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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
My man can seriously play anything on the ukulele. He tells a story about each song and how it is tied to his life. A complete and total entertainment experience. A must see.
Truly amazing musician and just a real nice guy. Connects well with the audience, his musical skills are out of this world, very easy to get WOWED!!
No words can say how amazing Jake is with that ukelele! AND, Jackson(?) the bass player...holy cow! I always love good bass guitar; but this was great!
He did things with a ukulele that were humanly impossible. One of the best musicians we’ve ever seen. He has two new fans.
Wow, just fantastic! There was an electric mix of traditional Christmas songs, a few originals and some high intensity oldies. Lots of fun and I can't wait until Jake and friends return.
Great concert; fun and in a venue that was intimate. Incredible to listen and watch Jake's musical ability with an ukulele. As Justin Kawika Young said, "It was like watching Michael Jordan." I would definitely go to see Jake again if I have the opportunity.
Loved that he brought in a bass and a vocalist. Beautiful voice. Love listening to Jake play it ukulele anytime. He’s so humble and such a good entertainer
Jake Shimabukuro never disappoints. He is so talented and engaging. The performances are always amazing.
The addition of a bass guitarist and a guitarist/singer added to the overall enjoyment of the show. It provided a fuller sound and variety without taking away any of our focus on Jake, who's talent and virtuosity still shines throughout the show.
Great evening ! Loved listening to his personal stories and connections to people in his life. Both his guests and all the amazing music they performed was perfect !
Worth every Penny. Jake’s talent is amazing. He’s level of engagement made the experience all that more enjoyable.
The music 🎶 and performance is so fun and exciting! The entire show was amazing and wish it could’ve gone on longer! Would definitely love to see his live performance again!!!! 👏 👏 👏 Bravo!
He's an amazing performer.. has a genuine on-stage presence and plays the ukulele in ways we've never seen/heard before. Loved his message to the kids in the audience and the stories he told. Disappointing for us, though, was that based on the description of the show we were expecting more Christmas and Hawaii. Go see him play if you want to be wowed by what can be accomplished on the ukulele...try something else if you want more focus on Christmas music.
This show was a blast. Jake is so personable and such an amazing musician that is boggles the mind. The wide variety of styles and techniques he employs is so over the top that it is not even believable that a person could have so much skill and talent. He makes his ukulele sound like several instruments from the classic uke sound to lead guitar to rhythmic percussion. If you ever have a chance to see him live, do it. You won't regret it!
My second concert and it didn't disappoint. He is such a fun and amicable person; he's really a presence on the stage. It's incredible what he can do on the ukelele
I had not seen Jake before, and was prepared to enjoy a pleasant concert. Instead I was utterly wowed and awed by his phenomenal playing - fingers moving too fast to see! - as well as engaging, friendly, performance. Am now a true fan.
What an amazing concert! This is my third time seeing Jake in action. This time he added Jordan and Justin to make the sound more full. Adding the bass guitar made Jake’s sound so incredible. Justin’s voice and songs are beautiful! Will always try to attend Jake’s concerts in person!!
As usual, Jake was amazing! The addition of his bass player added a nice compliment. And the guitarist/singer was outstanding!!! Always enjoy Jake’s performances and this one was very special! San Diego welcomed him with open arms and lots of energy. Maholo, Jake
I have been a fan of Jake Shimabukuro for two decades. The style, personality, versatility and youthful delight he brings to his instrument and audiences keep me coming back. This concert was no different. From his classical tunes, holiday fare (Oh Holy Night .... chicken skin), rock, blue grass, jazz he does it all and keeps the entire audience enthralled and amazed by what he can do with those four strings. Audiences pay attention because you never know what playful riff he will add to a song while looking at the audience with a wink ... pure fun. Special mention to his bass player and guitar/vocalist ... they rounded out the show to make a perfect evening's entertainment.
Never heard so much music from a ukelele. Thought it was just for strumming. Jake is a consummate performer. Ultra talent combined with charming stage presence. Would go again.
