Jake Shimabukuro & Big Bad Voodoo Daddy at Mountain Winery

Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro has the skill to make extraordinary music from the 4-stringed instrument. His breakout success started in 2006 when a video of him was posted masterfully playing "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" on Youtube and went viral. This grabbed the attention of many musicians such as Cindy Lauper and Jimmy Buffet. He joined them on tours for several years. His fifth album, "Gently Weeps," in 2006, reached number 2 on Billboard's Top World Music Album, a first for him. The sixth album of his career, "Peace Love Ukulele," released in 2011, achieved a higher feat, reaching number 1 on Billboard's World Music Albums chart. After years of not releasing albums, in 2020, he released the album "Trio," which also peaked at number 1 but this time on the Billboard's Contemporary Jazz Albums chart. The aim of Shimabukuro in his songs is to connect and inspire people. Due to his mastery and dedication to his music, he was nominated by President Joe Biden to become a member of the National Council on the Arts.

On the other hand, the swing band Big Bad Voodoo Daddy began their humble beginnings in Los Angeles, California, where they had a following. Things genuinely changed for them when the 1996 comedy-drama movie "Swingers" featured three of their songs. These are "You & Me & the Bottle Makes 3 Tonight (Baby)", "I Wan'na Be Like You," and "Go Daddy-O." Because of the exposure, they captured the national audience. A steady rise to stardom marked the subsequent years of their career. They were signed with one of the most influential American labels, Interscope Records, performed during the halftime of Super Bowl XXXIII in 1999, and became a house band for ESPN's ESPY Awards. Also, many movies and tv shows have used their songs, like Despicable Me, Phineas & Ferb, and Friends. With their popularity, they are bringing a mission to celebrate and strengthen jazz and swing music by bringing the genres to as many audiences as possible.

The music of Jake Shimabukuro and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy is extraordinary, which deviates the perceptions of people towards the instrument and music they are playing. Prepare to be blown away if you listen to them. The collaboration of these musicians is coming to Mountain Winery Amphitheater in Saratoga, California, on Saturday, August 6. Tickets are now available!