We were lucky to catch up with Andy / Jarvis Shaw recently and have shared our conversation below.

Andy / Jarvis, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Let’s jump right into how you came up with the idea?

When the world came to a standstill during the pandemic, I started playing the ukulele, something new for me, and Jarvis joined in. It turned out he had an incredible memory for lyrics. What began as simple father-son jamming sessions quickly turned into something more meaningful. It wasn’t long before I realized that we had the potential to turn this into a real project, so I created ShawTime Duo, branding it and getting us active on social media.

Our first break came when the Brooklyn Ukulele Festival invited us to perform virtually in 2021. That show kicked off our live performances, and since then, we’ve been gigging non-stop. I’ve been in many bands as a bassist, but this is the most passionate project I’ve ever been involved in. It’s not just about playing music—it’s about the bond I share with Jarvis and watching him grow as a performer and as a person.

I knew this would be a worthwhile endeavor because the joy we felt while performing together was so real and infectious. Our music is fun, appeals to a wide audience, and it’s clear people enjoy seeing a father-son duo rock out. This journey has been about much more than music; it’s about shared experiences, growth, and creating something memorable.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’ve been involved in music my entire life, mostly as a bassist in various bands. When my son, Jarvis, was born, I knew I wanted to share my love of music with him. From an early age, I taught him the basics of music—how to count beats, recognize different song sections, and develop his pitch and intonation. The real magic happened during the pandemic when I started playing the ukulele, and Jarvis began singing along. It was then that I realized we had something special.

ShawTime Duo was born out of our love for music and our desire to share that love with others. We’re a father-son duo, and what sets us apart is not only our unique dynamic but also our broad range of music. Even though Jarvis is 9 years old, we don’t play “kids’ music.” Our setlist is filled with punk, ska, rock, pop, and even some SpongeBob hits to keep things light. We appeal to kids, families, and adults alike.

What makes us stand out is our ability to connect with the audience. Jarvis has this incredible confidence on stage, and it’s so rewarding to see him grow with each performance. We’ve also worked hard on our branding—making fun and eye-catching posters, promoting our shows on social media, and creating a recognizable stage presence with our hip outfits. Our shows are high-energy, fun, and always leave people smiling.

I’m most proud of the fact that we’ve been able to create something meaningful together, something that not only allows us to share our music but also strengthens the bond between father and son. What I want our fans to know is that ShawTime Duo is about having fun, sharing joy, and creating lasting memories through music.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding part of this journey has been the bond that’s developed between me and my son through SHAWTIME Duo. Watching Jarvis grow into a confident performer, seeing him own the stage, and hearing him share his ideas about our music has been incredible. It’s not just about the performances—it’s the countless hours we spend rehearsing, discussing new songs, and collaborating creatively.

As a father, nothing beats the pride I feel watching him rock out on stage while maintaining his responsibilities in school, chess club, and with friends. SHAWTIME Duo has given us a shared passion, something that brings us closer and gives us memories we’ll always cherish. I also love that our music resonates with so many people, from kids who recognize us from posters to parents who appreciate the father-son dynamic. Sharing our journey and bringing joy to others through music—that’s the true reward.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Our mission is simple: we want to share the joy of music with others while fostering Jarvis’s personal growth and character development. There’s no grand long-term goal other than to see how far we can take this and enjoy every moment along the way. Ultimately, it’s all about the experience—for Jarvis to learn, gain confidence, and embrace the creativity that comes with performing.

If there’s one thing driving our journey, it’s the desire to create something authentic and meaningful while having a blast together. For me, seeing Jarvis grow not just as a musician but as a person makes every show, rehearsal, and moment we spend together worthwhile.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/shawtimeduo/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/shawtimeduo/
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@shawtimeduo.7164?si=SDg9LjBb-lEVg4p2
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@shawtimeduo

Image Credits

Featured photo. (Orange and red Adidas tracksuits). Image credit to: Nadia Leon Photography