Bill Tapia’s long, long musical legacy

The late Bill Tapia was one of those people who’d been part of Hawaii’s music scene so long his absence will leave a real void.

Nobody lives forever, but the ukulele virtuoso, who died yesterday at 104, came about as close as anyone. Up until about a year ago, Tapia was still touring, reportedly calling out the key changes and sailing through solo performances. His final album, "Live at the Warner Grand," recorded in late 2007, was released this summer.

A 3-year-old video of his performance appears online (thehall.tv/past.asp) — scroll down to "Bill Tapia & Friends," May 29, 2008.

But nothing quite crystallizes his place in Waikiki history better than this stunning fact: When the Royal Hawaiian Hotel opened in 1927, Tapia was there, playing in the band. In 2008, just after that video was shot, he performed there again, right before it closed for renovations.

Now that’s a musical legacy.

For the Warriors, it’s whether they win

For years, Aloha Stadium would vibrate when Brigham Young University came to town, but the question being asked today is whether the outcome will be the season’s final blow of the season for the Hawaii Warriors and/or the final blow in the islands for head coach Greg McMackin.

"We’re ready to roll," the coach said. With a 7-3 record, BYU has accepted an invite to compete in the Armed Forces Bowl, while UH needs a victory this afternoon to play post-season in the Hawaii Bowl.