If you were born before 1950, you probably heard Alfred Aholo Apaka's name no matter where you grew up. His romantic baritone voice still resonates throughout the Hilton Hawaiian Village's Tapa Room — the showroom where the legendary local entertainer captivated thousands of visitors with his golden voice. This was an era our parents and grandparents knew. This was the wild and romantic Waikīkī of the 1940s and 1950s.

This man, arguably the foremost interpreter of hapa-haole music, is remembered once again tomorrow, on what would have been his 90th birthday. A kanikapila-style ceremony will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Hilton Hawaiian's Tapa Room. The public is welcome.

KA PALAPALA PO'OKELA AWARDS

VOTE FOR HAWAI'I’S BOOK OF THE YEAR

What was the best book of last year in Hawai'i? Vote for your favorite Hawai'i book of 2009 at www.HawaiiReaders.com, which will be giving a people's choice award as part of the Hawai'i Book Publisher's Association's Ka Palapala Po'okela awards. You can vote for a children's book, literature, Hawaiian culture, photo books, natural science, cookbooks or nonfiction. Choose one from the more than 70 books nominated. You can visit www.HawaiiReaders.com to vote now.

— HawaiiReaders.com

Read Edgy Lee's blogs and see videos in Life Is Good at