Tahoe Ukulele Fest II at John Ascuaga's Nugget Features Shimabukuro, Hill

Sparks/Reno, Nev. – In the ukulele world, it’s sort of the equivalent of the Beatles and the Stones appearing in the same festival. Jake Shimabukuro and James Hill will both appear in twin, uke-superstar-concerts during the second-ever Tahoe Area Uke Fest, March 19-20, in the world-famous Celebrity Showroom at John Ascuaga’s Nugget.
Shimabukuro, a resident of Hawaii, is a worldwide phenomenon who has taken the ukulele to new heights in both performing and notoriety. Often referred to as the “Jimi Hendrix of ukulele,” and first seen by many through a viral YouTube hit video of his rendition of George Harrison’s “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”, Shimabukuro has played on some of the biggest stages in the world for giant-sized audiences. His periodic gig as opener for Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefers has spread the music of the ukulele to millions, and he even performed for the Queen of England.
Hill is tabbed as one of the most innovative artists to have ever picked up the ukulele. He seamlessly melds multiple styles into his concerts and often makes up a few of his own along the way. He was introduced to the instrument at the age of nine, not in Hawaii, but three thousand miles to the east, in Langley, British Columbia, where ukulele instruction has been mandatory in many schools since the late 1970s. He was hooked from the beginning. While a still a teenager, Hill honed his skills as a key member of the world-renowned Langley Ukulele Ensemble under the direction of Peter Luongo. After touring with them for twelve years, he embarked on a solo career in 2002 and has been “pushing the instrument into uncharted territory” ever since with genre-bending adaptations of everything from “One Note Samba” to the theme from “Super Mario Brothers.” On stage he is energetic and captivating, mixing colorful anecdotes with a versatile repertoire that stretches from Schubert to the Beatles and beyond.
Both shows are part of the larger ukulele festival/convention, which includes concerts, instrument makers, workshops and vendors, taking place throughout the property March 19-21. More details are available at playuke.net.
James Hill performs Friday, March 19, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $15. Jake Shimabukuro performs Saturday, March 20, in the Celebrity Showroom at 8 p.m. Tickets are just $18. Tickets for both shows are available by calling (800) 648-1177 or (775) 356-3300 or by visiting janugget.com. Dinner and show packages are available. “Do The Nugget Tonight!”