Jake Shimabukuro is performing four shows at the Blue Note Hawai’i this week.
Jake Shimabukuro, known for his exceptional ʻukulele skills, is set to perform at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi for four shows on July 22 and July 23. Accompanied by a talented band featuring Jackson Waldhoff on bass, Michael Grande on keys, and Shawn Pimental on drums, Shimabukuro will offer audiences a preview of the music they will perform at the Fuji Rock Festival 2025 in Japan. Tickets for the show are priced at $35-$55, with additional seating requirements of a $10 food or beverage minimum for bar seats and a $20 minimum for premium seating.
Expressing his enthusiasm for the upcoming performances, Shimabukuro shared his excitement about being able to showcase their Fuji rock set at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi. The event promises to deliver the full set intended for Japan along with new compositions and surprises for the audience. Known for his ability to masterfully navigate various music genres such as jazz, rock, blues, bluegrass, folk, and classical, Shimabukuro’s command over the ʻukulele is unparalleled.
Shimabukuro’s recent success includes taking home three Nā Hōkū Hanohano awards, most notably for his album “Blues Experience” in collaboration with Mick Fleetwood, which won the award for ʻUkulele Album of the Year. The album’s track “Kula Blues” also secured the award for Instrumental Composition of the Year. Reflecting on his experience recording the blues album with Fleetwood, Shimabukuro expressed his admiration for the genre and the challenge it presented, highlighting Fleetwood’s inspiration and encouragement throughout the process.
Additionally, Shimabukuro was part of the team honored with the Nā Hōkū Hanohano award for Hawaiian Music Video of the Year for their project “Ka Na‘i Aupuni,” featuring Kalani Peʻa’s music. The video showcased cultural richness and musical talent, featuring performances by Peʻa, Shimabukuro, and the Kamehameha Schools Maui Hawaiian Ensemble. In February 2025, Shimabukuro released his latest album, “Live with Jake Shimabukuro,” recorded live in Nashville, Tennessee, and featuring his iconic rendition of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” which catapulted him to fame.
Looking ahead to the future, Shimabukuro recently completed recording a holiday album set for release later this year. The album boasts collaborations with artists such as Justin Kawika Young, Yo-Yo Ma, and Michael McDonald of The Doobie Brothers, offering a blend of traditional and contemporary holiday tracks. Additionally, the album features an old holiday track from Shimabukuro’s early days with Pure Heart, his first band from high school.
Having started playing the ʻukulele at a young age under his mother’s guidance, Shimabukuro’s passion for the instrument has remained unwavering over the years. He reflects on his early days, where he was so dedicated to playing that his parents had to remind him to focus on other tasks. Despite his remarkable success and achievements in the music industry, Shimabukuro’s love for playing the ʻukulele continues to drive his creativity and performances.
For reservations to witness Jake Shimabukuro’s captivating performances at the Blue Note Hawaiʻi, be sure to secure your tickets for an unforgettable musical experience.