Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts presents JAKE SHIMABUKURO

Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts announces the Orlando engagement of Jake Shimabukuro's current national tour. The ukulele superstar is touring in support of his critically acclaimed new album, "Nashville Sessions," which the Associated Press praised as, "an adventurous, dazzling album." Shimabukuro will play the art center's Alexis and Jim Pugh Theater onSaturday, April 22, 2017 at 8 p.m. Tickets are on sale today, Friday, March 3, 2017. Tickets start at $35.00 and may be purchased online at drphillipscenter.org, by calling 844.513.2014 or by visiting the Dr. Phillips Center Box Office at 445 S. Magnolia Avenue, Orlando, FL 32801 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday, or 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. Saturday. Online and phone ticket purchases are subject to handling fees.

"I'm looking forward to the upcoming shows this year," said Shimabukuro. I have a new setup for my electric ukulele that gives me access to new sounds and timbres that I never incorporated before. I'll be performing lots of new material as well as new arrangements of old songs. A few of my favorite moments in the show include a ukulele and bass duet of Queen's 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and George Harrison's 'While My Guitar Gently Weeps' - and a ten-minute version of 'Dragon,' which utilizes a looper, analog echoes, finger-tapping and heavy metal distortion. I always try and maintain a balance of traditional music with the edgier modern sounding pieces. Every show is a little different, which keeps things fresh and exciting. The most important thing is that everyone has a great time and walks away with a smile."

Accompanying Shimabukuro on tour will be longtime bassist, Nolan Verner. They will perform songs from Jake's most recent albums, "Nashville Sessions" (2016), "Live in Japan" (2015), Travels (2015), as well as favorites from his 15-year career.

His first album of all original songs, "Nashville Sessions" is one of Jake's most adventurous, multifaceted and engaging recordings yet. At the suggestion of his manager, Jake went into a Nashville studio in January 2016 to jam with two top Nashville session players, bassist Nolan Verner and drummer Evan Hutchings. "At first, I was hesitant," Shimabukuro admits. "We're just going to go in and jam? With nothing prepared? I never dreamed we would leave the studio six days later with a full album." The result is one of the boldest ukulele records ever made, and one that will touch the heart of Jake's fan base while enticing listeners from all across the musical spectrum.

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