"Celebrating the role of the ukulele in Hawaiian Culture" - That's the theme of this year's ukulele contest at Aloha Tower Marketplace. With me this morning is last year's winner Rylan Tokioka and Alan Okami, owner of Ko Aloha Ukuleles.

Entries are now being accepted for Aloha Tower Marketplace's third annual Ukulele Contest. The contest will take place on Sunday, September 14 from 10 a.m. on the go! Center Stage. Admission and entry is FREE. Entries will be accepted until September 4 at The Hawaiian Ukulele Company, located on the first floor of Aloha Tower Marketplace. The event will feature amateur ukulele players (defined as those who do not play the ukulele for a living) vying for thousands of dollars in prizes and the chance to be a representative of the 2009 Aloha Festivals. Entry forms are available at Aloha Tower Marketplace or online here.

The Ukulele Contest, in addition to showcasing some of Hawaii's best amateur ukulele musicians, will include appearances by Rylan Tokioka (last year's winner), Chris Kamaka, Brian Tolentino, and more; ukulele displays by popular ukulele brands including Kamaka, KoAloha, and Leolani; and door prizes for the audience, including a trip for two to a neighbor island of their choice.

3rd Annual Ukulele Contest
Aloha Tower Marketplace
September 14, 2008 at 10 a.m.
Admission: FREE
For more information: (808) 566-2337 or www.AlohaTower.com

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