Hot Lava (a.k.a "How Bowers") plays baritone ukulele and sings with America's best tiki music band, The Crazed Mugs. He lives in sunny St. Petersburg, Florida with his wife and son. Contact
You are currently browsing the Tiki Talk weblog archives for September, 2007.
Providing an in-depth look at an eclectic musical tool, Evolution of the ‘Ukulele presents the history, development, fine craft, and contemporary fanaticism of this popular instrument. Some of the finest ‘ukuleles ever crafted will be on display, drawn from local and national private collections.
For more information, visit the Museum of Craft and Folk Art website
In celebration of the ‘ukulele, the Museum, Rubba Slippa Productions, and Yerba Buena Gardens Festival are proud to present a benefit concert by ‘ukulele superstar Jake Shimabukuro followed by a full day of uke-centric music by some of the Bay Area’s best ‘ukulele talent.
Friday, September 7, 2007, 8 pm, Herbst Theater, 401 Van Ness Avenue at McAllister Street, San Francisco.
Jake Shimabukuro in Concert. San Francisco ‘Ukulele Festival opening night benefit concert – ‘Ukulele phenom Jake Shimabukuro kicks off the first ever San Francisco ‘Ukulele Festival with a solo concert at Herbst Theater. Tickets $28 and $22 at City Box Office, (415) 392-4400 and online at cityboxoffice.com. Jake’s shows are selling out all over the country and in Japan, so get your tickets early!
Saturday, September 8, 2007, 11 am - 4 pm, Yerba Buena Gardens, Mission between 3rd and 4th Streets, San Francisco.
The San Francisco ‘Ukulele Festival presented in partnership with Yerba Buena Gardens Festival. A fun day of uke-centric music by some of the Bay Area’s best performers. Invited performers: The UFOs, Al Dodge and the Tin Pan Haoles, The Paper Dolls, Tippy Canoe and the Paddlemen, Faith Ako, slack-key guitarist Carey Camacho, The Victor Ohana Band, Kimo Hussey and Ho’omalie, Ukulele Ray, The Frisky Frolics and Ka Ehu Kai. Bring lawn chairs and picnics, but no dogs or alcohol please. Free Event!
For more information, visit the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival website
The Kahiki restaurant in Columbus, Ohio was one of the 7 wonders of the tiki world. Built in 1961 and demolished in 2000 to make way for a Walgreens, one of the most impressive features of the polynesian pop palace was a giant tiki fireplace that dominated the main dining room. The fireplace was salvaged that year for possible inclusion in a reborn Kahiki, but it was not to be. The fireplace and two moai sat in storage for another 6 years before they were given to a husband and wife writing team researching the history of the restaurant.
On Saturday, September 8, at 12:00 noon PST, 500 limited edition tiki mugs in the likeness of the famous fireplace will go on sale, with $7 from the cost of the mug being donated to fund the restoration of the landmark. Produced by Tiki Farm, each mug stands 9 1/2 inches tall and weighs a whopping 2 1/2 pounds!
$25.00, plus shipping.
“To You Sweetheart, Aloha” is a one-hour documentary which follows the 94th year in the life of the colorful Honolulu-born ‘ukulele master Bill Tapia, exploring not only the charismatic musician and his unique stamp on the creation of Hawaiian jazz, but also the consummate showman and the endearing storyteller who seeks the fountain of youth.
While mourning the death of his wife and only daughter, Bill finds a muse in 26-year-old Alyssa Archambault, his manager and friend who helps him connect to his past and rebuild a future in music. Bill’s illustrious history, spanning more than 85 years as a musical pioneer and a charismatic entertainer in both the Hawaiian islands and the mainland, serves as the backdrop to an unconventional friendship founded on an infectious love of Hawaiian music and culture. But at the core of this captivating narrative is a complex and often turbulent portrait of an elderly artist clinging to his youthful spirit despite losing the battle against an aged body and learning to forge a life for himself after outliving everyone he loves.
The film is run occasionally on PBS stations, and is available for sale at the filmmaker’s website.
Artist Shag (a.k.a. Josh Agle) has released a new print, “An Extraordinary Evening,” today through Shagmart.
The piece is a 13-color serigraph and measures 19 x 39 inches. Limited edition of 200, signed and numbered by the artist.
$295, plus shipping.
Shagmart, the merchandising arm of hipster artist Shag, has just released a salt and pepper set designed by the artist and produced by Tiki Farm.
Pa’Akai and Nioi stand 4 inches tall.
$15.95
The 7th annual Tiki Beach Festival and Polynesian Spectacular comes to the Granada Launch Ramp in Belmont Shore on Saturday and Sunday August 25th and 26th. This year’s Event will be dedicated to David Nuuhiwa Sr., a true Hawaiian legend. The two-day event is free of charge and is designed to introduce people to the culture of the South Pacific Islands while providing fun activities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Saturday, the Tiki Beach Festival opens with a sunrise blessing ceremony and will continue with island style events throughout the day. Outrigger canoe rides and “Na Hoku” catamaran harbor cruises will be available.
Lunch will feature the authentic Kamonamoko Smokin’ BBQ and live island entertainment thru out the day, arts & crafts and cultural exhibits.
At sundown on Saturday the official Tiki Luau and Polynesian Spectacular begins. Guests will enjoy a mouth watering Island buffet while being entertained by Tahitian and Hawaiian dancers and musicians. The evening concludes with a spectacular fire knife dance show. Tickets for the Luau Spectacular are $30.00. To purchase tickets or for more information call (562) 434-1542.
Sunday will be a pop culture celebration of all things “Tiki”, with vendors and entertainment. There will be a BBQ cook off and the 3rd annual Kanine Kahuna Kontest. An afternoon of live music and hula dancing, something for the whole family.
Visit the Tiki Beach Festival website for all the details
