Pure Heart formed in 1994 as a group of friends on Oahu with Jake Shimabukuro on ukelele. The group disbanded in 2000 and Jake launched his solo career. Since 2014, they have occasionally regrouped. Tonight’s show is basically a homecoming show for them. 

Early on in the set, Shimabukuro plays “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by The Beatles. This song allows Jake to truly shine as it begins slow with the traditional ukelele sound and then transforms into electric guitar tones. “Wow! I didn’t know the ukelele could sound like that!” said an audience member. 

Later on, he plays a song by Jeff Beck, “Cause We’ve Ended as Lovers”. The influence is clearly heard while he incorporates his own exceptional ukelele style as well. 

He then brings out the members of Pure Heart. One of the songs features the percussionist expertly vocalizing soft bird sounds. Shimabukuro mentions that those who just heard the CD, assumed they went out into the woods and recorded birds. 

Jake gives a lot of shout outs to people he knows in the crowd including his high school wrestling coach and a friend who had him play at their graduation party. 

To close out the show, they play “Europa” by Carlos Santana. Jake truly shreds on this one and sends the crowd out with big smiles on their faces. 

Cost of a ticket: $56 (Plus a minimum $20 per person)

PlaylistHQ Economic Rating: Worth It –

Rating Scale: Exceptional Value > Worth It > Discounted > Go for Free > Don’t Bother

Quinn Delaney