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Bill Tapia
Sunday, September 27, 2009
the 101 year old "Duke of 'uke"
Door 7:00 P.M., Music 8:00 P.M. | Purchase advance tickets: $20.50

Alluringly described by one old friend as "the Hawaiian version of the Buena Vista Social Club," legendary 'ukulele player Bill "Tappy" Tapia is 101 years old and hotter than ever! One of the first great improvisers to play jazz standards on the 'uke—as well as one of the very few musicians on the planet who can introduce a number by saying, "Here's a song I performed at a celebration of the end of World War I"—Bill delights audiences with his awesome jazz chops, sharp wit, and pure pizzazz.

A consummate showman and charismatic raconteur, Bill's colorful musical career began shortly after he bought his first 'uke at the age of 9 years. He became one of Hawaii's leading players and teachers, giving lessons to Hollywood stars like Clark Gable, Jimmy Durante, and Shirley Temple, and then working on cruise ships and on the mainland as a jazz guitarist, sitting in with the likes of Louis Armstrong. In 2004 he was inducted into the Ukulele Hall of Fame, and his new CD, Livin it Live, debuted at number 11 on the CMJ jazz charts. Fittingly, Bill's colorful life was recently the subject of a public television documentary, To You Sweetheart, Aloha, which premiered at the Hawaii International Film Festival.

Joining Bill for an amazing night of music spotlighting his new live album is special guest, award-winning vocalist Mihana, known for her singing with the harmonious Hawaiian music group Puamana and for her acclaimed solo work. In addition to her fine originals, Mihana's sweet and sultry takes on standards and Hawaiian classics create the perfect live complement to Bill's 'uke stylings.

Visit Bill's website



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