. Humble, stayed around after the show to sign cd's and ukes. What a great guy.
Jake is one of a kind and a humble star in his own right. I was hooked from the start and couldn't keep my eyes off of his amazing presence! Rock on, Jake!
Jake is one of the few last genuine artists in the world. His passion for the ukulele and his raw talent left me wanting even more than the encore he gladly graced us with at the end. I was extremely impressed with his willingness to stay and have a few words and picture with anyone in the audience that wanted to do a meet and great. Jake you're one of the last few true artists in the world and I wish you nothing but the best bro. Peace, Love, and Ukulele! Keep spreading the aloha, and hopefully I'll get to make another show soon.
Not only was the music amazing, he stayed afterwards to talk, give autographs and take pictures. He's a really down-to-earth guy. Signed my ukulele!
From the first notes on this amazing performer's ukulele to the last strains of Akaka Falls (yes-hanahou/encore only Hawaiian song) he mesmorized the packed audience. Favorites such as Bohemian Rhapsody, Hallelujah and While My Guitar Gently Weeps were masterfully executed with Sakura Sakura - Jakes' version of the 13 string Japanese instrument - koto and several of his own music he has written. Jake joked about not having a singing voice but his ukulele truly sings thru him.
Jake's mastery of the ukulele had my husband and I mesmerized! It was fantastic to have such an accomplished musician from back home entertaining us in Florida! I couldn't get enough of his music that night. LOVED hearing Sakura!
