Jake Shimabukuro

Jake Shimabukuro Concert & Tour Photos

Fan Reviews

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

wendyo96

I have seen Jake perform four times now and each time he never disappoints me. His creativity and expression make his performances so enjoyable and entertaining!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BNRRegan

Really enjoyed the concert- all different kinds of music from classical, to Beatles to traditional Hawaiian. Wonderful musicians who truly love doing what they do!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GuitarUkePlayer

I've been a fan of Jake's for just a couple of years since discovering his work on YouTube. I had the pleasure of seeing him live this week in Ft. Lauderdale and he did not disappoint. He is a genius on the uke which he describes as an underdog instrument. He has elevated the stature of this wonderful instrument to the highest level--and it seems impossible that anyone could take the skills he displays to a higher level. He was masterful, and such a humble and gracious human being. I was able to chat with Jake for a few minutes after the show as he was signing fans' ukuleles and other merchandise. If you have the opportunity to see him live, you'll come away feeling that you have just witnessed something incredibly special--and possibly the greatest ukulele musician on the planet. Thanks for a really amazing experience, Jake! As a guitar player for 50 years, I know that I was in the company of the best.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

It was truly an entertaining show! Jake is not only an extremely talented artist but also a charming storyteller: He shared with us stories behind each piece in his very charming and funny way, which enriched our listening experience of his music even more. I was already a fan, but after the concert I became a HUGE fan of Jake Shimabukuro.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

ERey

Jake Shimabukuro put on a fabulous presentation complete with gentle, heart-grabbing thought pieces all the way to driving, firey flamenco extraveganzas with humility and passion. His introductions to his music and storytelling made for a unique and satisfying experience that oozed of the spirit of aloha. Mahalo!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

pblady

Jake is a virtuoso ukulele artist whose compositions and technical mastery of the instrument push it to its limit. He is also a fine storyteller with an engaging personality.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Jul4

We decided to go to Jake because we wanted to try a ukulele concert. We thought Hawaiian music and the standard 3 chords would be played. We hadn t heard of Jake and thought he was a small entertainer. Jake surprised us by creating many different types of music on the ukulele. We were not disappointed. He was fabulous.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

It is hard to begin to describe Jake's talent. Completely amazing just starts to scratch the surface. His performance was amazing and his stories and delivery were heartfelt. We loved every minute of it.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Jake is amazing to see live, it's the only way to appreciate just how fast his fingers are moving & see how he really connects to his instrument & his music. He presents his imagery & inspirations for his pieces before performing each which really helps understand what he is trying to express. He is incredibly talented & Balboa theatre was a great venue to see him up close. Can't wait to get his new album in January, he played several pieces I had never heard which was also very fun.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

photoboothgirl

Jake Shimabukuro is a true storyteller & musician through and through. I didn't want to leave my seat- each song was truly captivating. Thanks to Jake for such a beautiful, funny, and inspirational evening. The acoustics at the Balboa Theatre were fantastic, and I only wish that I had closer seats!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Sun, Oct 17, 2010

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

TMikeH

The first time I watched Jake perform was in Hawaii at the Hawaii Theater on Oahu in 96. He was great then and now is Amazing. I watched him in Escondido about 6 months ago with a Bass Guitar player and that was a great show, this time was even better.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

First time seeing Jake Shimabukuro. Cain Park provided close intimate experience. Jake is absolutely amazing and I couldn't take my eyes off him watching and listening to his magic on the ukulele!!!!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

LittleNell

He can tear up ukulele! It was AMAZING to see and hear what he can do on just 4 LITTLE STRINGS!! I was in awe and would love to see him again. He puts on a dynamite show!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

suzgw

This was my first experience in seeing Jake Shimabukuro live. Wow. Very personable, very appreciative of his sold out performance. As he said during his concert--people come to the performance with low expectations for a ukelele player. (i.e. ukelele = plucking, strumming strings as in the Don Ho era) I'm not sure what I was expecting; I've heard some of his pieces before...BUT to watch him play was impressive and exciting!. Who knew a ukelele could produce such wonderful melodic sounds AND rock-n-roll from its FOUR strings? Amazing. You really have to see it for yourself to believe the wonderful music Jake is creating from his instrument.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

MissingMolokai

Spent my grade school years on Oahu at Kalihi Kai and moved back to the islands, Molokai in 2000. Jake was all over TV, he was winning awards etc. Never got the chance to see him there, but moved to New Orleans in 2008 and look who follows me here! The show was awesome, his showmanship is perfect and how he makes that little instrument sing like that I'll never understand. It was nice the show was in the more intimate Parish room. The crowd seemed very knowledgeable of his work which was a big surprise. My only negative is that I asked about 20 friends to come, but when they heard "ukulele" they passed. Still stuck in Tiny Tim mode. It made me miss home...

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

HawaiianDredging

in a beautifully restored retro theatre perfect for a cutting edge performance, Jake uses a retro instrument perfect for his mind blowing cutting edge performance. Jake's magically summons forth from 4 simple strings jimmy Handrix, Queen, Adle, George Harrison , Eric Clapton, Eddie Van Halen, and King Kamehameha the Great. His stories of his newborn son endeared him even more to an audience thatt had already fallen for him. Besides having talent of Dumbledorian proportions, he is a genuinely decent man who appreciates his fans and seem to sincerely like our great state.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Olives4

I loved Jake's concert! It was amazing the whole time. Great music selection and vibe. His brother also plays really well - I really enjoyed watching both play together. He should have gone back and played again at the end! Thank you!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Yelruc2

This was the second Jake concert I attended this year. The first was at the Warfield in San Francisco. That venue was OK but it was a bad neighborhood, poor parking and so-so seating. The Carriage House Theatre at Montalvo Center was a delight. We were so close that we could see every nuance of his fingering technique and facial expressions. After the show, Jake had a Meet and Greet and it was only a short wait in line to meet him and have him sign my ukulele. Overall, it was a fabulous experience.

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

thehawaiian

Jake's mastery of the ukulele had my husband and I mesmerized! It was fantastic to have such an accomplished musician from back home entertaining us in Florida! I couldn't get enough of his music that night. LOVED hearing Sakura!

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Awesome belated Valentine's date w/my wife. Mahalo

Balboa Theatre - San Diego, CA - Wed, Feb 15, 2012

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Aborden

I was so surprised by Jake! I honestly bought these tickets for my boyfriend because I knew that he liked him. I bought the tickets for his birthday and we went together. I am beyond happy that we got to see him live! I also accidentally bough front row seats, not knowing the seating configuration and that was ridiculous! The amount of energy and passion that Jake puts in to his music is refreshing and exhilarating! I was smiling the whole time. It was such a pleasure to see someone so truly excited about about his music. He has amazing talent!! I can't wait to see him again!!

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SwannyVA

This young man is one of the most gifted and and hard working musicians on the planet. And, he is a spectacular showman. His ability to engage the audience and take them on his journey is second to none. I am so looking forward to the next opportunity I may have to see him!

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

WahiawaPicker

The sound coming from the ukulele is unbelievable. He s da Ukulele Master.

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

shortal

Jake Shimabukuro played one of the very best concerts I've ever heard and I've heard a lot in my 76 years. His technique is phenomenal and his repertoire is unbelievably diverse. I think he could play the phone book and make it sound good. Words cannot describe how amazing he was. I left the concert absolutely in awe of him. He is a musician amongst the best in the music world, regardless of genre!

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Boristhespider

A musically gifted person who generously shares his gift with the audience. Bravo!!

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bigloader

This was the third time I have seen Jake, and i must say, the best I have seen. His energy on stage is infectious. His virtuosity on the ukulele is unmatched. He plays the standards, traditional Hawaiian, and rock/pop genres without missing a beat. No matter how you feel walking in to the concert, you will feel better walking out. I look forward to his next concert.

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

HawkeyeDi

Who knew a ukele could sound like that? I didn't. He is an amazing musician and entertainer. I look forward to seeing him again.

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Buck009

There are not too many more superlatives you can give to Jake. He is definitely a virtuoso, creative and technically brilliant. His addition of a bass player (which he has had) and a lead guitar player just add to the complexity of sound. Even after seeing Jake a number of times, there are still some jaw-dropping moments. I highly recommend Jake to your list of must-see performers. PVCH is a great venue, with high-quality sound in a somewhat intimate setting, great free parking and friendly people working the concerts. I really like this place. Cheers

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SurfJag

Jake is crazy talented and puts on a great show. He interacts with the audience during the show and hung around after to meet and sign autographs for anyone who wanted. PV Concert Hall was the perfect intimate setting to see this show.

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Caffeine

Jake is a real entertainer, and gracious as heck. He knows a lot of members of the audience, loves his regular fans, grateful to the venue staff, and thanks the veterans without seeming gratuitous. And he will stand in line afterwards for photos, signing your ukelele's until the last customer is done.

Birchmere - Alexandria, VA - Sun, Oct 29, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

CKNC64

If ever you have a chance to see Jake Shimabukuro perform live, run don't walk. He's an amazing performer. Connects with his audience. Makes us laugh. Shows us the range of the ukelele in the songs that he performs. He tells us he's grateful we are there supporting live music and leaves us feeling good about the world. I'm a big fan. You will become one, too, once you see him.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

sunidays

what an amazing performer. Jake is extremely talented and I could not get over the sounds that were coming from just 4 strings! Jake is definately someone to go see whether you are familiar with the ukulele or not. I highly recommend seeing Jake if he should come to your town.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Lelak

The electric ukulele may not seem like something you would want to spend money to see, but Jake is a virtuoso, playing a wide range of music, and producing magical effects with the instrument. If you have any doubts, see him on YouTube and then if you like what you hear, get tickets the next time he is in town

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Uke92264

Jake is a master of the ukulele and to see him in a small venue like the Birchmere was great! He played for two hours and even carried the show for a few minutes when a storm caused the power to go out briefly. My first time at the Birchmere but won't be my last.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

raydan52

Personable, exciting, amazing....oh what a night, Jake puts himself into every performance and the audience appreciates it

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

BethGee

iThis was the first time I saw Jake perform live and I was completely astounded by his performance!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Ankenoid

Jake S is a super energized ukulele virtuoso - with a rapid strum and sometimes drifting off into some special effects territory (makes his tiny ukulele sound like a series of different electric guitars). So don't go if you are expecting over the next 90 minutes to be magically transported to the white sandy beaches of Hawaii by some soft traditional ukulele strumming (something that my wife would prefer). His style is pretty eclectic - although he does toss in a bit of traditional Hawaiian ukulele in the middle. That said, it's a wonderful show and he is a lot of fun to watch as a performer. (But yes, I would love to see Jake do a 90 minute traditional ukulele show sometime...)

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Retyrenc

If you think you've heard ukulele, and you haven't heard Jake Shimakubero, then YOU HAVEN'T HEARD UKULELE!! From electric ukulele a la electric guitar with Eric Clapton, to tradition Hawaiian music, to flamenco ukulele or Bach toccata and fugues, to jazz and the Zombies' Time of the Season...Jake does it all. Tonight he had 2 accompanists-an electric bass guitar and electric guitar. Together they performed an intimate, truly mind blowing and beautiful concert. Again, you won't be believe your eyes and ears when you see and hear Jake and his ukulele! So if you've never really heard ukulele and are curious, or if you're a banjo/guitar/mandolin fan, check out Jake Shimakubero. He's on iTunes but not Spotify. Aloha!

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Panda2011

This show was phenomenal and the venue was perfect. Jake is perhaps the most talented and gifted musician I have ever seen in concert. He truly is amazing. The variety of music he played was great. I would love to hear him again.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Cloistered

Jake Shimabukuro is the most incredible musician. I was riveted. His bass and guitar players add a lot to his performance, but Jake is the one with the charisma and showmanship. Unfortunately, the hard white little chairs at Humphrey's always hurt my back and sometimes I remember the chairs more than the performance.

Humphreys Concerts By the Bay - San Diego, CA - Sat, Sep 9, 2017

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SLSJakefan

This is our 3rd time at Jake's concerts. He never ceases to amaze! He's energetic, an amazing musician, and has a great stage presence. Can't believe the sounds he gets from the ukulele. Plan to see him again any time he's in our area. Love him.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

GLF3772

Jake is a fantastic musician. He produced amazing sounds from his electric ukulele. He was personable and friendly. It was a great show.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Mug2

A great show of pure talent. Never thought a uke could sound so good

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

TimPeare

He was incredible live, a real showman! and generous with the performance and meeting everyone at the front of the theater for photos and autographs. Really can't recommend him enough.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Larice2057

Excellent! A definite must see! Couldn't believe that we got to meet him before the show! 10 out of 10 !

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Both concert and venue were great, not a bad seat in the place

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

This was the second time we have seen Jake and I'm so impressed by his playing abality. He played more this time and it was 'more the merrier' along with him sharing stories of his writung the songs.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Hawaiifun

He was just amazing. I'm so lucky to have experienced his music. I'm a fan and can't wait to see him again.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Newukefan

Jake Shimabukuro is a 1 of a kind musician. Talented and passionate about his music. Accompanied by a cello and electric bass, and impressively broad sampling of music was performed. Then he did Meet and Greet with the audience.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

donrh720

This show was amazing. The sound Jake gets from the instrument is unbelievable. I would recommend this show to anyone who loves great music.

F. M. Kirby Center - Wilkes-Barre, PA - Fri, Nov 18, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Beautiful, talented, connected. What a wonderful performer.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

yonaelana

I don't know how he can get so much sound and so much variety in sound from one small instrument with only 4 strings. He is so talented, so personable, and he plays for almost 2 hours straight - amazing energy! Beautiful music in a variety of genres. It's worth it to sit up close, at a bit of an angle, to see how he actually uses his fingers and hands in their entirety. An awesome show!

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆

sc1995

I came to hear Jake play the ukulele. Unfortunately he added a base player and proceeded to play a new album that he and base player created in a week in Nashville. I understand the excitement of a new album but only play one or two songs then play what we came to hear. Pure ukulele music without added base. Very disappointed.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

JackHurley

In addition to being perhaps the most innovative and talented ukulele player that ever lived, Jake is the consumate performer who is full of energy, passion, positivity, and creativity. He is also a goof who has a lot of fun while playing his music and entertaining his audience. Nolan is extremely accomplished on bass - the two of them feed off one another and bring the music to a whole new dimension. After seeing the two of them last Wednesday, I made a second trip to see them on Saturday night. Jake stays after the show to do a meet-and-greet that includes signing autographs and taking photos with those who stick around. All in all, his shows are an enchanting experience.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Dalilama007

This is my second time seeing Jake and he didn't disappoint! What he does on the uke is amazing! The most gracious performer as well! He even stayed after the show to meet his fans to sign autographs and take pictures!

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Bonbon42

Unbelievably talented! Jake's fingers were a blur at times. His music filled the room and it felt like there had to be several instruments playing-- but it was all Jake weaving the intricate and complex sounds.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

RunSueRun

Joie de vivre: a feeling of happiness or excitement about life. That about sums up the show...or at least its effect! His love of music, the instrument and life itself just comes shining through. And his mastery of the ukulele is insane. The music flows like water, and his hands move so fast at times they are a blur. My genre is alt rock so this wasn't my normal fare by any shot; I went to this event because a friend wanted to see him and I just wanted her to have someone to go with. And because I love music enough to be genre-curious! But by the end of the first song I was a fan, and by the end of the show I was hugely appreciative of his tremendous talent and awesome personality. Don't hesitate if you have a chance to check him out!

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Anonymous

Not only is he a huge talent, he was just a pleasure to watch. You could feel the JOY flow from him and his ukulele. So much fun to see such an amazing musician...and what a nice nice guy!

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

SpiritCurvesGregor

The show was awesome, and the Buckhead Theater was a great treat too... Being a drummer, I don't go to many shows where there is not a percussionist, but Jake could really bring it, and made it very lively. !! It's had been a while since returning to the BH Theater, it looked real nice, and sounded awesome. Drinks were a bit pricey ... but it is Buckhead... I did the math in advance, it was cheaper to Uber there, than to bother with paying for parking.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

michaelukalele

I do not think there could have been a better concert to bring my dad to. He is very much rock oriented, yet was delighted and amazed by Jake's set. If he ever comes back, I will be bringing more people to see him.

Buckhead Theatre - Atlanta, GA - Sat, Sep 17, 2016

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

SharkMan

I'm new to Jake's music and didn't know what to expect, but he was enjoyable to listen to. You won't be 'rocking out' but if you like music, you'll enjoy listening to him play. And he's kind of funny when he interacts with the audience.