Jake Shimabukuro

This performance is part of the Howley Sessions and takes place in our intimate Howley Auditorium at the Helmerich Theater. Prefer music under the stars? Catch Jake Shimabukuro the night before on April 21 at Hugh’s View rooftop.

See the full Howley Sessions season.

Jake Shimabukuro has taken this humble four-stringed instrument to extraordinary new heights, dazzling audiences around the world with his lightning-fast fingers, boundless creativity, and deeply expressive performances. Often called the “Jimi Hendrix of the ukulele,” Shimabukuro blends jazz, rock, classical, blues, and traditional Hawaiian music into a sound that’s entirely his own.

Born and raised in Honolulu, Jake picked up the ukulele at just four years old and never looked back. He became an international sensation when his breathtaking rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” went viral, introducing millions to the instrument’s remarkable possibilities. Since then, he’s collaborated with musical legends including Yo-Yo Ma, Bette Midler, Jimmy Buffett, and Ziggy Marley, and performed on some of the world’s most celebrated stages, from the Sydney Opera House to the Hollywood Bowl.

Whether reimagining familiar favorites or sharing original compositions, Shimabukuro brings warmth, humor, and astonishing musicianship to every performance. Join us for an unforgettable evening with an artist who proves that four strings are all you need to make a world of music.