
WHEN MAGIC HAPPENS
It was at a festival celebrating taro and community in Hana that I saw another one of them — an intense, prepubescent boy who carried an ukulele around wherever he went.
I noticed him sitting on the grass very close to the front of the low-built stage under a big canvas tent. He sat there, soaking in the presence of a musician who was making a name for himself in the big city of Honolulu and beyond and doing his town proud.
The boy was absolutely focused, strumming his old, well-used ukulele, frowning in concentration as he tried to match his hero’s fingerings and licks. He was rapt in the music and transported to a world that was only sound and touch and heart.
His quick darting eyes soaked in the older musician’s hand and finger movements as the boy tried to make his hands and fingers move like that, as he tried to duplicate what he was hearing.
Later, after the musician’s set was done, I saw the boy leaning with his back against a tree, fiddling with the tuning pegs of his instrument, strumming and playing by himself as his aunties and uncles and cousins and neighbors did festival things and the rest of the world swirled all around him.
When they looked at him, the old ones smiled. A while later I saw his cousins and friends gathered ‘round to hear him play. Some of them had their own instruments as well.
Mostly, these young ones grow up and life takes them away from their other-worldly travels. Sometimes, though, they get to stay in the magic and the music makes their life.
OOOH! HIS FINGERS FLY!
Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro says he has two passions: his ukulele and his family.
It was his passion for the ukulele (with a boost from the then-baby YouTube) that opened doors like magic into the wide, wide world.
It is his passion for his family and connection that brings him home.
For Jake the music he made on the cherished Kamaka ukulele that was his mother’s before it became his was his sanctuary and go-to happy place in a world that kept changing around his younger brother Bruce and him after their parent’s divorce.
He and assorted friends put together ensembles and entered local talent contests like the “Brown Bags to Stardom” in high school.
With two of his friends – Lopaka Colon (percussion) and Jon Yamasato (vocals and guitar) – he formed a local band, Pure Heart, just out of high school, and by 1998 they were already making a name for themselves.
At the time, the musician’s day job was being a salesman at a local music store. The music thing was a side-gig.
The band’s first of two albums won four Na Hoku Hanohano awards, the Hawaiian counterpart of the Grammy Awards presented by the Hawaii Academy of Recording Arts. That album was named as one of the “top fifty Hawaiian albums of all time” by Honolulu Magazine.
By 2006 Shimabukuro was a multiple-award-winning, local up-and-coming musician whose blossoming solo career had already taken him to Japan and across the mainland United States.
In his work Shimabukuro was already making a run at trying to transcend the inherent limitations imposed on the musician by the instrument’s four strings and two-octave range.
THE VIDEO THAT DID
While he was in New York City, Jake was invited to appear in a local television show, Midnight Ukulele Disco, that featured different ukulele players. He agreed.
The musician was taken to Central Park where he sat on a rock while a little handheld video camera was trained on him. After a few questions, he started playing an arrangement of Beatle George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” that he had been developing.
At the time, YouTube was just beginning to cause a stir on the Internet. The American video-sharing platform was created by three former Paypal employees – Chad Hurley, Steve Chen and Jawed Karim – and launched in February, 2005.
This YouTube video, “Ukulele Weeps by Jake Shimabukuro” was posted on YouTube in April, 2006. It may have been one of the first videos to go viral.
Jake knew nothing about it. He was just sharing his work with another audience.
A few months after the Midnight Ukulele Disco video-shooting, he began receiving emails and calls from friends. They told him they had seen a video of him on the Internet playing his ukulele in Central Park.
Apparently, someone had posted the video on YouTube and it caught people’s attention. Eventually over 15 million viewers shared the video one email at a time. (This was before the days of constant, compulsive sharing.)
The video’s popularity helped fuel Shimabukuro’s ever-widening worldwide net of connection, spawning joint projects and collaborations with other world-class performers and producers of various forms of media (including movies) who he considers his heroes.
He has shared his love for the ukulele in sold-out concert tours and performances at big-name festivals. He even got to perform for the Queen of England.
THE UKULELE-LOVE CONTINUES
Through it all, Shimabukuro has continued to expand and develop his mastery and transcendence of the ukulele.
For a while after the video hit, he experimented with the use of electronic effect pedals. Eventually he decided to “get back to his fingers”.
On his American Federation of Musician member bio page, Shimabukuro says the guy who inspired him to forego the electronic special effects aids was English guitar-shredder Jeff Beck: “You don’t hear anybody else get sounds like that out of the guitar, and I thought, ‘Hey, it’s all about the fingers.’”
The AFM page reveals that Shimabukuro doesn’t use a pick. He files his nails before performances to mimic a pick and he doesn’t use rubber cement or acrylic substances to strengthen them.
(That one reminds me of my uncles, some of whom were pretty good players of stringed instruments their own selves.)
GROWING THE LOVE
The musician has been the darling of news and magazine story writers and has had many speaking engagements at conferences and radio, television and other media outlets as well as working as the spokesperson and then director of a now-defunct-in-Hawaii nonprofit group, Music Is Good Medicine.
The group used community outreach programs and performance visits by performers to schools, senior centers and hospitals to promote healing as well as encourage a healthy lifestyle with a connection to music.
Jake has been a featured performer in a number of TEDx gatherings. Every time he has wowed the crowds.
This YouTube video of Shimabukuro’s 2011 performance was a highlight of the day at the TEDxSanDiego.
The video’s interesting for two reasons: Not only does it provide a glimpse of the performer five years after the viral video of legend, but it also says a little bit about another great passion of the performer – the belief that music (and especially the ukulele) can be used to connect with people and help improve people’s lives.
In 2013 Shimabukuro started the Four Strings Foundation, a nonprofit whose mission is to use the ukulele to expand music education in public schools.
One interesting take on how Jake has coped with all the fame and glory that resulted from the viral video and its aftermath comes from an article in American Lifestyle Magazine.
The magazine is a customizable personally branded magazine about American lifestyles that is marketed to professionals and businesses who need ready-made content for social media or direct mailing campaigns.
In the article Jake talks a bit about the Hawaiian island lifestyle and the strong sense of community which he takes seriously.
He says he doesn’t feel a sense of celebrity when he is home in Hawaii. “That’s the nice thing,” he says. “It doesn’t matter who you are or what you do – everyone is family.”
He relates how before he started touring, if he struck up a conversation at a bus stop with whoever was sitting nearby, nine times out of ten, he and the other person would realize that they had mutual friends or were ‘ohana (family).
“Hawaii is so small and everyone is so connected,” Shimabukuru said. “The strong sense of community also compels everyone to be nice to each other.
“My grandma lived on an island called Molokai, and if I did something bad, chances were good the news would get back to my grandma before I got home. The whole island would know that I’d gotten into trouble.”
AND THEN THERE WAS THE MOVIE
In 2012, a one-hour documentary, “Jake Shimabukuro: Life on Four Strings” about Shimabukuro’s life and career was released. The director and editor of the film was Tadashi Nakamura, Jake’s mentor and friend.
The film was a production of the Center for Asian American Media and Pacific Islanders in Communications in association with Palikū Documentary Film.
It has won awards at national and international film festivals and was aired nationally on PBS in 2013. It was released on DVD shortly afterwards.
Click the button below to see the film.
Takeaways I got from the film include the following:
- Do what you love.
- Willingly put out whatever focused effort you can to make the space you need to transcend the inherent limitations of your own chosen path.
- Connect with other people every chance you can, and find the ones who are trustworthy, then trust and appreciate them.
- Choose to develop your own uniqueness.
FINAL THOUGHTS
In a 2013 interview for the National Education Association (NEA) newsletter, Shimabukuro was asked in an email interview: “What’s your ten-word bio?”
He replied, “I’m an ukulele player from Honolulu, Hawaii.”
Then he was asked, “What’s your version of the artist’s life?”
He said, “I have never thought of myself as an artist. When you play the ukulele, it’s hard to take yourself too seriously. I’m just a fan of the instrument – and I love that the ukulele’s popularity is growing day by day.”
WHOO-HOO!
Riding the whirlwind again.
All of this
And more of that…
There’s hardly time
To find your hat.
Push this here,
Set that there.
Is this stupid thing
Going anywhere?
“I’m not sure why!”
“I’m gonna find out!”
“Will ya quit that spazzing?”
“Hey, gimme a shout!”
The thrill is here
In the whirligig
Of doing and moving
And pulling a dig.
It’s joyous, this
Edge-of-the-razor stuff,
Flowing and streaming,
Ignoring the guff.
What fun it is
To make things spin,
And, once in a while,
Hey…you actually win!
By Netta Kanoho
Header photo credit: “Ukuleles” by carroca via Flicker [CC BY-NC 2.0]
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28 thoughts on “WHEN MAGIC HAPPENS”
Hi Netta,
I really enjoyed reading your article about when magic happens. My youngest daughter is interested in learning to play the ukulele, but we are struggling to find anyone to teach her. Have you any recommendations for online lessons for the ukulele? Your advise would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again for a really informative article. Regards, Andrew
Andrew, thanks for the visit and for your question. You might want to check out takelessons|live. It’s for beginners and it starts with free lessons.
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What a nice article featuring an amazing musician, Jake Shimabukuro. Even his name sounds cool.
I played the guitar once, but never the ukelele. From the videos you posted, it looks like Jake really pours himself into the music, which is awesome. It’s so cool you covered this young man.
I wonder if he knows about your article yet? Since you’re obviously a true fan, I’m sure he’ll be flattered when he sees it. Thank you for sharing this article and the videos!
Thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts, Cathy. I do think Jake’s amazing. I like that he stays true to himself. I am pleased you enjoyed the post.
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I just couldn’t stop watching the videos, both of them. He’s so talented. And as I write this, I have him playing again in the background. It’s inspiring to see Jake Shimabukuro’s passion displayed. And reading his story was a thrill.
I know that following our passion can place us in scenarios we never ever imagine could be for you. Thank you very much for this post.
Abel, thank you for your visit and for showing your enthusiasm. I do love the guy’s work, and I agree that it is a truth: you never know where your passion might lead.
Please do come again….
I am thankful that I stumbled across this beautiful poem. I find it resonates with me on a deep level. I used to write poetry and seeing yours reminds me of those nice days spent down at the coast writing. With that being said keep up the great work and I look forward to reading more poetry from you.
Thanks for the visit and for sharing your thoughts, Pamela. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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Hi Netta!
I really got inspired after reading through this post. I’ve never really been interested in playing the ukulele, but I’m going to start trying that out. I’ve been hearing of it but never paid attention to it. I watched the YouTube video, ‘Ukulele Weeps’ by Jake Shimabukuro, and I think that was what inspired me.
Do you know of any platform where I can learn playing it? I’ll search for a suitable program online to see if they offer ukulele lessons, but if you have any recommendations, I’d be glad to receive them.
And thanks for the awesome post. I really enjoyed going through this!
John, thank you for your visit. It pleases me that you want to try your hand at playing the ukulele. There are, I think, on-line lessons available. One site I ran across was takelessons|live. You might want to check it out.
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That is very cool! I watched a couple of the videos on there. The guy playing the Ukulele in Central Park was amazing. I shared it to my future brother in law that teaches guitar in New York.
I’m pretty jealous of that Ukulele player though, lol. That is pure talent and dedication showing through.
I wish I would have taken it up at a younger age, but makes me think that it’s not too late and I would love to learn how to play!
Thomas, thank you for the visit. It really isn’t too late for you to start learning how to play. You might want to check out the takelessons|live site. They offer lessons online.
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I do play musical instruments like guitar, saxophone and piano but I’ve never really been interested in playing the ukulele, I guess cos I never had it. I have heard of it but never paid attention to it.
I watched the YouTube video, ‘Ukulele Weeps’ by Jake Shimabukuro, and I think that was what inspired me.
Do you know of any platform where I can learn playing it? I’ll search for a suitable program online to see if they offer ukulele lessons, but if you have any recommendations, I’d be glad to receive them and get to start playing
Evans, thanks for the visit and for sharing your thoughts. I am glad the post inspired you to try playing the ‘ukulele.
I came across one site, takelessons|live, that offers an online interactive course for playing the instrument. They do offer a free trial period. You might want to check it out. (Click on the site name.)
Please do come again.
Such a deep connection this post has reflected and thank you for sharing. You have covered such a great musician as this Jake.
To be honest, going by the video, it was evident that he has poured all of himself to the music and that truly is magical. Actually, I played the guitar sometimes back but I stopped later on. So interesting to read such a piece about this exciting young man.
Thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts, Ella. I’m glad you enjoyed the post.
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Hello Netta, it’s been a beautiful experience reading through your post and without a doubt, I love every part of what I have read here.
You have mastered the act of getting someone transported into what you have written and only a few writers/bloggers can do it for real. I love every bit of this article and I really can’t wait to see similar magic happen in my life in some vital areas
Dane, thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. I do agree with you. Magic can happen to those of us who give ourselves wholeheartedly to our passions.
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Hi Netta,
You have got quite an interesting post, your content is really detailed. As I read through the story I found myself picturing it and it was quite interesting, I must say.
I’ve never heard the word “ukulele” until I came across your post and now I would have to do a little bit of research on that course. Jake pursued his passion and he attained higher heights, I guess his dream came true. Nice place anyway.
I’ll visit YouTube to watch how ukulele is played as I’ve never heard of it.
Thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts, Isanren. Jake’s mastery of the instrument is a wonderment, but you may enjoy other people’s playing as well. I’m glad the post introduced you to this kind of music.
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It’s a very good thing to learn about Jake. He seems to be a very wonderful musician. I have heard about him in the past and k know his works are really good but here I am able to learn more.
Do you know if the instrument is still out there popular and if can also learn to play as well.
.
Thanks for your visit, Riley. I agree, Jake is masterful. He has also done a lot to help increase the popularity of playing the ‘ukulele wherever he has played, so I do think it is even more popular than ever. Jake and others who’ve followed him are pushing the boundaries of the instrument. A good thing!
You might want to check out the online interactive ‘ukulele-playing course at the takelessons|live website. They’ve got a free trial offer, even.
Please do come again.
Hi Netta
I really like your post! The talent of Shimabukuro is magical. And his experience is proof for all of us that you will never go wrong by doing what you know. You do not need to learn like everyone else when you can use your talent to be an amazing person.
I hope people from every corner of the world will get to watch this movie and feel the magic when he plays. I am from Africa, I have seen people playing ukulele before but what Shimabukuro is doing is exceptional. Thanks to you I have discover a real ukulele virtuoso.
Thanks
Adyns68, thanks for the visit and for sharing your thoughts. I am so glad you enjoyed the post.
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What a lovely post.
Music has always been a miss thing to me, and only a great artist has the ability to give this statement, “I have never thought of myself as an artist. When you play the ukulele, it’s hard to take yourself too seriously. I’m just a fan of the instrument – and I love that the ukulele’s popularity is growing day by day.”
Notice these words. Only humble legends can say this. Oh! what a love for his musical instrument.
Nice work. Keep up the good work.
Wilson, thanks for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. I do agree that the very best thing about Jake is his sincerity and the joy he takes in the instrument he loves.
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This post title and the article itself was not what I thought it would be at the beginning of my reading. It was so magical and frustrating at the same time.
Loving something, regardless of what it may be, truly makes you shine differently and when that something is taken away, for whatever reason, life just isn’t the same. People start smiling less, complaining more, living a life that they didn’t pictures themselves in.
I’m glad that this story had that comforting ending and I also truly enjoyed your takeaways from watching the movie.
Stephanie, I do thank you for your visit and for sharing your thoughts. It sounds like you’re in a hard place right now. I wish I could send you a hug….
Please, do keep on. Things change and sometimes losses seem immense and insurmountable. And then things change again. Keep on.
Please do come again.