JAKE SHIMABUKURO Kirkland Performance Center October 5, 2026 Review
JAKE SHIMABUKURO
October 5, 2026
Kirkland Performance Center
Kirkland, WA
The maestro of the ukulele Jake Shimabukuro returned to the Kirkland Performance Center for a bit of a throwback performance. Jake was performing solo, something I personally hadn’t seen in the greater Seattle area since 2014.
The crowd was also treated to a two ukulele performance - his standard trusty tenor but he also debuted a new baritone ukulele.
The setlist was a mix of old and new. However, the incorporation of the baritone added a great new aspect to the concert. Much like a cello has a very singular voice that speaks to many, the baritone ukulele also has a deep, almost melancholy tone to it.
It was refreshing to hear the songs performed solo, something I wasn’t sure I was going to necessarily type here. But, it worked for this show and potentially others. I do enjoy hearing the collaboration with other musicians so I hope that concept isn’t completely abandoned in the future. My humble suggestion would be to find a multi instrumentalist such as a keyboard player. Someone that can provide programmed backing tracks when needed (such as drums and bass) but also strip it down to one instrument such as a piano from the keyboard.
I heard a few fans after the show just absolutely gush about how tremendous Jake was - it was their first time seeing him. If you haven’t seen him, I’m willing to bet you’ll have a similar reaction.
Always recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
October 5, 2026
Kirkland Performance Center
Kirkland, WA
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
The maestro of the ukulele Jake Shimabukuro returned to the Kirkland Performance Center for a bit of a throwback performance. Jake was performing solo, something I personally hadn’t seen in the greater Seattle area since 2014.
The crowd was also treated to a two ukulele performance - his standard trusty tenor but he also debuted a new baritone ukulele.
The setlist was a mix of old and new. However, the incorporation of the baritone added a great new aspect to the concert. Much like a cello has a very singular voice that speaks to many, the baritone ukulele also has a deep, almost melancholy tone to it.
It was refreshing to hear the songs performed solo, something I wasn’t sure I was going to necessarily type here. But, it worked for this show and potentially others. I do enjoy hearing the collaboration with other musicians so I hope that concept isn’t completely abandoned in the future. My humble suggestion would be to find a multi instrumentalist such as a keyboard player. Someone that can provide programmed backing tracks when needed (such as drums and bass) but also strip it down to one instrument such as a piano from the keyboard.
I heard a few fans after the show just absolutely gush about how tremendous Jake was - it was their first time seeing him. If you haven’t seen him, I’m willing to bet you’ll have a similar reaction.
Always recommended!
Best,
Mark Sugiyama
Eclectic Arts Media
Connect with Eclectic Arts Media: Social Media and Email Links
(All Photos by Mark Sugiyama for Eclectic Arts Media (c) 2026)
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