Jumping Flea Master

In Hawaiian, ukulele roughly translates to "jumping flea." It got its name because the instrument is so tiny, the fingertips on your left hand "look like little jumping fleas on a fretboard as you're playing it.
-Jake Shimabukuro


Downbeat…Strum. Strum
Upbeat. Rhythm Strum.
I’ve played enough to produce a rhythm from my Uke, enough to where my students sing a country song about the sheep that goes “Baa baa bamba” but watching Jake Shimabukuro perform last night influenced a different passion for this wooden instrument. He was able to confirm that there is much to discover and develop in something so small. He not only performs for the audience but for himself. His eyes are closed and his body moves as he generates such genuine music. Using his fingers instead of a pick is just as mind blowing. The kids are crazy about him and he shows the same likeness. What’s more, he encourages them to keep playing and stay inspired.

If only he could sing *sigh*