Inspired by musicians like Jimi Hendrix and George Harrison, Jake Shimabukuro has gained a reputation as one of the world’s greatest ukulele players.

“I just wanted to play the ukulele my way, which turns out to be very different from what everybody else has done,” Shimabukuro said.

Born and raised in Hawaii, he began playing the instrument at the age of 4, learning the basics from his mother, Carol.

“Most people just strummed the ukulele, but I started playing melodies, and a new world opened up – I was singing through the ukulele,” Shimabukuro said.

Shimabukuro will be playing at the San Juan Community Theatre Sunday, Feb. 3, at 1 p.m.

Tickets can be bought online at www.sjctheatre.org, or the box office at 360-378-3210. Prices for adults on the main floor are $70; adult balcony, $45; and student-reserved are $45.

After a video clip of him strumming “My Guitar Gently Weeps” became an internet sensation, Shimabukuro’s name became renown in the music world. He has since topped the Billboard world-record charts.

At the theater, he will be performing music from his latest album, “The Greatest Day.”

Songs he performs regularly from ”The Greatest Day” include “Time of the Season”; “The Greatest Day”; “Eleanor Rigby”; “Pangram”; “Bizarre Love Triangle”; “Straight A’s”; “If 6 Was 9”; and “Shape of You.”

“I’m really excited to play the new songs in my shows,” he said. “Making this record was one of the highlights I’ve had in the studio. I couldn’t be happier with the sounds and arrangements. But most of all, we had a ton of fun making it.”

For more information visit www.sjctheatre.org.

Contributed photos. Jake Shimabukuro.

Contributed photos. Jake Shimabukuro.