Jake Shimabukuro at RootsTech Salt Lake City!

RootsTech 2019 has announced another fabulous Keynote Speaker. Quoting, in part, from the announcement, "Jake Shimabukuro, will be the featured keynote speaker at RootsTech 2019 on Saturday, March 2 at 11 AM MST. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear Jake’s inspiring story and listen to this one-of-a-kind ukulele master musician play the instrument like you’ve never heard it before."

Unless you are from Hawaii, you may not be familiar with Jake, but the announcement indicates that his keynote will be very special. Again quoting:

Almost everyone in Hawaii has strummed a ukulele at one time or another. But at the age of 14, Jake Shimabukuro realized that he was doing something a little different with the 4-stringed instrument—OK, a lot different. Shimabukuro’s wholly unique approach to the ukulele started early. As a youngster growing up in Honolulu, Hawaii, Shimabukuro started playing the instrument after learning the basics from his mother, and then developing his craft. 

Shimabukuro’s records have topped the Billboard World Music Charts on numerous occasions, and as a live performer, he has become one of the hottest tickets around. He’s played with renowned orchestras and at prestigious venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Lincoln Center, and the Sydney Opera House. 

Shimabukuro is also a proud father of two boys. While balancing his career with family, he also remains firmly rooted in his commitment to community, frequently performing at schools in Hawaii and overseas, urging youngsters to find their passion and live drug-free.