An evening with Jake Shimabukuro

Springfield’s Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts bring ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro to Springfield for one night. In his young career, Shimabukuro has already redefined a heretofore under-the-radar instrument.

He has been declared a musical “hero” by Rolling Stone; has collaborated with artists including Yo-Yo Ma, Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, Béla Fleck and the Flecktones, and Lyle Lovett; has won accolades from the likes of Eddie Vedder; earned comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis; and has even played in front of the Queen of England!

Born and raised in Honolulu, Jake’s life has always centered on the ukulele. He combines the qualities of a long line of virtuoso ukulele players with modern rock musicians to create a sound that’s uniquely his own, but still firmly grounded in Hawaiian tradition.

Known for his energetic strumming, Jake moves with ease from sophisticated arrangements to brilliant improvisation. His concert set list includes original compositions and ukulele classics, along with his dazzling versions of music such as Queen’s Bohemian Rhapsody, Schubert’s Ave Maria and Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah.

Jake has been the subject of an award-winning documentary, Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings, currently on Netflix. He also travels to schools around the world and spreads positive messages to young people, encouraging them to find their passion and live drug-free.

Jake Shimabukuro comes to Springfield for one night only, October 15. All seats are $25, and can be purchased online at www.hammonshall.com, or in person at the Hammons Hall box office.

The Gayly – October 7, 2015 @ 8:20am.