The Return of Tiki
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American Public Media, Weekend America, May 7, 2005 - Mai Tais, Polynesian artifacts, and exotic lounges were an early 20th century trend that reached the height of hip in the 50's and 60's. Now, Tiki is making a comeback. Alex Cohen takes us on a tour of the kitschy cultural tradition that's become all the rage, again. [ROB'S NOTE: More sound bites from Sven Kirsten and Otto von Stroheim.]
Documentary Tracks Hula's History
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NPR, All Things Considered, August 5, 2003 - For many Americans, the hula dance conjures images of grass skirts, coconuts and swinging hips. But a new documentary airing Tuesday on PBS looks beyond hula kitsch to explore its roots in ancient Hawaiian traditions. Hear Lisette Marie Flanary, co-producer of American Aloha: Hula Beyond Hawaii.
Music and Conversation with the Aloha Boys
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NPR, Talk of the Nation, May 30, 2005 - Just in time for your barbeque, the Aloha Boys join us to play their own brand of down-home, backyard Hawaiian music.
In the Hands of a Master, the Ukulele Is No Toy
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NPR, Morning Edition, September 28, 2006 - Think the ukulele is just a cheap, plastic toy to be played under a palm tree? One listen to Jake Shimabukuro and you'll change your mind. The Hawaiian-born ukulele virtuoso strums and plucks a variety of sounds out of the tiny instrument, from "Ave Maria" to "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."
The Ukulele: A Visual History
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NPR, All Things Considered, June 17, 1997 - Jim Beloff is the author of a coffee-table book called The Ukulele: A Visual History. Beloff bought a used ukulele at a flea market about five years ago and became passionate about this little instrument. The book is filled with pictures of beautiful Hawaiian ukuleles and bizarre novelty versions. Beloff details the path of the instrument from Hawaii to the U.S. mainland, including portraits of some of the greatest players.
Postcard: A California Ukulele Club
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NPR, All Things Considered, November 15, 2003 - Gloria Hillard sends us this week's audio postcard from a ukulele club in Ventura, Calif.
The Immortal Ukulele
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NPR, Weekend Edition Saturday, July 4, 1998 - Scott talks with Jim Beloff, producer of the new collection on Rhino Records, Legends of Ukulele.
Aloha School
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NPR, Morning Edition, April 16, 2002 - The principal of a grade school in Newport Beach, California, has introduced a uniform that she calls "Aloha-wear." It's a short-sleeved shirt with bold white hibiscus flowers against a red or blue background. Principal Denise Knutsen says three-quarters of the students at Newport Elementary wear the shirts, even though they're not mandatory.
Aloha Cops
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NPR, Weekend Edition Sunday, July 22, 2001 - In a small California beach town, the police department's big kahuna changed the uniforms to the more relaxed Hawaiian shirts. From member station KQED in San Francisco, Carrie Kahn reports that some cops would rather not hang loose while on duty.
