Geri Tablit’s blog

NY Uke Fest - 5/30/09 Concert

Jun 4, 2009
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Have you ever experienced a time when you felt the happiest, most indescribable experience, one of those OMG (Oh My God) moments, resulting from the craziest turn of events? A few weekends ago was one those moments for me, when I met legendary ukulele master, Bill Tapia the NY Uke Fest in NYC ( http://www.nyukefest.com/ ). It is 2:23 a.m. and I’m in taxi cab leaving from the Gershwin Hotel in the East Side of New York on 27^th Ave. between Lexington and 5^th Ave. I’m texting my friend Sheila that lives in San Francisco, “Having the best time in here. I got to meet Bill Tapia. Lots of stories to tell when I return…”

Making a short story long, here were those turn of events that lead to this magical night with Bill Tapia. I felt like I was in the middle of Jim Jarmusch film, where various turn of events leads up to the most off the wall, incredible experiences of a lifetime. It had to be kismet, as God was intervening to make this moment possible. And if I changed any occurrences that led up to this weekend, I don‘t think this night would not have happened the way it did.

It was Sunday, May 17 at 10:58 p.m. and I was channel surfing. I was assembling a client’s wedding invitations. I was searching for a Law & Order episode to have as background noise to keep my awake. In the middle of looking on the menu guide, I came across a show on PBS, entitled, “To My Sweetheart, Aloha”, documentary about 96 year old ukulele master, Bill Tapia. Later, to discover, Bill hates that film. If you ever watch the film, you’ll know why. But this film had me mesmerizing and had me in a trance for the next 60 minutes. I couldn't peel my eyes away from it. Bill reminded me so much of my dad. If my papa was still alive, he would have been 100 years old this year. So I took a break from my invitation assembly and was focused on the film. Obsessed and moved by this interesting man; his charisma drew me in. I had to learn more about this musical master, also known as, “The Duke of Uke”. Realizing that the film was made in 2004, I had to learn more. I was expecting that he had passed and that film was part of his legacy and that was my only opportunity of seeing a Bill Tapia performance.

The next day, I did an online search. In disbelief, and was pleasantly surprised to discovered that Mr. Bill Tapia, was alive and still performing. He is fondly and respectively addressed as “Uncle Bill”. I was a bummed that I didn’t get to see him when he performed in Berkeley, in late April. By searching on his website that he was performing in NY at the NY Uke Fest the following weekend (May 29-31, 2009). I emailed my boyfriend that lives in NJ, and encouraged him to see this legendary master in person that it will be an experience of a lifetime. When we talked, I was rattled off a mile a minute, talking about this guy and how I was envious that he was in close vicinity to check him out. He was excited said he was will really considering going to the festival. He then suggested that I come out from California to check out the festival, too. I thought about for a second and said, ‘yeah, I’ll check. If the flights are cheap enough, I’ll do it.” Minutes after my conversation with Ty, I researched flights from SFO to JFK. As luck would have it, $240, direct from SFO to JFK. I booked the ticket without hesitation. I checked with my cousin that lives in NY to see if she was in town, if she heard of the festival and if Ty and I could crash at her place, and if she wanted to join us…” Her answers were: yes, no, yes, YES. This set the stage for the weekend.

To back up for a few minutes, me, Geri Tablit, not known to be the most impulsive person in the world, decided to book this NY trip within a few days of finding out about Bill. I was recalling the time when my friend, referring to Sheila again, when she had the chance back in 2000 when she had the chance to see the full ensemble of the Buena Vista Social Club at a local salsa club in San Francisco, not knowing that the surprise band that was performing in the club in the Mission district, were these men. After reliving that missed moment that Sheila had, I decided that I was going to make that trip to NY, in hopes of meeting this legendary man.

I arrived in New York, JFK airport on Friday night, May 29 around 10pm (EST) and my boyfriend greeted me at the airport. We connected with my cousin, Odelia, to figure out the schedule for the Saturday. Ty and I arrange to meet her on Saturday afternoon and we will hop on the subway to her midtown apartment.

On Saturday, May 30, around 2:30 p.m. we arrive to manang Odelia’s place and we rested a little. Ty took a nap and I caught up with manang. We call another cousin in California and exchanged stories of jealousy. Manong Robert in Bakersfield is jealous that I am in NY visiting manang, and manang Odie is jealous that I will be visiting with manong Robert in a few weeks in Bakersfield. Either way, I’m glad to be the conduct of information between both cousins. After Ty had his cat nap on manang’s couch, we ventured out again on the subway and then the bus. We got to the Filipino restaurant in the West Village, to eat at Turo Turo (translation: Point, Point) restaurant, which is the literal translation of indicating which entrée you want to eat. We feasted on the humble array of singagang baboy (tamarind/sour soup with pork), singagang isda (tamarind/sour soup with salmon), pankabet (vegetable dish), kare kare (ox tail soup in peanut butter soup base), banana Q (deep fried banana with sugar glaze) and rice for three. After our dinner, we hopped on the bus to the concert location: Baursch College on 25^th Street and Lexington.

After finally reaching the correct building, we were directed by one of security guards to the freight elevator. We bypass the box office and reached the lower level of the building. With no tickets in hand, we still have to find the box office to get our tickets. A nice gentleman leads the way and helps me to find the box office. I go upstairs again, while manang and Ty wait downstairs and shop with the festival vendors. I mentioned to the guy that I came all the way from SF after seeing a documentary about Bill Tapia and that brought me to the festival. He was thinking that was pretty amazing and thought that was a great story.

So I return back to the lower level and look for my crew. We find each other again, and we make our way into the Enghall Recital Hall. Somehow we ended up at the bottom of the concert hall, right at foot of the stage. How cool is that! We ended up sitting second row, center stage. The same guy that directed to the box office was seated next to me. Bill Tapia was the headliner and the last performer of the night. Not knowing anything about the other performers, all three of us, we were in store for an amazing treat. Every single performer leading to Bill’s slot was pure and utter delight. If my blog is the main and only portal of hearing about these artists, do a search via myspace, itunes, etc. Here are their website, you will NOT be disappointed. Here was the line up of performers:

Emcee, Ken Murray www.kenbarimurray.com
Les Chauds Lapins www.leschaudslapins.com
Sweet Soubrette www.sweetsoubrette.com
Victoria Vox www.victoriavox.com
Jim Beloff www.fleamarketmusic.com
Nalu Noa n/a
Tripping Lilly www.myspace.com/trippinglily
Prewar Ponies www.myspace.com/4stringgal
Mihana www.mihana.net
Bill Tapia www.billtapia.com

Many of these talented artists and musicians were booked from performing at local venues and clubs. Between Ty, manang and me, we pretty much bought all of the performers CDs that were up for sale during the festival. We ran out of cash, or else I would have purchased Mihana’s CD.

About thirty minutes before the intermission, Bill Tapia, the festival headliner arrived with his entourage. For those who are not familiar with Bill Tapia, he is 101 years young, still performing and full charisma both on and off the stage. So as intermission arrived, I turned to the guy next to me, asking if he think Bill would mind if I asked to take a photo with him. The guy said, just tell him the story that brought you the festival and I think he would grant that photo opportunity. So as manang and Ty make a mad dash to the bathroom, I make a bee line to Mr. Tapia. Nervous and shy, I wait patiently to meet Mr. Tapia. He is a debonair man, dressed in a navy blue blazer, white knitted golf cap, scruffy snowy white beard, white dress shirt, navy blue tie, red pin striped pants and red shoes to match. If there was one word to describe Bill Tapia, it would be SHARP, for his mind as well as his fashion style.

Bill Tapia

The guy in front of me has a swagger of items for him to sign - a restored antique ukulele and a vintage music book for him to sign. Bill is inspecting the ukulele and tells the man that he gave lessons the guy that built his ukulele and the ukulele would be easily valued at $2500. Amazing, huh? I felt like I was listening to an episode of Antique Road Show for ukuleles.

So, now, my turn, I went down on my knees so I was face to face with Bill. I had to go fairly close to him, because he was known to be a little hard of hearing. He had a very pleasant scent - Old Spice maybe (not sure). I digress; he did not smell like an old man. No offense to the older people reading this entry, you know what I mean when I say, smelling like an ’elderly’ person. So I talked into Bill’s ear slowly and carefully not to rush my words. I told him that I saw him on television, last week and that I made the trip from California, just to see him. This was one of three kisses of the night. We talked about me living in Vallejo and when he used to live the Bay Area, in Lafayette. He currently resides in Orange County (Southern California). I asked him if I could take a photo with him and asked for an autograph on my concert ticket. He obliged both requests. He gave me another hug and kiss and I was on my way.

Bill’s performance was slotted around 10:00 p.m. and was asked to join Prewar Ponies during their encore performance. He played his ukulele in harmony with Daria, lead singer for Prewar Ponies as she sang, Heart and Soul. This performance with this band was the glimpse of the remaining magically moments that would happen over the next 90 minutes. Bill was accompanied by Pat Enes, his close friend and manager from California. Pat played the guitar and Bill, of course played his ukulele. His ukulele was a shiny red lacquer. There was some slight technical difficulty, since Bill couldn’t hear his instrument on the monitor; he wasn’t ready to perform until it was set up properly. The sound/stage guy really earned his money that night…

Bill never failed to entertain us with his sweet voice, playful anecdotes of his past performances, colorful stories and his energy just had everyone in the concert hall hanging on every word, note, and each strumming of his magically ukulele. He’s rendition of “Young At Heart” gave me goose bumps. I was upset that when I tried to record that song on my digital camera, I ran out of memory. Oh well, I will have to cherish that tune in my mind.

After the concert, we went in search of Bill again to get his CD and manang wanted to see Bill up close and personal. After working through the maze of stairs at the college, we finally meet Bill Tapia and the Tripping Lily. Another amazing group that re-opened the concert after intermission was the Tripping Lily. I got to meet the trio, purchased their CD and Bill’s CD. Manang and I were able to get a photo with him. That was my third kiss that I received from Bill.

Me, Ken Murray, Mng Odelia

The emcee, Ken Murray, and the concert program mentioned that there was a jam fest after the concert and it was open to everyone to enjoy. The after party was to continue at the Gershwin Hotel just a few blocks away from the concert. Manang, Ty and I grabbed a late dinner at an Indian Restaurant down the street - Curry in a Hurry. I had the Masala Dolma (huge Indian Crepe - with potatoes and rice). It was very tasty. Ty and manang had the chicken tendori combination. After eating, we set out again to look for the Uke Fest after party. We had to ask for directions several times along the way, but the guy coming out from McDonald’s along 28^th Street and Lexington said, it might be on the next street over, but wasn’t sure if it was on 27^th, 5^th or Madison?

Facade of Gershwin Hotel

But he said the Gershwin Hotel has a very unique façade. It looks like horns sticking out of the building and you know you are close when you see the Museum of Sex. It is next door to the Gershwin Hotel. Sure enough, we had to go about 2 more blocks toward Madison Avenue. We were on 5th Avenue and made the correct turn, going left, and found the Museum of Sex on the corner and next to the museum was the Gershwin Hotel.

Gershwin Hotel

Museum Of Sex

We arrive at the hotel and there were all these ukulele players with their instruments out. It was like a surreal experience being prevue to this little niche of ukulele aficionados, players, fans, and talented musicians and singers in the lobby of the hotel. It was kind of kitschy with it red velvet carpet, white baby grand piano on the side, white bar stools on the side, vintage Hawaiian posters hanging on the walls and people are engrossed in their little side bar conversations and ukuleles strumming in various unison. Ty, manang and I are not used to being part of the after party scene, so we grab a seat on one of the couches and people watch from the corner. Then, as we panned the room, we saw most the artists from the show: Pre-War Ponies, Tripping Lily, Bill Tapia and Pat Enes, Mihana, etc. I got to take photos and chatted a little bit with the artists. Really cool people!

I struck up a conversation with the emcee and organizer of the festival, Ken Murray. He was talking to manang and I told him the story of how I discovered the festival. He was the one that told me that Bill hated the film, To My Sweetheart, Aloha. But if it wasn’t for the film, that wouldn’t have been the catalyst that started my adventure. So I have to give some credit to the film for bringing Ty, manang and myself to the festival. After Bill’s performance at the concert hall, between manang, Ty and I, we made a promise to each other and it was pretty evident - we were going to make the NY Uke Fest and annual event.

So Ken and I were chatting and I later discovered that he is also a musician. He asked if I sang or played the ukulele, I said, ‘no’ but a great fan of the music. I innocently asked if he played. And he said, that he did. Not knowing anything about him - showed me his CD. He gave me his CD as gift. Cool, huh?

Manang, Ty and I called it a night after we heard them doing a collective jam session of All Of Me. It was Mihana leading the vocals and the crowd sang along (she was like our bouncing ball leading us through the next set of lyrics), Bill was playing, Daria (from the Prewar Ponies), Monica (from Tripping Lily) was signing harmony and as surprise - Cyndi Lauper’s violinist was there with her violin providing instrumental back-up. Crazy, right? Still can’t believe that room of talented artists in that one spot.

Midnight (2am) Jam session

It is about 2:15 a.m. and we were calling it a night. We leave the lobby of the Gershwin as the group of forty or more serenade us to the door and sounds of strumming ukuleles slowly become distant as we walk outside. Ty hails a cab, as I get one last photo of the hotel sign of the Gershwin Hotel. I hop in the cab and I furiously text, Sheila, as I have one bar left on my cell battery. Manang, Ty, and I reliving each moment and we are in awe after leaving the hotel. Manang is signing the lyrics and humming the tune to “Crazy” (originally sung by Patsy Cline) and Ty is next to her and I’m in the back row of the taxi van texting Sheila. Not wanting the night (morning) to end we arrive at manang’s apartment. I think the excitement of tonight’s events just kept playing in my mind and made me a bit restless. As I lie on the air mattress in manang’s apartment, I think in my mind of my opening line of my first blog entry, so I begin…

A little while ago, American Express had ad campaign to write one of their ads, here would be my submission:

Round Trip Ticket, SFO-JFK: $240
3 Concert Tickets for the NY Uke Festival: $120
NY Metro, Unlimited Ticket: $7.50
Living In Moment: Priceless

Thank you Uncle Bill for creating this wonderful memory for Ty, my cousin (manang Odelia) and me; I will never forget this day and so very grateful to your music, for the wonderful kisses, your amazing performances and letting us bask in your youthful energy. Looking forward to seeing you again…

Mahalo from California.

-geri

Additional photos, see right window.

Personal videos, available to view via youtubelinks: