Ukelele Wizard to Perform at DCA

Ukulele wizard Jake Shimabukuro will take the stage at Door Community Auditorium (DCA) on July 31 at 8 pm.

In his young career, Shimabukuro has already been declared a musical “hero” by Rolling Stone, earned comparisons to Jimi Hendrix and Miles Davis, and played in front of the Queen of England. His live concerts are an electrifying blend of instrumental virtuosity, deep musicality, and a natural entertainer’s flair. Over the past decade, Shimabukuro has become a one-man crusader for the ukulele cause, turning the four-string axe into a pliable musical vehicle. Strumming with a hummingbird-like blur, he coaxes an impossibly big sound out of the little instrument, generating everything from smooth pop to lilting originals, crunching rock to sensuous jazz.

“Jake is taking the instrument to a place that I can’t see anybody else catching up with,” says Pearl Jam guitarist Eddie Vedder about Shimabukuro.

All ukulele players and enthusiasts are invited to an open uke jam before Shimabukuro’s concert, beginning at 6 pm in DCA’s back courtyard. This event is free and does not require a ticket. In the event of inclement weather, the uke jam will take place in DCA’s lobby.

From 6:30-7:30 pm, DCA will host a “Wisco Luau.” Sister Bay’s Tapuat Kombucha will be on site serving up free Hawaiian-inspired kombucha mocktails. And Chives’ food truck will come over from Baileys Harbor to sell locally sourced dinners ranging from $8-$20. A detailed menu will be shared via DCA’s Facebook page a few days prior to the event. No ticket is required to attend.

Tickets range from $32 to $62. A limited number of $10 tickets are available for students 18 and younger. Advance reservations are recommended and can be made through the DCA box office, located at 3926 Highway 42 in Fish Creek. The box office is open 12 – 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Tickets can be purchased in person, by calling 920.868.2728, or online at dcauditorium.org.