Post #196931 by pappythesailor on Mon, Nov 7, 2005 8:19 PM

I've been wondering about this for a while but I can't seem to formulate it into just one question so I'll blabber a little.

We all know the soundtrack to Tiki is Exotica but when was that true? and where? Most of the Exotica I've heard was made in the late 50's and early 60's. Obviously Don the Beachcombers didn't feature Exotica. Ditto the Trader's. If I walked into Don's in 1940 (and if you can arrange this, please PM me) what would be playing? My guess would be Hawaiian swing music a la Sol Hoopii or Andy Iona. Maybe a live orchestra.

I've also been trying to remember back to childhood in the 70's. I can't say as I ever remember hearing Exotica played at any of the Polynesian restaurants we went to. If I recall, it was usually (ack) "beautiful music", a.k.a muzak that is thankfully extinct now.

Then, there's the Mai Kai, center of the Tiki Universe. They were playing what sounded like contemporary Hawaiian/ Polynesian music when I was lucky enough to be there for the Hukilau. What did they play at the Kahiki? What's playing at the Tiki Ti tonight? What was playing there 25 years ago?

P.S. I don't know what was playing at the Kowloon the other night. I couldn't hear a thing over the football games at the sports bar.