Jake to perform With Bette Middler for Queen Elizabeth on 12

[Pleasin & Teasin]

from Honolulu News


Jake Shimabukuro to perform with Bette Midler in London

Ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro is heading to England with fellow Hawai'i native Bette Midler to perform for Queen Elizabeth II on Dec. 7.

Shimabukuro will join Midler, a Radford High School graduate, for his rendition of the The Beatles' tune "In My Life." Their performance is part of The Royal Variety Performance 2009 in Blackpool, England.

Among the other acts lined up to appear are Lady Gaga, Oscar winner Whoopi Goldberg, Canadian singer and Grammy Award winner Michael Buble and teen superstar Miley Cyrus.

The performance is presented annually in aid of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund (the EABF), whose patron is Her Majesty The Queen.

"I'm already nervous and it's still more than a week away," Shimabukuro said. "I was shocked to hear that Bette Midler knew my music. I've been a huge fan of hers for many years.

"She's like a queen of entertainment. And to be performing with her for the Queen of England… it's a bit too much for me. I'm just so honored."

Shimabukuro said Midler asked him to join her after Jimmy Buffett — whom Shimabukuro often tours with — suggested they work together on a project.

"We were playing in Las Vegas and Jimmy and Bette went out for lunch and he mentioned I was touring with him," Shimabukuro said. "She said she loved my music. I couldn't believe she was a fan.

"What an honor. I've been a huge fan of her's for so long. My mom's favorite karaoke song is 'The Rose.' When I met Bette I told her that and she laughed."

Shimabukuro said Midler invited him to perform with her. They had their first rehearsal and meeting about a week ago in Los Angeles. When he walked in to the room, he said she greeted him by speaking pidgin.

"She was like 'what's up brah!'" Shimabukuro said, laughing. "She definitely loves Hawai'i."

The performance will be Shimabukuro's first in England, but his second time to Europe after touring earlier this year in Sweden, Finland, France and Spain.

Blackpool's legendary Opera House is the largest theatre in the United Kingdon outside of London with a seating capacity of 3,000. The performances will be screened on ITV1, in the UK later in December.

Following the performance Shimabukuro returns to O'ahu to perform Dec. 9 at the Toys For Tots Concert at Blaisdell Concert Hall.

[dnw]

[SMLCHNG]

That's pretty special!!!!!!

[LIPH]

Did you see the rest of the lineup? Lady f'n Gaga? They have to be screwing with everybody's heads putting that talent-free bimbette on the bill.

[Big Phan]

Congratulations to Jake! His performance in Ann Arbor a couple weeks ago was awesome.

In My Life is on his My Life EP...great gift from a dear friend.

Lady Gaga for the Queen?

[conched]

Great news. Congrats to Jake. (Fun reading that. Thanks Micki)

[Karacal]

Congrats Jake!!!

[springparrot]

Congratulations Jake!!!!!



but Lady Gaga???
OMG

[Yorkshire Parrothead]

Congratulations Jake. Bette Midler does a really good show - saw her in Vegas. Would really like to see Jake in Blackpool. We only live 53 miles from Blackpool. Don't think we can gate crash that show!!! Wonder what Jake will think of Blackpool front very tacky - with lots of candy floss, rock, amusement arcades, piers and of course Blackpool Tower. He will think he is back in Paris!

[nutmeg]

Well deserved honor Jake!!!!

I didn't know Jimmy and Bette were friends. Jake's life sure has changed since he responded to Jimmy's invite to come over and see him during one of his Hawaii concerts.

[fabduo]

Well deserved honor Jake!!!!

I didn't know Jimmy and Bette were friends. Jake's life sure has changed since he responded to Jimmy's invite to come over and see him during one of his Hawaii concerts.

That part knocked me off my chair!! I love Bette & Jimmy!!!!! And damn I keep missing Jake on tour so I have not seen him in person yet -but I would love to see them together!

[C-Dawg]

Way to go Jake.....a much deserved honor.

[ScarletB]

What an awesome honor Jake!!!

Lady GAG GAG. UGH.

[no shoes]

I am away while the concert is on the telly but will get my husband to record it and if I can work out how to do it...... will post the bit with Jake on Youtube!

Watch this space - hopefully!

[he came from london]

and gets to meet the Queen of England

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXaoI0KxE3g

[Yorkshire Parrothead]

and gets to meet the Queen of England

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXaoI0KxE3g

She seemed so pleased to meet Jake. The Royal Variety Peformance is on our t.v. this Wednesday evening - can't wait to watch it.

[lime rickie]

Nice.

What an awesome honor Jake!!!

Lady GAG GAG. UGH.

Lady GAG GAG.

[britparrothead]

Saw the show last night. He is so cute, you could just pick him up and put him in your pocket

[SeattleParrotHead]

Too cool!



We saw Bette at Caesar's Palace last year (Bette on Friday nite, Bubba on Saturday nite) two oldies but very goodies!