World-renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro returns to the historic Chautauqua Auditorium on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, for an evening of uplifting, genre-defying music presented by Z2 Entertainment & 97.3 KBCO. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7:30 p.m. This all-ages event promises a night of boundary-breaking sound that will captivate audiences of every generation.
Jake Shimabukuro has been mesmerizing fans worldwide since the early 2000s, redefining what the small, four-string Hawaiian instrument can achieve. Over a dozen solo albums, Shimabukuro’s knack for transcending musical boundaries—often mid-song—has garnered him collaborations with the likes of Yo-Yo Ma, Bela Fleck and The Flecktones, Jimmy Buffett, Jack Johnson, and more. He has brought his electrifying performances to some of the world’s most iconic stages, including The Hollywood Bowl, Lincoln Center, The Sydney Opera House, and New Orleans Jazz Fest, earning accolades and awards along the way. In 2021, he was nominated by President Joe Biden to serve as a Member for the National Council on the Arts.
A cornerstone of Shimabukuro’s career has always been collaboration. From his “Jake & Friends” album to the new Blues Experience project, he thrives on the creative spark generated by working with fellow musicians. For this latest endeavor, Shimabukuro has joined forces with drumming legend and Fleetwood Mac co-founder Mick Fleetwood to craft a fresh reimagining of the blues. Recorded in Maui, the forthcoming album finds the two icons breathing new life into classic blues standards and rock anthems, featuring cameo appearances by guitar master Sonny Landreth, among others.
One particularly poignant moment on the record is the duo’s rendition of Fleetwood Mac’s “Songbird,” recorded shortly after the passing of the beloved Christine McVie. With Fleetwood’s thunderous yet soulful drumming and Shimabukuro’s ethereal ukulele lines, the track captures a moving tribute to the late songwriter’s enduring spirit.
Their chemistry is evident throughout the project—from the psychedelic “Rollin’ N Tumblin’” to the inspired take on Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World,” each song offers a blend of bluesy grit and Jake’s unmistakable ukulele wizardry, all propelled by Mick Fleetwood’s infectious energy. The collaboration’s roots date back to the late 1990s, when Shimabukuro and Fleetwood shared a stage at the Hawaiian Music Awards. Years later, they reconnected and began crafting a record that would marry the timelessness of the blues with the ukulele’s bright, versatile tones.
Beyond the music, the timing of this record has taken on added significance in the wake of the devastating wildfires in Maui. During a benefit concert in Honolulu, Fleetwood once again joined Shimabukuro on stage, offering both a moving performance and a powerful speech of solidarity for the island community.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness the world’s foremost ukulele innovator as he continues to redefine the instrument’s possibilities—this time with a rousing blues twist. Secure your tickets early; Jake Shimabukuro’s performances have a history of selling out fast.
TICKET INFORMATION
Tickets on Sale: Friday, April 4, at 10 a.m.
Buy Tickets: https://www.z2ent.com/events/detail/jake-shimabukuro-2025-cha
All Ages
