Apr 16 2023
Aloha! If you’ve ever visited the beautiful islands of Hawaii or have an interest in Hawaiian culture, you might have come across the term “tiki” at some point. But what does tiki mean in Hawaiian? Well, let me tell you, tiki is a term that holds great significance in Hawaiian culture and traditions. In short, …
Feb 03 2023
Rock and roll stars Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, “The Big Bopper” J. P. Richardson, and the pilot of a chartered plane, Roger Peterson, died in a plane crash near Clear Lake, Iowa on February 3, 1959. In 1971 Don McLean named it “The Day the Music Died” in his song “American Pie.” Here is “Rave On” from Buddy …
Jan 03 2023
On January 3, 1987, Aretha Franklin was the first female artist inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. The singer, songwriter, pianist, and “Queen of Soul” has also been honored in Rolling Stone’s 100 Greatest Artists of All Time twice. Franklin was born in Memphis, Tennessee on March 25, 1942. Here is “I Say …
Oct 18 2022
Albert Frey was born in Zurich, Switzerland on October 18, 1903, and was known for being one of the most influential architects in the Palm Springs area. He studied architecture at the Institute of Technology in Winterthur, Switzerland, and later worked with Le Corbusier, who became a friend and influence of Frey. One of his most …
Sep 18 2022
On this day September 18, 1996, Julian Lennon made the winning bid of just over $39,000 (£21,000) at Sotheby’s in London for the recording notes for the song “Hey Jude,” which Paul McCartney wrote for young Julian to comfort and encourage him during his parents’ divorce. Originally titled “Hey Jules,” Paul McCartney comments on the song’s …
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 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 29 2022
Because of the recent Tiki resurgence, there is also a renewed interest in the Hawaiian language. And, with Southwest Airlines adding direct flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles, it seems the interest in Hawaii and all things Tiki has been felt in the corporate world even affecting recent travel to the Islands. The Hawaiian language …
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 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 …