August 3, 2010
Walking Iris Films has made their award-winning PBS film about Bill Tapia available through Amazon.com. Be sure to check out TO YOU SWEETHEART, ALOHA, a charming documentary which captures Bill’s unique life as a passionate musician.
Description:
TO YOU SWEETHEART, ALOHA is a one-hour documentary which follows the 94th year in the life of the colorful Honolulu-born ‘ukulele master Bill Tapia, exploring not only the charismatic musician and his unique stamp on the creation of Hawaiian jazz, but also the consummate showman and the endearing storyteller who seeks the fountain of youth. While mourning the death of his wife and only daughter, Bill finds a muse in 26-year-old Alyssa Archambault, his manager and friend who helps him connect to his past and rebuild a future in music. Bill’s illustrious history, spanning more than 85 years as a musical pioneer and a charismatic entertainer in both the Hawaiian islands and the mainland, serves as the backdrop to an unconventional friendship founded on an infectious love of Hawaiian music and culture. But at the core of this captivating narrative is a complex and often turbulent portrait of an elderly artist clinging to his youthful spirit despite losing the battle against an aged body and learning to forge a life for himself after outliving everyone he loves.
More details on the film can be found here.
May 3, 2010
A special note from Bill’s friend, Alyssa Archambault…
The Concert of a Century Is About to Become the CD of a Century!
Alyssa Archambault and Paniolo Productions produced Bill’s 100th Birthday concert on the Mainland in 2007, now they are gearing up to produce a live CD of the concert with bonus video! This is a fan-funded project, so you can donate any amount and receive very special premiums. You can simply pre-order the CD too and get a free Bill Tapia sticker. We can’t do it without you! Check out the Kickstarter link below (roll over the image) and make your donation today!!!
Among the premiums include a souvenir ticket, an original poster from the concert, and Bill Tapia buttons, T-shirt, and sticker. Starting at our Lokilani level, you’ll receive an exclusive invitation to a private luau that Bill Tapia and I will be hosting at Bill’s house. Other premiums include a hat from Bill’s private collection and original artwork by renowned artist Robert Armstrong. Last but not least, at the Yellow Hibiscus level, we are offering a special ukulele. This is a red Bill Tapia model, designed and handcrafted by acclaimed luthier Lymana Ashikawa and signed by Bill himself!!
A SPECIAL MESSAGE TO UKULELE CLUBS: If at least ten members donate $25 or more apiece, your club will be thanked in the CD liner notes!
April 15, 2010
Find out more about Bill’s upcoming performances at the NY Uke Fest here:
http://www.nyukefest.com/pages/wkshp_sch.html
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