From June Niimi - Pahoa High School - Hilo YMCA - Big Island, Hawaii
June 05, 2009View The Pahoa Report - View The Keaukaha Report
How our relationship with Jake started...
We met Jake just as he went solo and had signed with Sony. Our son, Trace, had been playing the ukulele for about 6 years (he started at age 7) when we found out that Jake was part of an Ukulele/Slack Key workshop series at the Kahilu Theater. Trace signed up for the 2 days of workshops, and this was the beginning of what is now a very rewarding friendship. Through the years, Jake's unwavering support has inspired Trace to use music as a venue to bring joy to others, and this, in turn, has helped build his self-confidence.
Being in Jake's company, I am always reminded that if one projects compassion and respect, the world will be a better place and friends will always surround you.
Music is Good Medicine is everything that Jake believes in and represents. His well-known kindness and humility are qualities that draw people to him, but more important, it teaches others to be as he is…always looking for the positive in a sea of negativity, respecting everyone no matter what their circumstance, inspiring and encouraging people to pursue their dreams…and Jake is doing it one person at a time.
I believe in MIGM because music has the potential to heal, and even if it cannot heal, it certainly brings peace and hope.
June Niimi
