AARP Luncheon - Oahu, HI
December 23, 2010
On December 1, 2010, Jake performed with the group, Legacy. Legacy is a trio made of three retired teachers and principals, all of whom were teaching at Kaimuki High School when Jake was a student there. Legacy performs more than 150 shows per year at nursing homes, hospitals, convalescent centers and retirement communities. They are strong believers in “Music Is Good Medicine” and include music that gets their audience to clap, wave their hands, shout and sing along with music they grew up hearing.
What an honor it was for his former teachers to play together with Jake. Jake was such a good sport, too. Although he rarely sings, Jake not only sang along with Legacy but helped lead the audience to participate in such songs as “If You’re Happy And You Know It”, “Hokey Pokey”, and “You Are My Sunshine”. Playing along with ukulele player, Steven Hirahara; guitarist, John Flynn and bassist, Darryl Loo; Jake took the lead and played solos in several oldies, including “All Of Me” and “Nada Sousou”. After 45 minutes, Legacy left the stage to showcase Jake. His virtuosity was evident in the very technical “Let’s Dance” and the sensitive and lyrical “Misty”. Jake shared his passion for music with the audience, members of the AARP, a group dedicated to raising the quality of life for its retired members.
Legacy returned for a last song together, a rousing rendition of “Rock Around The Clock” with each member of the band, including Jake, taking solos. The audience rose in a standing ovation and were thrilled to be able to meet and talk with Jake after the show. Words like, “Such a nice boy” and “So talented” spread across the room. No one would agree with that more than his former teachers. Thank you Jake for being such a great ambassador of music and Hawaii. You make us all proud to know you!
Special Thanks to Legacy, and Darryl Loo for not only coordinating this event but contributing this great report!