Post #3534 by Swanky on Wed, Jul 10, 2002 9:39 AM

First, I think Hala Kahiki in Chicago is packed very regularly. they play ONLY the slow quiet Hawaiian music. So that blows out a whole lot of notions.

Second, it is absolutely appropriate to expect a certain music with a certain decor. We do it all the time, from beer bars to jazz clubs. There is an awesomely decorated club in Atlanta called the Leopard Lounge. They play awful music and we don't go there. The decor is not enough to overcome the music.

Third, I mix a lot of different Exotica together and it's not stuff to sleep by. It doesn't have to be. Hawaiian music tends to be very slow. But Tahitian music is usually fast. There is faster, more uptempo AND authentic music to be played. And there is also semi-authentic music. That is, if we are talking about Poly-Pop, that means it can be any performer of the 40s-60s doing tunes from the islands or inspired by that. I put mambo in there. I put lots of stuff in there. Perez Prado. 'nuf said.

Third, summation. It can be done right and work and be profitable. Hala Kahiki doesn't even serve beer. Do they serve meals? I can't recall, but I don't think they have the restaurant to fall back on. Some "tiki" establishments get by as a "fancy" or "romantic" restaurant and bar. Taboo Cove could go with their decor and theme and up the tempo of the music and still make people like us happy to be there, excited to go and packed with "normal/regular" people.

Come to Atlanta July 20th to hear the sort of mix I would suggest. From Esquivel's Mucho Muchacha to Alfred Apaka's Maupuana. And, for that matter, if Monday is traditionally slow, make it Vintage Exotica night. Or make Happy Hour laid back exotica. There are options. Throw us a bone.