Jake Shimabukuro, known as “the Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” is about to strengthen the local ukulele uprising for strumming supremacy. (Photo by Danny Clinch)
Folks in the entertainment world call it "landing a whale." See, venue bookers cast their nets to fill their seasons with concerts and performances to appeal to vast audiences. Some "little fish" shows find themselves undersold while other "big fish" shows sell out.
Jake Shimabukuro is a big fish. His Jan. 20 concert at the Rialto has been sold out for more than two weeks.
"We're thrilled by Jake's popularity in Tacoma," said Broadway Center of the Performing Arts Marketing Director Lacey Leffler. "Tickets were selling quickly over the holiday season, and we're looking forward to a full house at the Rialto on Friday."
Shimabukuro's concert will swing the range from high-energy licks that are worthy of the "jumping flea" instrument to melodic whispers of emotional goodness. Audiences can expect everything from original songs to versions of classical works by Johann Sebastian Bach and showstoppers by Michael "King of Pop" Jackson. Before the show even starts, local ukulele player Ray Alonso will host "The Ukulele, A Conversation, Masterclass and Mini Jam." Alonso will lead a combination jam and master class in which all are invited to bring their ukes to participate as players, learners or passionate listeners.
The rising popularity of the ukulele in recent years cannot be overstated. Local ukulele sales have, at times, even outpaced guitar sales at places like Ted Brown Music and Olympia's Music 6000. Local ukulele playing circles can be found in Tacoma, Steilacoom, Lakewood, Puyallup, Federal Way, Kent and Olympia. Alonso's group, for example, now gathers some 70 people each Monday for ukulele jamming.
"I think it's great how the popularity of the ukulele keeps growing," the renowned "Jimi Hendrix of the four string" said. "I'm a huge fan of the instrument and seeing other people from around the world embrace the four stringer always makes me smile. I always tell people that if everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place."
Shimabukuro's version of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" has been viewed by more than 9 million people on YouTube. Shimabukuro's You Tube channel is second only to "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" by the late ukulele giant Israel Ka'ano'i Kamakawiwo'ole.
"Israel was a huge inspiration for me," Shimabukuro said. "I grew up listening to his music. I never had the chance to meet him before he passed away. He was a true ambassador of the ukulele and aloha spirit. He was a great man and forever untouchable."
And now Shimabukuro finds himself having similar "rock star" status with ukulele followers alongside rock stars who have become ukulele players. Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder, for example, dropped his guitar and picked up a four-string to release his "Ukulele Songs" CD last year and further aided the effort to bring ukuleles out from storage and into the hands of new players. No longer the butt of jokes involving hula skirts or squeaky-voiced fat guys in suits, the uke is getting some love in the post-Tiny Tim world from a generation ago.
"I was so thrilled to hear that Eddie Vedder was releasing a ukulele album," Shimabukuro said. "I knew that he would introduce millions of people to the ukulele. He is such an icon and a huge inspiration. Vedder makes the ukulele cool."
