Steve,
I did spend time with Jake and it was everything I would have wanted it to be. Jake is probably the most centered (not self-centered) person I have ever met. He is genuine to the core. He is humble, passionate, and appreciative to be able to share his passion with the world. He genuinely loves those who come out to see him. When he speaks to you his eyes focus on you completely and he gives his all to you, whether performing, or talking to you individually. You know immediately that for Jake, it is all about you and not about him. That is rare, my friend. I wish I had more of that in me.
I spent time with Jake in the dressing room and after the show. We spoke of ukulele's and touring. We spoke of Hawaii and traditional Hawaiian music and musicians. He played my Kanile'a ukulele. signed my Kala. he picked up an ukulele of a friend of mine in the lobby after most had left except for our staff and he started playing AVE MARIA, just for us. Who does that???? A world class musician. International super-star just being one of the guys-- but with his playing you know that he is not just "one of the guys". I "play" the ukulele. Jake takes that instrument on a journey with angel's wings. I don't want to get into anymore detail concerning what we talked about, but the moment that sticks with me the most, and the most telling of the kind of person that Jake is, was in the moment when he was just done his concert. Right after the concert, Jake was amazing, and exhausted. He came off the stage and I went backstage and he gave me the warmest hug and said, "thank you." Again, I ask, who does that--- no other entertainers I know. The day was filled with genuine handshakes, fist bumps, embraces and shaka signs. A day I really will never forget--- and not because of celebrity, but because I met a truly gifted man of the world who lives each and every moment to the fullest. And everyone who met him felt the same way.
Jake did this song in honor of the Cherry Blossom Festival, which was yesterday. Also, I never heard so many people in this theatre so quiet as I did at this concert. Jake played about 80 minutes and the time flew by. When he said, "this is the last song" I could not believe it. it seemed like we had just started.
Wow, that must have been a great show! I saw Jake in IL and he was fabulous.
Ed, you hung with the man for hours...did he teach u anything about ukulele, or about life, for that matter? and, did he sign your Kala!? The world wants to know.