Many of us have strummed a ukulele at one time or another, but in the skilled hands of Jake Shimabukuro, it takes on a whole new life and virtuoso sound. On Friday, November 15, 2024, kick off your holiday season with a virtual trip to the land of sand, surf and sea when Jake Shimabukuro takes center stage at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in downtown Olympia. His “Holidays in Hawai’i” show celebrates joy, warmth and the infectious charm of his signature instrument.
Jake Shimabukuro Showcases the Ukulele with World-Class Talent and Island Flair
Shimabukuro is considered to be one of the world’s best ukulele players but he doesn’t simply showcase traditional songs of Hawai’i. For this holiday season, he’ll transform such classics as “We Three Kings” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” as well as reimagining the contemporary works of 2024’s top musicians.
Alongside traditional Christmas carols and hymns, during his Washington Center visit, Shimabukuro will play selections from his newest album, “Grateful.” This is a follow-up to an earlier record which showcased duets with Willie Nelson, Ziggy Marley, Bette Midler, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson and Kenny Loggins.
Playing with these respected icons helped Shimabukuro find inspiration to showcase the musicians of Hawai’i who have connected with him along his musical journey.
Recharge Before the Holidays with a Virtual Trip to Hawai’i Thanks to Iconic Island Music
For November’s fusion concert, Shimabukuro will be joined on stage by bassist Jackson Waldhoff and singer/songwriter Justin Kawika Young.
Waldhoff grew up in Japan before moving to Hawai’i at the age of 15. He used his musical abilities as a way to bridge social gaps while he learned English and settled in. Waldhoff has played and recorded with Mick Fleetwood, Mac McAnally, Alan Parsons, Sonny Landreth, Keb Mo, Sam Bush, Taku Hirano, Fiji, Henry Kapono, Mark Yamanaka, Conner Johnson and others.
Kawika Young is a Hawai’i native with 11 number-one hits on local island radio. He later moved stateside and toured extensively with Colbie Caillat. His music can be heard on the soundtracks of Point Break, Wild Horses and The Walking Dead.
The Spirit of Aloha Rings in the Holiday Season at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts
Tickets to Jake Shimabukuro’s Holidays in Hawai’i show are on sale now. You can purchase them through the Washington Center’s website or at their box office, which is open from noon until 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday or two hours before any ticketed event. Call 360.753.8586 or email boxoffice@washingtoncenter.org with questions.
While you’re grabbing the best seats, check out the Center’s other fabulous holiday shows, concerts, performances and events. The uber-funky “The Hip Hop Nutcracker” takes place on November 12 thanks to a cast of all-star dancers, live DJ, musicians and MC Kurtis Blow.
Studio West Dance Theatre’s “The Nutcracker” runs from November 29 through December 1. Kids are invited to “Clara’s Nutcracker Party,” beginning one hour before each matinee performance. They can make a holiday keepsake, delight in a reading of The Nutcracker story, visit and take pictures with characters from the ballet and enjoy holiday refreshments.
In December, get the giggles with the “God is a Scottish Drag Queen: Christmas Special.” If you want to try different versions of “The Nutcracker,” Ballet Northwest’s runs Friday through Sunday, December 13 to 22. Or mix it up altogether with “A Magical Cirque Christmas”, which has two shows on December 29.
We can’t always escape during the hectic holiday season. But it’s important to take breaks, refresh and recharge. Thanks to Jake Shimabukuro, you can revel in a Holiday in Hawai’i without the packing, airport traffic or sandy swimsuits. Don’t miss out on the next best thing to tropical nights, crashing waves and the smell of island flowers.
Sponsored
