Japan-America Society of Indiana Gala

Ever heard a ukelele superstar? Jake Shimabukuro will perform at the annual gala sponsored by the Japan-America Society of Indiana. Shimabukuro, it's said, has taken the four-string, two-octave instrument to places no one has gone before. His repertoire includes jazz, blues, rock. bluegrass, classical and folk.

The gala will be held 12 June in the Indiana Roof Ballroom, 140 West Washington Street, Indianapolis. It begins with a reception for patrons at 5:30 p.m., continues with a general reception at 6:30 p.m. and finishes with a dinner and the program beginning at 7 p.m.

Tatsuhiro Shindo, chief executive director of Japan External Trade Organization-Chicago, will discuss "Road to Recovery: Rebuilding Japan after the Disasters," and the Japan-America Society of Indiana will report on its earthquake relief funds activity.

Proceeds from the evening benefit the Japan-America Society of Indiana and its efforts to promote friendship, exchange and cooperation between Indiana and Japan.

(Photo by Danny Clinch, courtesy of Jake Shimabukuro)