Jake's Open Road

JAKE SHIMABUKURO

Ukulele Musician/Spokesperson
Self-Employed

“If I can truly be myself, and figure out who I am, and just do that all the time, then I'm going to be the best in everything that I do.”

Fell in love with the ukulele at age four; his mother was a ukulele player and singer.
First started performing in a local cafe in his hometown of Honolulu, toured with a few local acts.
Gained fame when his cover of "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" became one of the first ever "viral" videos on YouTube.
In his free time, works as the spokesman for Hawaii Tourism Japan, which markets Hawaii to the Japanese.
Also works with Music is Good Medicine, an outreach organization that promotes importance of music in a well-balanced life.
Says that his ukulele is "the vessel to bring out [his] true spirit."
Has performed with a wide variety of notable acts, including Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, and Jimmy Buffett.