Honolulu-born Taimane began playing the ukulele at age 5, and was discovered by Hawaiian music icon Don Ho when she was just 13, jamming on the beach with local musicians. Invited to be part of Ho’s variety show, she proceeded to transfix audiences with her prodigious talent, blazing through rock, flamenco, pop, classical and traditional Hawaiian tunes and styles. Under the tutelage of modern ukulele master Jake Shimabukuro, Taimane – whose name means “diamond” in Samoan – further focused her style palette and began composing her own music. No matter the mix, she continues to subvert and transcend expectations of what the ukulele can—and should—do. Taimane will be performing with a quartet and Polynesian dancer.