Ukulele virtuoso performs songs from new album & hits by Queen & George Harrison
The spring season of ArtBeat presented by Target will kick off with a performance by one of the world’s most exciting ukulele players, Jake Shimabukuro, Friday, April 1 at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water Street, in the Water Street District. Admission is complimentary.
At only 33 years old, Shimabukuro has completely revolutionized the perception of the four-string, two-octave instrument, impressing audiences of all ages with his quick fingers, innovative playing techniques and cleverness to combine several music genres, from rock to classical and jazz to folk, to create his own distinct and unique sound.
The Hawaii native rose to fame through the popularity of YouTube, garnering millions of page hits with his performance of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”. With his career blossoming, Shimabukuro has shared the stage with the likes of Jimmy Buffett, Bette Midler, Yo-Yo Ma, Cyndi Lauper and Ziggy Marley, as well as played on popular television programs like The Today Show and The Late Show with Conan O’Brien.
The musician’s newest album, Peace Love Ukulele debuted earlier this year at #1 on the Billboard World Album chart. It features original compositions including “Go For Broke”, a tribute to World War II veterans, as well as renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and the rock ballad, “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen.
Currently, Shimabukuro serves as the head spokesperson for Music is Good Medicine (MIGM), a community outreach program that promotes healthy living in schools, hospitals and senior citizen centers in Hawaii, U.S. mainland, Guam, Saipan and Japan. MIGM uses music to heal, influence and inspire the people to improve their community, maintain a healthy lifestyle and pursue their dreams.
“This magical instrument has been a positive force in my life,” said Shimabukuro. “It has fueled my passion for music and development of my mind, body and spirit."
ArtBeat presented by Target is Henderson’s signature cultural arts series, held Friday evenings during the spring and fall. This year, the event will feature a new art and music experience. Beginning at 5 p.m., guests will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of local musicians, bands and choral groups performing prior to the featured ArtBeat act. In addition, various painters, sculptors, craftsmen and other artists and exhibitors will be displayed at the Henderson Events Plaza.
For additional information, visit
HendersonLive.com or call the City of Henderson Cultural Arts & Tourism Department at (702) 267-2171. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter at HendersonLive.
The City of Henderson supports the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Advanced notice may be necessary to ensure that appropriate accommodations will be provided. For full telephone, use Relay Nevada by dialing 7-1-1.
About the City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts & Tourism
The City of Henderson Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism is dedicated to creating and promoting innovative events, entertainment, programming and venues that celebrate diverse cultural arts, enhance tourism, involve and serve the community and enrich the economic and cultural fabric of Henderson.
The Henderson Pavilion, Henderson Convention Center and Henderson Events Plaza are all managed by the Department of Cultural Arts and Tourism.
For additional information on our programs and entertainment, please contact us directly at (702) 267-2171. Our office hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
About Target
Minneapolis-based Target serves guests at more than 1,600 stores in 47 states nationwide by delivering today’s best retail trends at affordable prices. Target is committed to providing guests with great design through innovative products, in-store experiences and community partnerships. Whether visiting a Target store or shopping online at Target.com, guests enjoy a fun and convenient shopping experience with access to thousands of unique and highly differentiated items. Target (NYSE:TGT) gives more than $3 million a week to its local communities through grants and special programs. Since opening its first store in 1962, Target has partnered with nonprofit organizations, guests and team members to help meet community needs.