Thu 11/20 @ 8PM
Hawaii native Jake Shimabukuro took his state’s signature instrument, the ukulele, well beyond its usual confines into jazz, blues, rock, folk and classical. After hearing him you won’t think of Don Ho and “Tiny Bubbles” anymore.
The 38-year-old musician played with some local bands before launching his solo career with 2002’s Sunday Morning. His dexterity, musical range and the uniqueness of what he does have earned him an extensive following (especially in Japan) in the last 12 years as well as the opportunity to collaborate with musicians as diverse as Ziggy Marley, Bela Fleck and Yo-Yo Ma. Naturally he’s an NPR favorite as well.
His latest album, Grand Ukulele, was produced by Alan Parsons and features Shimabukuro soloing live in front of a 29-piece orchestra and rhythm section. In addition to his own material, it includes unique covers of Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Sting’s “Fields of Gold” and the Harold Arlen standard “Over the Rainbow.”
Shimabukuro will be at the Music Box Supper Club. Tickets are $40 in advance, $45 day of show.
musicboxcle.com/jake-shimabukuro/
Photo by Alex Ferrari
Cleveland, OH 44113