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The Honolulu Advertiser
Updated at 7:36 a.m., Friday, February 20, 2009

Bill Tapia to play Royal Hawaiian Hotel gala

Bill Tapia, the 101-year-old ukulele virtuoso, will perform at the grand re-opening gala for The Royal Hawaiian Hotel March 7.

The Hawaii-born Tapia was among the musicians who opened the hotel in 1927, earning a few extra dollars by playing with band leader Johnny Noble. He also performed at the hotel's 75th anniversary in 2002 and last year as the hotel prepared to close for massive renovations.

Tapia, who lives in Westminster, Calif., will join Makana and Chris Botti for the re-opening gala, which benefits the Rehabilitation Hospital of the Pacific. Tickets for the gala are $350. Call 566-3451.