Ukulele genius jams with students

International ukulele artist Jake Shimabukuro expressed great delight upon discovering that he has a great following in the CNMI, most of them young people.

“I’m so touched. I had an awesome jam session in a classroom today,” said Shimabukuro, referring to his visit to the music class of Debbie Winkfield at Saipan Community School last Saturday afternoon.

About 40 students and guests jammed with the world-renowned artist at SCS.

Still wanting more, some of them managed to tag along with their teacher and parents in the evening to watch Shimabukuro perform for the 20th anniversary of the Hotel Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.

“I can’t explain my feeling. I just feel so happy that I’m here talking to him in person,” said 14-year-old Rezne Wong.

Wong said he and his friends who attended the two-hour dinner-concert play the ukulele.

“It’s really great,” said 13-year-old Adeleyah Mojia, who kept coming back in line for signing and picture taking with Shimabukuro. She, too, plays the ukulele and was at the SCS class with her musical hero earlier that day.

Shimabukuro took particular notice of 12-year-old Shin Kimura of SCS, who showed him his collection of CDs, including “Dragon” which is yet to be introduced in Japan next month. During his meeting with Shimabukuro, Kimura made sure that his CDs were all signed by the artist.

“I really like him. So I always buy his CDs,” said Kimura.

HANMI chairwoman Lynn Knight said that the hotel association brought Shimabukuru to SCS because of the school’s ukulele program.

“Debbie [Winkfield] contacted me when she heard that he was coming and asked if it was possible for the children to meet him. I asked him and he was very happy to do it as a community service while he was here on the island,” said Knight.

“He was really wonderful with the kids and I was just really happy that he was able to take the time,” added the HANMI chairwoman.

In an interview, Shimabukuro said that he has been fascinated with the ukulele since he was in nursery. He said he learned it from his mother.

“My mom taught me to play the ukulele. I always like it over other instruments. It’s just unique for me,” he said.

He described ukulele’s sound as “very magical and very friendly.”

Shimabukuro said he began playing the ukulele at age 4. He started performing for audiences during high school.

During his visit to the school, he encouraged the children to keep their love for music. Playing the ukulele, he said, led him to many places, giving him great opportunities to touch people’s lives.

“It’s been an honor for me,” he said.

Shimabukuro brought along to Saipan for the dinner-concert his music buddies, Dean Taba and Noel Okimoto, who play the drums and guitar. He described them as “world class and incredible musicians.”

It was the first time for them to come to Saipan.

“I love Saipan! I don’t want to leave anymore. I wanna live here,” he said.