surf

The Swongos – An Instrumental Surf Band From Wisconsin!

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Music

The Swongos are a surf band from the St. Croix River Valley on the Minnesota/Wisconsin border. I’m pretty sure there isn’t too much surfing going on but there but when it comes to Surf music, well that’s a different story! The Swongos play classic surf music with a couple different musical genres throw in for good measure. The Swongos are releasing their first album soon, it’s called Curious Tourist and here’s Tom (The Swongo’s guitarist) to tell you all about it …

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Ukexotic – A One Man Exotica Band From Nova Scotia Canada!

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Music

Mike Diabo has been playing surf music for a long time with his band Urban Surf Kings. (25 Years!) They are the longest running surf band is Canada. Not only can Mike play guitar, he can also play the ukulele. Mike decided to branch out on his own and do some ukulele driven exotica. Playing all the instruments, Mike released his album Ukexotic and it’s incredible! Here is Mike Diabo’s story …

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Punk Rock Tiki Bars and why they are cool with me!

Posted by Ray on in Tiki Lifestyle 2 Comments
Ramones Album and Tiki Mug
Ramones Album and Tiki Mug

When you start getting into Tiki bars you realize quickly that not all Tiki bars are created equal. There are different ways you can go with a Tiki theme. I’m mostly into the traditional Tiki bar. I like Tiki bars that provide an escape and create a mood of relaxation…

Hale Pele from the back view
Hale Pele from the back view

Then there is the punk rock Tiki bar, which creates neither of these things, but that’s not a bad thing!

Ray Pete and Byron at The Lava Lounge Seatle WA
Ray Pete and Byron at The Lava Lounge Seatle WA

So what makes a Tiki bar a punk rock Tiki bar? More importantly, why are they still cool even though they go against everything that makes a traditional Tiki bar so great?

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