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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
Have seen him at least 4 times over the years. His music is exceptionally creative and he puts on great live shows. He really gets into the music in a live show. The studio recordings are a bit tame compared to the live experience.
After seeing the documentary Life on Four Strings, I was extremely interested in Jake in person. He is even better than on the special! He plays with such passion and talent… everyone should go!!! He is really that good!!!
Venue was a bit noisy. Our seats were in the back row. Sound was great but the glass door in back Opened/shut constantly to Cali o which was very loud and distracting. The staff tried to keep the noise to a minimal but could not… The actually entertainment was fabulous. Suggestion: maybe a double door entry to avoid the casino noise
Jake Shimabukuro, Christmas in Hawaii is the most wonderful concert I ever attended. He is truly the most talented musician and he is the epitome of Aloha. Justin Kawika Young's song, "Grateful" is beautiful. The concert was extraordinary and the venue matched.
This is one of the best conference I’ve ever been to. I can’t wait to see him again.
Jake is a magician with the ukelele and we were mesmerized from the start. His blend of original songs, traditional Japanese songs, and well known covers makes for a super entertaining show
Great evening. Awesome concert. Jake is a fabulous performer and musician. Hugely talented. Puts on a great show. Loved it. Jackson and Justin were great too! Thoroughly enjoyable. Would definitely go again.
Three hours of phenomenal musicianship.Jake blew us away and his band was incredible. At times I felt I was in a temple, rock concert, symphony and at country barn dance. What talent!
Great showman and musician. I’d go back and see him tomorrow. We have had his music and arrangements on our minds a week later! He has a very generous spirit and shares the stage most graciously. He is kind to all including his patrons.
Big fan, have seen him many times, and he just keeps getting better. Bassist Jackson Waldhoff added the counterpoint, and Justin Kawika Young is a star in his own right. These cats can play better than I can listen. Thanks for a great concert
I always enjoy Jake’s music and virtuoso performance. He had Justin Young, who I think should stick to Hawaiian music. Unfortunately, I think his mainstream music sounds too much like Justin Bieber
To see Jake Shimabukuro perform live was nothing short of mind-blowing. To call him a virtuoso would be putting it mildly. It was amazing to hear all the different ways he can make that ukulele sound. The venue itself was very cozy. We will definitely be going back to see other performers there. The only issue we had was that I could not figure out how to select seats for the show. After I chose how many tickets I wanted and in what section, Ticketmaster assigned the seats for me. I could not select it before and I could not change it after.
Best performer of his kind. Great vocalist joined him. The real deal. You won’t see anything like Jake! The musical talent combined with entertainment style. How do his hands move so fast?!!
Jake and friends provided an unforgettable evening of music! His talent is beyond compare. Watching him draw out so many sounds from an instrument with only four strings is truly mind blowing. His commentary was sweet and personal. He brought along a bass player, Jackson and vocalist and guitar player, Justin - both super talented and complimented the entire experience. Highly recommend.
This was my first visit to the Vogel, a new performance space adjacent tot the Count Basie Theatre. What I learned was that this smaller space is a two level venue. On the first level, tables are arranged before the stage, with chairs placed so closely that there is little leg room. One less chair per table (8 vs. 10) would make for a much more comfortable experience. The chairs are also a bit uncomfortable. There is a bar in the room, although the stadium pricing ($7 for the least expensive can of beer, $13 and up for wine) reinforces my perception that this venue is focused on maximizing profit per square inch. The view of the stage was excellent, and sound was balanced and clear. Jake Shimabukuro was a delight. His enthusiasm was exceeded only by his humility. While demonstrating an amazing mastery of his instrument and a diverse set of influences, Jake connected with his audience and held them spellbound as he performed selections from his current album of duets. Between songs, he provided background on the songs, his musical influences, and established an intimate connection with the audience. He graciously shared the stage with his guest and did a two hour performance with no intermission. Post-show merch sales in the lobby were a bit disorganized, and perhaps due to PBS videotaping the show, there was no opportunity to meet and greet or have a photo op with Jake himself. I noticed that the upper level of seating featured small cafe type tables and tall stools. If I return, I will try sitting upstairs to see if it is a more comfortable position from which to enjoy a concert.
The perfect space for this performance. Staff os fantastic. Great overall experience. 2nd time there, look forward to seeing more
Jake has so much wonderful, joyful energy! Combined with his awesome talent, he delivers an exciting show! Can’t wait for the next one.
Excellent concert! Have seen him perform many times and he never disappoints. He innovates to keep his performance fresh. Just an incomparable artist! Look forward to the next time.
Jake put on a show above and beyond all expectations ! I never could have imagined anyone could create so many sounds from one little instrument.. Highly recommend you see this!
A virtuoso on any instrument is breath-taking. Jake puts on a breath-taking show.
