Roy Sakuma honored at ‘Ukulele Festival’

The stories are told by nine-year-old students and friends Jodi Kaya and Noah Nakanishi.

Students from Roy Sakuma’ Ukulele Studios wait to take the stage for a group performance at the festival.

Students from Roy Sakuma’ Ukulele Studios during a group performance.

Ava Lily Cabuhat, 12, receives a hug after performing with world-famous ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro.

Ava Lily Cabuhat, 12, performs with world-renowned ukulele virtuoso Jake Shimabukuro. “I had never heard of Jake Shimabukuro until I started taking ukulele lessons. But he’s really inspiring and it’s pretty crazy that I got to share that moment with him,” Cabuhat said.

Proud parents, family members and ukulele enthusiasts document performances by students of Roy Sakuma’ Ukulele Studios.

Roy Sakuma will speak on Saturday.

Roy Sakuma will speak on Saturday.

Susumu Keto from Hokkaido, Japan, claps on Saturday.

Benny Chong and Byron Yasui will play on Saturday.

Roy Sakuma and Jake Shimabukuro go wild on stage.

Roy Sakuma and Jake Shimabukuro go wild on stage.

The event featured many international talents as well as famous local musicians, who showed their love for the ukulele to an enthusiastic audience.