"If everyone played the ukulele, the world would be a better place." -Jake Shimabukuro

Jake Shimabukuro is recognized as one of the world's most exciting and innovative ukulele players and composers, having "given the ukulele a new respect altogether" (All Music Guide), as he demonstrates on his forthcoming album ‘Peace Love Ukulele,' out January 4, 2011 on Hitchhike Records.

But as his career continues to blossom, Shimabukuro, a Hawaiian, is also busy giving back to his island community, using the ukulele as his tool. He’s currently the head spokesperson for Music is Good Medicine (MIGM), a living-healthy community program that tours schools, hospitals and senior centers around Hawaii and on the US mainland, as well as in Guam, Saipan and Japan.

Shimabukuro’s belief that music is good medicine goes all the way back to his childhood. "Ever since my mother first put a ukulele in my hands at the age of four," he says, "this magical instrument has been a positive force in my life – helping to steer me away from drugs, violence and other negative influences. It fueled my passion for music, which has helped me to develop in mind, body and spirit."

He points to the therapeutic, stress-reducing benefits of playing music and says the ukulele is one of the easiest instruments to learn, as well as one of the most affordable. "This tiny, four-string instrument is a universe of joy and healing, with a childlike quality about it that returns us to our youth and energizes us."

With combined sales totaling over 280,000 albums, an appearance on Austin City Limits, two performances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, and multiple appearances on A Prairie Home Companion, various NPR programs and the Grand Ole Opry, OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW prepares for the September 23rd release of TENNESSEE PUSHER, their third album for Nettwerk Music Group and their most personal album to date. 

TENNESSEE PUSHER, produced by Don Was (Bob Dylan, The Rolling Stones, Bonnie Raitt), features 13 infectious tracks that offer a virtual American road trip, populated with characters that seem to span a century of the South. Down and outers, hustlers, freighthoppers - these are just a few of the archetypes we meet along the way. OCMS continues to create their special blend of American roots, rock, blues and country, but on TENNESSEE PUSHER, the band has truly found their own voice.  With the exception of  "Always Lift Him Up" by Blind Alfred Reed, all of the tracks on the album are OCMS originals. Also noteworthy are two distinguished session musicians that joined the band in the studio: Jim Keltner (John Lennon, Neil Young, Brian Wilson) on drums and Benmont Tench (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers) on Hammond C-3 organ.

When asked why he chose to work with OCMS, Don Was explains:  "People ask me what The Old Crow Medicine Show are all about. If I'm in a hurry, I just say that they're The Clash of bluegrass music, but that doesn't really do anyone any justice. I could tell 'em that they're a rock 'n roll band who use fiddles and acoustic guitars instead of Les Pauls and Marshal stacks, but that's only one small part of the story. They're an American Band - even more so than Grand Funk Railroad! In fact, it's not hyperbolic to say that, as musicians, songwriters and singers, they are the smartest and finest purveyors of American music to come down the pike in decades."

OCMS will begin touring in support of TENNESSEE PUSHER on September 3rd in the UK, with stops in Manchester, Edinburgh and London before hitting the US on September 18th. With most of their time spent on the road, OCMS has made a name for themselves as energetic performers with an unbridled spirit. It's a live show not to be missed.

BOULDER THEATER
THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20  |  8PM

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