Henderson ArtBeat to feature ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro

By Paul Takahashi

Tuesday, March 29, 2011 | 11:55 a.m.

Ukulele virtuoso and YouTube sensation Jake Shimabukuro will kick off the spring season of Henderson’s ArtBeat concert series on Friday.

The 33-year-old Hawaii native began playing the four-stringed, two-octave instrument when he was 4 years old. After a video of Shimabukuro playing George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” in Central Park went viral on YouTube, his career skyrocketed, landing him appearances on the "Today Show" and Conan O’Brien's late night talk show.

“This magical instrument has been a positive force in my life,” Shimabukuro said in a statement. “It has fueled my passion for music and development of my mind, body and spirit.”

The concert begins at 8 p.m. at the Henderson Events Plaza, 200 S. Water St. Admission is free.

Shimabukuro will perform songs from his latest album, "Peace Love Ukulele," which debuted earlier this year at No. 1 on Billboard’s World Album chart. He will also play ukulele renditions of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

The performance is part of ArtBeat, Henderson’s cultural arts series held on Friday evenings each spring and fall.

This year, ArtBeat will feature a new art and music experience. Local musicians, bands and choral groups will perform before the featured act, and residents can also enjoy exhibitions by painters, sculptors and craftsmen at the Henderson Events Plaza.

For more information about ArtBeat, visit www.hendersonlive.com or call Henderson’s Cultural Arts and Tourism department at 702-267-2171.