Jake's Blog & Tour Reports
Europe Tour with Tommy Emmanuel - Photos
Jake has been touring Europe with Tommy Emmanuel over the past few weeks. Stops include Germany, Netherlands, and Russia. Here are some photos from the road - please click Read More to see the photos.
Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber - Waikiki, Hawaii
To cap off a week of musical events in Honolulu, Jake and the band (Noel Okimoto, Dean Taba and Michael Grande) were set to take the stage at Jimmy Buffett's at the Beachcomber (JBABC) restaurant. Jake and the band have played here before to a packed house with standing room only. I expected tonight's show would be the same vibe.
Toys For Tots Concert
Last year was the first annual Toys For Tots Concert hosted by the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Pacific Band. The event is held here in Honolulu at the Blaisdell Concert Hall and is loaded with guest artists. This is Jake's second year participating in the event, and we are so happy that we can be a part of it.
Vicoria Gardens Cultural Center - Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Moving on up the coast line we drove into Rancho Cucamonga located in San Bernardino County. A few years ago the City of Rancho Cucamonga built this amazing center call the Victoria Gardens Cultural Center - which is part of the Victoria Gardens Mall. If you have never visited this extensive outdoor mall...it's a must! Probably one of the best malls in the area by far. To compliment the mall they have the Cultural Center, which is top notch.
Grace Theatre - Oceanside, CA
Jake's second show in San Diego will be held in Oceanside. We were at this venue earlier this year to support the California Surf Museum which opened up a new location not too long ago...and the new location is awesome! Tonight's show is part of the Surf Film Festival and also to help support the California Surf Museum.
Anthology - San Diego, CA
The California tour has begun! Being in Southern California during the winter months is very comforting and pleasant. It's a cool 72 degrees and breezy during the day, and a near shivering 40 degrees during the night. The best part though...it's always sunny! It's like the best of both worlds...cool sunny weather...absolute enjoyment.
Kahilu Theatre Solo Show - Waiema, HI
Tonight is Jake's solo performance at the Kahilu Theatre. After a long day yesterday we were in the mood for some relaxing time at the hotel so we could gear up for tonights show. We met up with Mark, Jake's Tour Manager and Sound Engineer, and headed out to taste the Big Island Thai food. One of the great luxurious of staying on the Kona Coast is that you have a lot of places to dine at.
Waimea All Stars Show - Waimea, HI
Tonight is the second show of the Waimea All Stars! Jake's set is going to take place later in the evening and we are hoping to see some collaborations take place. Before the show, the Kahilu Theatre was going to hold one more set of workshops to support the Ukulele & Slack Key Guitar Institute. Jake will be hosting his second workshop with a small group of skilled players.
Ukulele Masters Workshop - Waimea, HI
Today is Jake's first ukulele workshop which will be held at the Kahilu Theatre in Waimea. Jake's workshop is part of the Ukulele and Slack Key Guitar Institute which the Kahilu Theatre is hosting. Other local musicians are also conducting workshops throughout the weekend. Jake was set to meet his class later this afternoon, but first he had an interview with PBS Hawaii.
Kahilu Theatre Kanikapila - Waimea, HI
Tonight the Kahilu Theatre is hosting an open jam session...locally known as Kanikapila. Since there are so many talented Hawaiian musicians in town it makes sense to have them all play music together. Jake was really excited to be up on stage with all of these artists and play some Hawaiian jams. About twenty musicians gathered on stage. Some with instruments, some to sit in and sing along, and some just to enjoy it.