SACRAMENTO, Calif — Jake Shimabukuro, the internationally acclaimed ukulele maestro, is set to grace Modesto with his musical prowess on Wednesday at the Gallo Center for the Arts. Ahead of his performance, I had the privilege of meeting with him on his tour bus following a recent concert in Carmel.
Shimabukuro initially captured the spotlight in late 2005 with a breakout YouTube video, and now, he traverses the country in his own tour bus, captivating audiences with his ukulele mastery.
Reflecting on his journey to fame, Shimabukuro shared that serendipity played a crucial role. “I was lucky to be at the right place at the right time when YouTube was starting out. A video posted there quickly got to one million views, and I became famous,” he recounted. The viral video, a snippet from a TV show performance, transformed his career, opening doors to collaborations with other musicians.
The prodigious ukulele artist, who picked up the instrument at the tender age of four, mused on what his younger self would think of his current stature. With a smile, Shimabukuro reflected, “He would be grateful, then and now. I am. There’s a Japanese word ‘okagesamade,’ meaning ‘I am what I am because of you.’ It celebrates those who came before. Exposed at such a young age, all the lessons and learning, I relish the chance to share them on stage.”
Catch Jake Shimabukuro’s mesmerizing performance at the Gallo Center for the Arts on December 20 at 7:30 p.m. Don’t miss the opportunity to witness the artistry of a musician whose journey from YouTube sensation to international acclaim has left an indelible mark on the world of music.
