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Update #16: Bill Tapia, In Loving Memory (1908-2011)
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Dear Friends,
Friday morning I received the sad news that our beloved Bill Tapia had passed away peacefully in his sleep--too soon--at the age of 103. Bill would have turned 104 on New Year's day.
Besides being a musician of the first rank, Bill was a master raconteur who regaled audiences and interviewers alike with wildly entertaining anecdotes that spanned the 20th century. To his many admirers, the story of his discovering the ukulele and subsequent career is well known.
I had the great privilege of getting to know him in his later years. Though he was 93 when we first met in the summer of 2001, his joyful spirit, energy, and artistry mocked any stereotypical notions commonly associated with growing old.
For most of his musical career Bill was a sideman, band leader, and session player. In his ninth decade he stepped into the role of featured performer. And he was amazing, holding audiences from New York to Japan to Hawaii and points in-between in the palm of his hand. Taking the expression "better late than never" to new lengths, his first album was released when he was 96.
Bill's long life was so rich in friendships and joy that it's hard to imagine he's gone. And in a sense, of course, he's not. His was truly a life well lived. In celebrating that life, we're reminded to celebrate our own.
Best wishes to all,
AlyssaBeth Archambault
Founder, Paniolo Productions
Honolulu Star Advertiser obituary
www.billtapia.com | www.panioloproductions.com
Update #15: CD Release parties announced + Huell Howser rebroadcast details!
and an album 100 years in the making...
Bill Tapia, Live at the Warner Grand Theatre
The 100th Birthday Concert
“IF THERE WAS A MOUNT RUSHMORE FOR UKULELE PLAYERS, BILL TAPIA WOULD BE ON IT.”
In late 2007, as he approached his 100th birthday, this legendary artist—singer, raconteur, ukulele player, and jazz guitarist—took to the stage of the historic Warner Grand Theatre. Joining in the celebration was an audience of fans from the U.S and around the world. It was actually a return engagement, albeit slightly delayed—he last played there in 1935. This time around, Bill was accompanied by renowned musicians Kristin Korb, Earl Allen, Frank DeVito, and Abe Lagrimas Jr. for a magical evening of American jazz standards and Hapa Haole Hawaiian classics hosted by King Kukulele. Happily, the magic of that never-to-be-repeated event has been meticulously captured and preserved with this special album release.
PARTY #1
DATE: Saturday, September 17th
TIME: 1-5pm
PLACE: Oasis Center - 800 Marguerite Street, Corona del Mar, CA 92625
PARTY #2
DATE: Saturday, October 1st
TIME: 5-9pm
PLACE: Paniolo Productions - 3552 Kelton Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90034
THESE EVENTS ARE FREE, all ages, open to the public and have free parking. Please forward this announcement and invite others to attend! DON'T FORGET TO RSVP & BRING SOME GOOD EATS 'N DRINKS!
In the meantime, visit our Facebook invitation pages:
SEPTEMBER 17: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=143890669031134
OCTOBER 1: https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=183550601713818
More details will be announced soon!
STAY UPDATED & CONNECTED AT:
Facebook, "Like" Bill's music page: https://www.facebook.com/BillTapiaMusic
Bill's official website: http://www.billtapia.com/
Paniolo Productions official website: http://www.panioloproductions.com/
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Can't make it? Don't miss out! PRE-ORDER NOW and you will receive the CD in a beautifully wrapped package along with a free button, sticker and postcard! www.panioloproductions.com
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Also, HUELL HOWSER will be re-broadcasting Bill's episode on KCET (Los Angeles) in September. Which will cover L.A. County, Orange County, Ventura County, and most parts of Santa Barbara & San Luis Obispo counties. Tune-in on the following dates and times. Huell will be adding an update segment at the end of the show and talk about Bill's new album!
September 4 @ 7PM - KCET
September 17 @ 7PM - KCET
*A note from Huell Howser Productions: The first half of the hour is the "Singing Cowboys" (Roy Rogers & Dale Evans and Herb Jeffries). Bill's segment will start just a few minutes before 7:30pm.
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Update #14: A goodie bag full of good news and a song from the album!
For backers only,
Posted on August 9, 2011
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Update #13: Release date delay...
Please forgive the delay, but the "Bill Tapia, Live at the Warner Grand Theatre - The 100th Birthday Concert" CD won't be available by June 7 as originally projected. But believe me, it's all good! We're taking a little extra time to make our package even more beautiful than we'd envisioned. Thanks everyone for your patience. I'll keep you updated in the coming weeks.
Alyssa Archambault
Update #12: Promo video and links...
Aloha!
I know I don't have to sell you on the CD, but I thought you might like to know our promo video for the CD has been launched! See attached file or click this youtube link.
Many wonderful people were involved with making this and I'm quite pleased the way it turned out!
Also, join Bill on Facebook along with several other fans and share a message on the wall. If this page gets 5,000 "Likes" before June 7 (when the album is released) then everyone will receive a song that is not on the CD!
Hope you had a beautiful weekend!
As always, mahalo for your support...
Alyssa
Help spread the word (click on the links below)...
Bill Tapia Facebook
Paniolo Productions Facebook
CD Promo Video
Paniolo Productions website (recently updated)
Bill Tapia website (recently updated)
Update #11: CD Cover Art & Release Dates!!
ALOHA!
I am so happy to share with you the cover art and release dates for an album 100 years in the making...
Bill Tapia Live at the Warner Grand Theatre ~ His 100th Birthday Concert!
Physical CD will be released on June 7, 2011 and Digitally on May 24, 2011.
The album as you know, features Bill Tapia on ukulele, guitar and vocals, Kristin Korb (upright bass, vocals), Frank DeVito (drums), Earl Allen (guitar), Abe Lagrimas Jr. (vibes) and emcee King Kukulele. Amazing cover art by: Robert Armstrong
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3 EASY WAYS TO STAY UPDATED and HELP US SPREAD THE WORD:
#1 - FACEBOOK MUSIC PAGE: I recently created a FB music page for Bill and want you to join us! Please "like" this link, share on your FB wall and with your friends (help us make our goal of 5,000 fans before the CD is released!)...
Bill Tapia: 103 'Ukulele Legend (official music page): http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bill-Tapia-103-Ukulele-Legend-official-music-page/154489661258552
#2 - FACEBOOK UPDATE INVITE: This is not an actual event, but yet another way to receive updates over the coming weeks... http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=168097229911284#!/event.php?eid=168097229911284 (To receive these updates and invite other friends you must click the above link and RSVP “I’m Attending”).
3# - JOIN OUR EMAIL LIST: If you want to stay connected long-term this is the most direct way to stay updated on Bill Tapia, his CD and Paniolo Productions! Click on this link to sign-up: http://panioloproductions.com/email_list.html
.
You'll be hearing more from me… so, stay tuned!
In the meantime, thanks for your continued support and take care of yourself!
Also, visit: http://billtapia.com/
.
Aloha ~ Alyssa
Alyssa Archambault | Paniolo Productions
Update #10: You are invited to Bill Tapia's 103rd Birthday Party...
For backers only,
Posted on January 4, 2011
If you're a backer of this project, please
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Update #9: Bill Tapia turning 103--Send a birthday greeting!
Here's wishing you a warm and wonderful holiday season!
As many of you may know, January 1st, besides being New Year's Day is Bill Tapia's birthday--this year he turns 103.
I'd like to make this birthday extra-special for Bill and would love it if you'd send me your birthday wishes to pass on to him. If you care to send him a card or note, please send it to my post office box (P.O. Box 66265, Los Angeles, CA 90066) or, if you prefer, email me at alyssa@panioloproductions.com. I know Bill will be thrilled to hear from you.
Mele Kalikimaka,
Alyssa
P.S. Things are moving ahead with the 100th birthday concert album. I'm happy to announce the album is now mixed. Sequencing will be done next week --with the mastering to take place in January. Robert Armstrong is hard at work on the cover art. I'm really excited about the talented creative team we've assembled. I'll keep you updated as we enter the new year.
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Peter Hill on December 17, 2010
G'day Mate !
Good to hear from you Alyssa ! Also Happy to hear that everything is coming along fine with Uncle Bill's CD and accompanying Goodies as well.........
I would love to send Uncle Bill a Birthday Card and have noted your PO Box. Thanks !Take Care, and wish you well over the Holiday's.
Peter Hill
Brisbane.
AUSTRALIA
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Update #8: A message from our mixer and a song sampler!
My name is Kevin Jarvis. I'm mixing Bill Tapia's 100th Birthday Live at the Warner Grand Theatre record here at my studio, Sonic Boom in Venice, California.
The recording of the special night was recorded by legendary engineer Mark Linett. My number one goal is to stay out of the way of this expertly recorded concert. I'm mostly balancing the instrument and vocal levels, making sure all the solos and vocals are poking through. Another concern is to make sure that you really feel the audience's joy and excitement, and boy, everyone was truly excited! On top of all that, I'm making sure I don't lose focus of the birthday boy, Bill Tapia!
I was lucky enough to be at the show that night, unfortunately I was sitting towards the back of the theatre. So my other goal is to correct a wrong if you will, and put you and I in the 8th row center of this majestic theatre on this historic night!
Alyssa and I put together a track for you to listen to, it contains a few samples of the recent songs we have been mixing. (see link below)
Enjoy!
Kevin
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Peter Hill on October 19, 2010
G'day Kevin ! Peter Hill here from Australia. I was one of the Lucky 10 Backers at the Orchid Level, and have just Played this Sample in my Office on my Quadraphonic, with Me, sitting right in the Middle.
M AAAAA T E ............................... It just felt like I was there !!!! Amazing Job ! ' Good On Ya 'Peter.
Looking Forward to hearing the Whole Album !
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Update #7: A BIG BIG THANK YOU!!!
For backers only,
Posted on August 2, 2010
If you're a backer of this project, please
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Update #6: ONE HOUR TO GO...
Do you think we'll make it to $15,000? We only need $86 by 10:00am PST today! Keep your fingers crossed!
How exciting this is!!!
Alyssa
Update #5: Bill Tapia on California's Gold with Huell Howser!
Tonight, watch Bill Tapia on Huell Howser's "California's Gold", it will air on KCET in Los Angeles at 7:30PST and apparently repeat several times this week! The episode is called "Ukulele Man".
I haven't been able to figure out if it can be viewed online yet, but here are a couple links for you to check out about scheduling in you area:
http://www.kcet.org/
http://www.calgold.com/
http://www.calgold.com/Schedule.asp
This interview was filmed a few years ago, when Bill was just a young chap of 97 years!
Enjoy! :-)
Alyssa
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l c pickens on July 16, 2010
That's great you should get that tattooed somewhere : ) You're gonna make it. You're halfway there. Yay
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Jon Duncan on July 19, 2010
congrats Alyssa. looks like you're just about there! Now, lets raise some more funds to get the DVD produced as well. Awesome! can't wait! Cheers and Cheerio...
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Peter Hill on July 26, 2010
Hi Alyssa,
if you Noticed that The Number of Backers went from 100 to 99 that was me ! I tried to enter my New Address but It always insists on asking for my American Zip Code, 10 Digit Phone Number and US State or it wont close...Grrrrrrrr. So I had to Cancel Everything ! Then came in and had to Start from Scratch which is what I did !!!!! Phew......... I still live in Brisbane, New Hampshire, 03275 Australia ! What a Joke . So before you start sending stuff out we'll have to Confirm my REAL Address.
Mahalo.
Peter.
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Update #3: Special Announcement: New Premium Added!
Very special premium added to our campaign!
If you select the White Kukui Blossom level at $35, not only will you receive a Bill Tapia sticker and CD itself, complete with artwork and colorful booklet, but you will also own a color facsimile of the original 1939 edition book entitled “Hawaiian Ukulele Instruction with the Island’s foremost ukulele instructor, William Tapia" printed in 1939! (see photo of cover).
If you have already donated over $35 then you will automatically receive it.
If you have donated under $35, increasing your pledge is easy! Just click on "Manage Your Pledge".
Thank you!!!
Alyssa
Update #2: Tune-in, Hawaiian Concert Guide - Special Interview & Announcement!
Aloha Everyone!
Listen to my interview about this project on the popular online radio show, "Hawaiian Concert Guide". Click here to listen: http://hawaiianconcertguide.com/.
The host of HCG, Piko and I talked about Bill Tapia's history, how Bill and I met, his current adventures and of course this 100th Birthday Celebration CD project! I will also announce a very special bonus premium that has just been added to the mix!
Additionally, Piko has posted a match challenge to all his listeners and so far we've had a few challengers! Please read this message from Piko and jump in on the excitement:
"MATCH CHALLENGE!! Aloha mai kakou!! I call upon ALL Hawaiian Concert Guide listeners to help out Alyssa and Uncle Bill with this most worthwhile project! So far, a few have kicked in at the $50 Gardenia Level. If anyone of my listeners donate more than $50, I will personally up my pledge to match!! - Piko"
I only have 16 days folks! So please share the link with your friends and family, encourage them to donate and become apart of something truly amazing!
Thank you and all the best,
Alyssa Archambault
137
Backers
$14,974
pledged of $13,000 goal
0
seconds to go
Funding Successful
This project successfully raised its funding goal on July 29, 2010.
Pledge $5 or more
PUA 'ILIMA LEVEL includes: Bill Tapia sticker (based on the CD artwork).
Pledge $25 or more
PLUMERIA 'PRE-ORDER' LEVEL includes all the above, plus: The CD itself, complete with artwork and colorful booklet.
Pledge $35 or more
WHITE KUKUI BLOSSOM LEVEL includes above premiums plus: a color facsimile of the original 1939 edition book entitled “Hawaiian Ukulele Instruction” with the island’s foremost ukulele instructor, William Tapia.
Pledge $50 or more
GARDENIA LEVEL includes all the above, plus: An original ticket from Bill Tapia's 100th birthday concert + A thank you in the CD liner notes.
Pledge $100 or more
RED GINGER LEVEL includes all the above, plus: An original poster from Bill's 100th birthday concert (the first 50 signed by Bill himself) + Gift pack of four Bill Tapia buttons (limited edition, 1" in diameter, each different).
Pledge $150 or more
ORCHID LEVEL includes all the above, plus: Bill Tapia T-shirt, specially designed by renowned artist Robert Armstrong (who's also creating the artwork for the CD).
Pledge $225 or more
RED PUA LEHUA LEVEL includes all the above, plus: A charming 17" sterling silver Rosabell necklace designed by Alyssa.
Pledge $700 or more
LOKELANI LEVEL $700 includes above premiums plus: An invitation for you and a guest to a private luau, hosted at Bill Tapia’s house by Bill and producer Alyssa Archambault. Dinner, entertainment – convivial company and an unforgettable evening of Hawaiian warmth and celebration (Those who cannot attend due to distance or for any other reason will be sent a beautiful Hawaiian gift basket).
Pledge $2,000 or more
BIRD OF PARADISE LEVEL $2,000 includes above premiums plus: Poster and ticket as mentioned above (in the Gardenia and Red Ginger levels) will be professionally matted and framed with archival materials + A hardcover book of stunning photographs from Bill’s 100th birthday concert.
Pledge $6,000 or more
YELLOW HIBISCUS LEVEL $6,000 includes above premiums plus: An embroidered hat from Bill Tapia’s personal collection + A red Bill Tapia model ukulele, hand-crafted by master luthier Lymana Ashikawa and signed by Bill (ukulele valued at $5,000).
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Connected as Alyssa Archambault (778 friends)
Alyssa Archambault is the founder of Paniolo Productions, a grass roots concert production company based in Los Angeles, CA. Over the last 10 years, her company has attracted thousands of beautiful people to performances by hundreds of talented musicians of all genres. Whether at festivals, theaters, or small intimate listening room venues, her passion for live music follows her everywhere she goes.
Paniolo Productions has several exciting projects currently in the works, including an online radio show, a live webcast concert series, and an annual music festival.
As an artist/designer, Alyssa is also in the process of designing and developing her own line of jewelry.
Official website: http://panioloproductions.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Paniolo-Productions/73176582235
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/panioloproductions
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PanioloProd99
