Palolo Elementary - Oahu, HI
May 22, 2009Palolo Elementary School’s May Day program set the stage for Jake both as a spectator and a performer. All of the different grade levels, from kindergarten to fifth grade, sung and danced according to their theme, “Different Cultures of Hawaii.” Each grade level performed a different cultural song or dance ranging from Hawaiian, Samoan, Tongan, Chinese, Philippine, and more. Among the many performances, the one that had drawn many cheers from the crowd was the first grade’s dance to the song, “Kung-Fu Fighting.” Mahalo to Matthew Ing, the CED and Founder of Roots Rhythm Foundation, for planning Jake’s visit.
After the wonderful performances, Jake took to the stage as the audience applauded. He started off his gig by telling the children that he was amazed with their performance and was really touched. Later, Jake dazzled the audience by playing “Let’s Dance”, which got the crowd cheering. After the song, Jake told the kids that he was always passionate about playing the ukulele and that he would sometimes practice up to six or seven hours a day. With that, he reminded everyone that, “when you love to do something, you don’t mind doing it; you feel happy.”
American Idol contestant, Jordan Segundo, joined Jake on stage as the audience roared with cheers and excitement. As Jake and Jordan played the second number, the crowd which totaled of about 500 students, family, and friends clapped and sang along with the song. Jake and Jordan’s stage presence truly captivated everyone. Jordan’s powerful vocals took the lead as Jake strummed the rhythm on his ukulele.
After the second song, everyone shouted, “Hanahou”, demanding that Jake and Jordan do another one. Jake and Jordan pleased the crowd as they played “Santeria” by Sublime. Everyone gave a warm ovation for the two talented performers as the May Day program neared the end. As a last word, Jake wanted to leave a positive impression in everyone’s mind. He reminded to, “follow your passion and put your heart into everything you do because it does make a difference.”