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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 has a way of transforming the ukulele into something from out of this world. A true artist in his ability to express such huge emotion, beauty and sound through such a small instrument. Simply amazing and such a treat to hear and see!
We attend this concert every time Jake comes to Jacksonville. Listening to his music is one thing to see him play his ukulele is amazing. Definitely an inspiration to go home and practice.
The concert at Florida Theater March 30th was an absolutely wonderful experience! I have not been to a concert in years where you could hear a pin drop through each song. Jake is obviously the master of the ukelele. Could not believe the diversity ....Queen's Bohemian Rhapsody to George Harrison to Journey and everything in between...on the UKELELE! Amazing!
I heard Jake interviewed on NPR and then bought the tickets to the show. Well worth the price. It was an enjoyable date and The Florida Theater is a great venue. Jake is very talented and stayed after the show to sign autographs and pose with fans. I can't wait to see what he does in the future.
Jake Shimabukuro has a talent that is unmatched by many. He can move so insanely fast on the ukulele and the music he makes with that little instrument is inspiring. I will definitely see him again if he comes back to Jacksonville.
Amazing what this guy can do with a mini guitar or ukulele. Well worth the price can't wait to see him perform again.
This was the 3rd time to listen jake's play for my life. He's always awsome. Even my son who's 8yrs could enjoy the stage. It was lucky to have a chance to go to his live in Jacksonville, too. He seemed to enjoy himself and it made me fun, too. Next time if I have another chance to, I'd love to Ask my friend's to join.
Jake was fantastic. He had a good lineup of his original music plus some covers. Enjoyed the stories Jake shared about his songs. It was great to see him in person.
Jake Shimabukuro is such a charismatic, humble, and talented performer. He really had a connection with the audience and kept me fully entertained the entire time. He played a wide range of music that really demonstrated his mastery of the ukelele. And afterwards he had a meet and greet open to everyone. Even though there were a ton of people in line to see him, he really made an effort to talk to and connect with everyone. I would definitely go again!
I thought that the Jake provided awesome live music and a real awesome personality
We all know how hard it is to buy Christmas and birthday gifts for our parents, right? I got these tix for my Dad, who is almost 80. He's always loved classical guitar so I thought he'd enjoy this. He did; Jake is amazing and plays so many different styles of music it is appealing to all and never boring. Tickets were a great deal, too!
Awesome belated Valentine's date w/my wife. Mahalo
Jake Shimabukuro is even more amazing in person than one would believe. Even as a one man show, he is powerful on stage and his music speaks volumes. I highly recommend seeing him perform live.
Great show, high energy performer with a unique style and sound
I've been a fan for several years, and I've seen him live over 20 times; there is nobody like him. Don't pass up the chance to see a true genius in his prime. It isn't "just ukulele" music; it's every type of music you can imagine, performed in a way that will astound you; all coming out of this little instrument, played by one of the nicest people on the planet. It's a great vibe--go catch it.
Jake Shimabukuro does things on the Ukulele that most people can't do on the guitar ! Truly Amazing to hear in person.not only does he play but also puts on a show with so much energy and enthusiasm ,never a dull moment ! Must see to believe .
This was the second Jake Shimabukuro concert I attended (first was in Maui late last year), and I was again blown away by his performance. Not only is he an amazing musician, but he's also a very likeable and personable guy. Both concerts I attended were solo performances (no band) --but the solo performances allow you to really see and hear what Jake can make an ukelele do. I have no clue how he can get flamenco guitar sounds out of that little instrument, or hard rock sounds, or koto (Japanese traditional instrument) sounds, but he does it, and the result is extremely enjoyable. I enjoy Jake's commentary between songs--explaining something about the upcoming piece.
Wow, Jake was awesome. I'm kinda new to ukulele and have listened to his music for a while now. He is really good live!!! I really liked how he told a little story about each song he played too.
I bought these tickets for my Dad as a gift for his birthday. He had a great time. He doesn't go to concerts, ever, because he doesn't like crowds but he had such a great time. Thank you to Jake for putting on such a great show.
I have been a life-long musician/performer, and cannot count the number of live, concert events that my wife (also a music fanatic!) and I have attended. But, I cannot compare Jake Shimabukuro's performance the other nite at the Balboa Theatre in San Diego to anything I have ever heard or seen or heard before. A simply amazing performance! His stage presence, interaction with the audience, expressive energy and flawless playing was jaw-dropping. I did not hear a single muffed note throughout his entire presentation. His live performance as a solo artist greatly surpasses his CD!!! If Jake ever appears within driving distance (we drove 4 hours to see him) MAKE THE DRIVE!!! Do not miss Jake Shimabukuro! (I also play a Kamaka Ukulele...nothing finer!)
