Jake Shimabukuro Mesmerizes at City Winery: A Night of Ukulele Magic

Photo: Louie Galvez

On October 6, 2024, the audience at City Winery experienced something truly extraordinary—a performance by none other than ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. Known worldwide for redefining the possibilities of his four-string instrument, Shimabukuro brought his signature blend of mastery, heart, and innovation to the stage, captivating every person in the room from the first note to the last.

Shimabukuro’s journey to global acclaim began in Honolulu, Hawaii, where he started playing the ukulele at just four years old. Over the years, he evolved into a genre-defying artist, blending elements of jazz, rock, classical, and traditional Hawaiian music into his performances. His viral 2006 cover of While My Guitar Gently Weeps introduced millions to his brilliance, and since then, he has become a trailblazer, collaborating with legends like Yo-Yo Ma and Willie Nelson, and releasing acclaimed albums such as Peace Love Ukulele and Jake & Friends.

At City Winery, Shimabukuro delivered a show that was as electrifying as it was intimate. Opening with an intricate original composition, his fingers danced across the strings, blending rapid strumming with delicate fingerpicking. His ability to evoke a full range of emotions from a simple ukulele was nothing short of breathtaking. The audience sat in awe as Shimabukuro moved seamlessly through a setlist that showcased his technical prowess and deep musicality.

He played a mix of fan favorites and newer tracks, each one delivered with a soulfulness that connected deeply with the crowd. Standout moments included a hauntingly beautiful rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody, where he transformed the Queen classic into a moving ukulele ballad. He also brought the house down with an upbeat cover of Eleanor Rigby, once again reminding everyone of his ability to make the ukulele sing like a full orchestra.

In between songs, Shimabukuro’s humble and gracious personality shone through as he shared stories of his musical journey and the inspirations behind his compositions. His warmth and sincerity made the show feel personal and inclusive, as if he were inviting the audience into his creative world.

Photos: Louie Galvez

As he closed the night with his iconic version of While My Guitar Gently Weeps, it was clear that Jake Shimabukuro had once again proven why he is considered one of the world’s greatest ukulele players. His City Winery performance was a masterclass in musicianship, passion, and artistry—an unforgettable night that left the audience longing for more.

Simply put, Shimabukuro didn’t just play the ukulele; he redefined it, turning a simple instrument into a vehicle for emotional transcendence. And in doing so, he left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to witness it.