About two decades ago, when Jimmy Buffett visited Honolulu, he in the process helped another artist make his own eventual connection to Key West. In the early 2000s, ukulele player Jake Shimabukuro was performing in a local surf shop when Buffett stopped by and, impressed, left a note encouraging the young musician to attend an upcoming concert, where he would actually end up playing live.
The ukulele virtuoso was openly welcomed by the crew and musicians and was extended an offer by Buffett to join him on the road.
Shimabukuro considered the late musician a friend and someone who really believed in him. He was honored to have opportunities with songwriters and performers like Mac McAnally, whom he describes as incredible.
Shimabukuro will return to The Studios of Key West on March 10 and 11 at 7 p.m. Long after his introductions to Buffett and the Coral Reefers, Shimabukuro still sees the similarities between this community and the islands of his native Hawaii.
Reflecting on his previous concerts here, Shimabukuro described those performances as going with the flow of the audience while introducing some surprises that often included Buffett tributes.
“That’s the beautiful part about live performances, that you can take it in a different direction if it feels like it needs to go somewhere else, but we’re definitely doing the Jimmy Buffett tribute for sure.”
While the audience can expect these tributes and other nods to legends, the ambitious and productive ukulele player will also have his choice of new titles to perform from his recently released albums, including 2026’s “Calm Seas.”
“Calm Seas” is described as a collaboration with the sounds of nature. Shimabukuro essentially took recording equipment and went out to the Hakalau Forest National Wildlife Refuge on the Big Island of Hawaii, as well as favorite beach spots. The musician then took those captured sounds to the studio and played along to them, crafting new songs. He let nature be the focal point and take the lead.
This resulted in a very different process for Shimabukuro, especially for some of the songs that were inspired by the native birds of the Hakalau Forest. He recalled that some, including the endangered ʻiʻiwi, would just get into a certain key and make melodies.
Other tracks on this album hint at the musician’s time free diving and on the water surrounding his home. Shimabukuro recalled many moments when, on the ocean floor, he felt as if he could stay there forever, observing the exquisiteness of the marine life.
In assessing the beauty of any place, Shimabukuro maintains that the culture and people are responsible for memorable energies and ways of thinking. All elements that can come together to make a destination appear surreal. And the acclaimed islander and ukulele player, who has toured extensively, feels that this island will deliver another special experience.
Jake Shimabukuro in Concert
The Studios of Key West
March 10 & 11 | 7 p.m.
JakeShimabukuro.com
