Feb 22 2022
We are used to the words “totem pole” to mean those long poles with carved figures on them. Usually we see totem poles with wings from birds or other animals. But in the Pacific islands, these pole structures are called Tiki poles or Tiki totem poles. Tiki totem poles from the islands of the Pacific …
Feb 13 2022
Two people are credited with bringing all things Tiki to North America. They are Victor Bergeron and Ernest Gantt. Gantt later change his name to Donn Beach. It was rumored he wanted a more Pacific type of name. Don the Beachcomber started traveling the South Pacific, the Caribbean, and other tropical places to find anything …
Feb 05 2022
Originally, the ukulele was brought to Hawaii from the West. However, it was Hawaii and Tiki music that actually made the ukulele a mainstream instrument, and an instrument synonymous with Tiki music. When we think back of Hawaiian music, it is hard to imagine this music without the cheerful sound of the ukulele. This is …
Jan 07 2022
Remembering Sidney Poitier, who passed away today at the age of 94. His 1967 film To Sir, With Love is a prime example of Poitier’s poise and passion as an actor. Serving as an inspiration to audiences, teachers, and of films to come, To Sir, with Love (1967) is a lesson in walking with grace, …
Nov 17 2021
Here’s Lili Verona’s delightful “Day-O” from the recently re-discovered album Traditional Songs of Jamaica from Cosmic Spy Music. Traditional Songs of Jamaica by Lili Verona
Oct 21 2021
Today is the birthday of Disney artist and designer Mary Blair, born on this day October 21, 1911 in McAlester, Oklahoma. Blair was an integral part of Disney, designing incredibly beautiful, unique concept art for a variety of Disney attractions and animated films, including her most well known work on the “It’s a Small World” …
Aug 17 2021
When Trader Vic invented his now famous Tiki cocktails in fun whimsical Tiki head souvenir glasses with curly straws and tons of rum, there was not any thought as to sensitivity to the Hawaiian culture that might exist if it were today. Think of it like this. What if a bar were started with a …
Aug 13 2021
When I was young, I was led into a homemade haunted house on every Halloween. It was comprised of sheets tunneling through the halls and bedrooms, colored lights, and scary surprises around every corner. I’ll never forget how it was all so delightfully set to a record of Alfred Hitchcock Presents playing. My older sisters …
Aug 03 2021
When my sister went to Hawaii years ago, she brought me back a small Tiki wooden carving. The perfect gift from Hawaii, I thought. Every time I look at this carving, I think of Hawaii and the island culture. Of course I also think of my sister! Tiki statues, the totem poles, masks and all …
Jul 20 2021
Domenique Dumont’s album People on Sunday glows with synths that dance and bounce with both classical brilliance and the mystique of exotica. The Latvian composer created the album as a modern soundtrack to the 1930 German silent film People On Sunday (Menschen am Sonntag/Les Hommes le Dimanche) which portrays everyday life before the dictatorship. As …