Do you consider yourself a true fan of the uke? If so, you might already be familiar with the unique sounds of Hawaii native Jake Shimabukuro.
The Honolulu native started playing the instrument at the age of four, learning the basics from his mother, Carol, and then developing his craft further by studying the likes of musical masters such as Eddie Kamae, Ohta-San and Peter Moon. As he matured, Shimabukuro also found inspiration from guitar players, drummers, pianists, and singers. Even athletes helped fuel the intensity of his artistic fire.
From his informal 2005 debut on YouTube and the 2006 release of Gently Weeps (produced by Mac McAnally), Shimabukuro mixed his own originals with equally adventurous versions of “Ave Maria” and “The Star-Spangled Banner.” His records have topped the Billboard World Music Charts on numerous occasions, and as a live performer he has become one of the hottest tickets around.
He’s played with world-renowned orchestras and at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center and the Sydney Opera House, and has dazzled audiences at music festivals including Bonnaroo, SXSW, the Playboy Jazz Festival and Fuji Rock Festival. He even performed for that rarest of audiences: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. Not too shabby for a humble young man from Hawaii and his trusty ukulele.
“I’m really excited to play the new songs in my shows,” Shimabukuro says of The Greatest Day. “Making this record was one of the highlights I’ve had in the studio. I couldn’t be happier with the sounds and arrangements. But most of all, we had a ton of fun making it.”
Along with his tremendous professional achievements, Shimabukuro’s personal life is filled with riches: He’s a loving husband and proud father of two boys. While balancing career with family, he also remains firmly rooted in his commitment to community, frequently performing at schools in Hawaii and overseas, urging youngsters to find their passion and live drug-free.
For more information on @jakeshimabukuromusic and his backstory, visit http://jakeshimabukuro.com. The March 13 performance at the Colonial Theater begins at 8 p.m. Seating prices run $27, $37 and $47.
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Photo: Americus Studios/Coleman Saunders
