About the Event

By now, if you know the ‘ukulele, you might know the name—the innovator who is Jake Shimabukuro. He has captivated audiences around the world with his unique and dynamic style. With his mother as his first teacher of the instrument, Shimabukuro embraced a deep love and respect for the `ukulele and has explored new and unexpected ways to push the boundaries of what was possible on the humble four-strings. Each album has showcased his mastery of the instrument and his ability to weave together diverse genres to create a cohesive and captivating musical experience. He is undoubtedly one of the most innovative and exciting musicians of his generation, changing the perception of the instrument itself and breaking barriers of what kind of music the ‘ukulele is capable of. In addition to his impeccable musicianship, Shimabukuro is also a gifted storyteller, weaving together musical narratives that draw listeners in and leave them spellbound. 

His newest album, Grateful, is his most personal release yet. Grateful is a coming home for Shimabukuro. With a literal who’s who of Hawai`i-based musicians, this collection of songs is performed live, in studio with Shimabukuro’s friends, contemporaries, mentors, and heroes—all kanikapila-style in a return to his roots. Grateful is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed duets album with artists from Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, and Bette Midler to Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and Kenny Loggins. It was these collaborations that inspired him to go back to the beginning and play with the musicians who first inspired him as he was growing up in Hawai`i. Shimabukuro shares a connection with each and every artist on this album, including Mark Yamanaka, Henry Kapono, John Feary, Herb Ohta Jr., Chris Kamaka, Bryan Tolentino, Del Beazley, Nathan Aweau, John Cruz, Raiatea Helm, Ron Artis II, Pōmaika`i Keawe, Connor Johnson, Kimié Miner, Brother Noland, Kawika Kahiapo, Fiji, Ignace “Iggy” Jang, Jeff Peterson, Justin Kawika Young, and his former Pure Heart bandmates Jon Yamasato and Lopaka Colón.