News release from The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra:
Ukulele Wizard Jake Shimabukuro in Concert
(December 23, 2015) – Ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro will perform with The Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra in the second Sweetwater Pops Series concert on Saturday, January 30, 7:30 p.m. at the Embassy Theatre.
Heralded as a “hero” by Rolling Stone, no other individual has propelled the popularity of the ukulele more than Shimabukuro. Spanning freely across the multiple genres such as jazz, funk, folk, and classical, Shimabukuro has taken the four-string instrument to places not previously imagined.
“The uke, which traditionally takes a supportive, background role in Hawaiian music, has a small range and sound. But in Shimabukuro’s hands, it becomes a powerhouse,” said Katie Salmon of the Stanford Art Review.
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, Shimabukuro was first introduced to the instrument by his mother who gave him lessons when he was just four years old. Captivated by the unique sounds of the instrument, he began playing regularly at a local café.
Shimabukuro was quoted saying, “When I played my first chord, I was hooked. I fell in love with the instrument.”
In June 2002, Jake became the first ukulele player from Hawaii to sign with Epic Records International, a division of Sony Music International. Shortly thereafter, he became a YouTube sensation when his rendition of While My Guitar Gently Weeps went viral with over 13 million views. He was also the subject of a documentary aired on PBS entitled Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings, which follows him through the ups and downs of a musical season.A favorite of local audiences, Shimabukuro has appeared several times at Fort Wayne’s C2G Music Hall, most recently in June of 2012. The Phil appearance offers local Jake fans the opportunity to hear him accompanied by full symphony orchestra.
Tickets for “Jake Shimabukuro: Ukulele Wizard” start at $29 and are conveniently available for purchase online at fwphil.org. Purchases can also be made in person at The Phil Box Office, located at 4901 Fuller Drive or over the phone by calling 260-481-0777. The Phil Box Office is open Monday through Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., or Saturday (Masterworks and Pops concert days only) from 12:00 noon to 4:00 p.m. Tickets may also be available for purchase at the Embassy Theatre during normal operating hours and two hours prior to each concert. Full program and series information is available at fwphil.org.
About the Fort Wayne Philharmonic Orchestra
Fort Wayne Philharmonic Now performing its 72th season, The Fort Wayne Philharmonic’s mission is to inspire and foster a lifelong love of classical music through performance and education. The Phil is led by Music Director Andrew Constantine. The Phil is a member of the League of American Orchestras and a funded member of Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne, the Indiana Arts Commission and National Endowment for the Arts. For additional information, log on to our website: fwphil.org.