Jake Shimabukuro is bringing a little bit of Hawaii to New York.
If last week’s polar vortex had you thinking about the beach, you’re in luck: We will be graced by a vortex of another type — a ukulele vortex, that is.
Jake Shimabukuro, ukulele icon and virtuoso, will be bringing his four stringed melodies from his island (Hawaii) to our island (Manhattan).
As an inspirational advocate of the instrument (Jake once said at a Ted Talk that world peace could be achieved if everyone played the ukulele) and enthusiastic, jovial performer, Jake has achieved a legendary level of complex fingering and unique melodies.
His whirlwind career, jumpstarted by a viral cover version of “While My Guitar Gently Weeps,” includes collaborations with other musical icons, giving Ted Talks, creating original soundtracks and taking part in documentaries.
And now, Jake is on tour in support of his latest release, Travels. He will be headlining at the Highline Ballroom on Wednesday April 13. More tour dates in the states can be found on Shimabukuro’s website. He also just released a live album, Jake Shimabukuro: Live in Japan.
Want a sneak peak before you go? Check out this recently posted and insanely good performance of “Kawika,” a song off his new record:
