Tiki Oasis 6 in San Diego May 4th-7th

Less than a week to go...can you feel the excitement in the air? That's the mana of Tiki Oasis 6. Which is coming up next week. I am soooo looking forward to this event. There is gonna be good friends to see again and new ones to meet. Excellent music by the Sand Devils, The Martini Kings, Ape, King Kukulele and more! There will also be an Ukulele Jam led by my good buddy Iuka Grogg from The Mai Kai Gents, beautiful burlesque dancers, a magic show by James Dimmare, Two days of shoppin' at the Tiki Market Place and more fun then words can explain. Check out the The Tiki Oasis Website to see everything that is going to be poppin' off. If you haven't done so yet ya better get your tickets and get on down to the Hanalei Hotel and get set to get your Tiki on! If you see some dude wearin' a Coconut Wired shirt, say Aloha to him it will be me!

The Forbidden Island

So if you haven't heard yet the Forbidden Island in Alameda opened this last weekend and it was unbelievable! I went over for the Tiki Central pre-party to meet up with some old friends and meet some new ones and was completely blown away by what was waiting for us there. A broke da mouth buffet of authentic Hawaiian fare, Hula dancers from the local Halau, and tasty drink specials. This tiki bar, on the tiny island of Alameda, sets the standard for what a tropical waterin' hole should look, sound and taste like. With an impressive drink menu, that includes Kick the Reverb's "Comb Over" and Monkey Man's "Monkey Pod." Here is what the tiki nation is saying about The Forbidden Island:

"Pictures can't convey the best part about Forbidden Island -- the astounding drinks. The quality and variety is simply stupendous."
...Humuhumu


"Forbidden Island is a class A type flagship of what a Tiki bar should be. You would be foolish not to pay this place a visit."
...Unga Bunga


"Finally there is a new tiki bar that does everything perfectly, as I would like to believe it was like going to Don the Beachcomber's in the past. Other new tiki bars have opened (and closed) that have great decor, good drinks, and nice atmosphere. But never to the extent that Martiki, Mike, and Mano have done with Forbidden Island."
...The Jab


"This is by far the coolest tikibar i have ever been to! the decor totally blew me away. especially when you realize that these guys and gals only had 6 weeks to complete it! all the little details make FI soooo cozy and inviting!"
...The Drunken Hat


"What makes me happiest of all is that this lounge can clearly succeed EQUALLY with vintage tiki bar lovers, serious drinkin' folk and the public at large."
...Tiki Vixen


I must say that Forbidden Island is the hippest and most beautiful establishment on the Island. Based on very positive feedback from patrons, I expect that it's presence is much appreciated. There's nothing like it on the island -- or elsewhere for that matter.
...Coco Loco


"Zazz"
...Mr Smiley

If you happen to find yourself anywhere in the vicinity of the San Francicso bay area you have got to stop in and experience the enchanted magic that Martiki, Conga Mike, his Brother Mano, Bamboo Ben and their family and friends have created.


Photo compliments of the lovely Humuhumu. See her blog for even more info on The Forbidden Island and the Ohana Hut

And if that wasn't enough, Stuckie brought the first Ohana Hut to come out of the kiln. The prototype was a hit and Hanford, Stuckie and myself got too christen it at the forbidden Island with a mystery drink. Very Stoked!! They should be going into production very soon after Stuckie makes a few slight modifications to the mold. Unga Bunga, Stuckie and I all drove up to Alameda together and so I had the oppurtunity to talk with Stuckie about quite a few different things. The guys is cool and an artistic powerhouse whos talents go far beyond the world of mug makin' Definately check out his handiwork at mug makin and web design and flash programming at the Munktiki web site he created.

Let's Go SpaceWalking

And yet another cool video on You Tube. This one features the music of The California Del Reys. I am trying to dig up more info on those dudes. There sound is far out and puts me into orbit!

Twang Ten Cowboys Video

I came across this video of the Twang Ten Cowboys on You Tube and thought I would give it a share. The drummer Stretch is a local friend of mine who was also the drummer for the now defunct Submersians. Big Wave Dave the bassist also played locally in the band The Tube Sharks. Here is the info take from Nicscratch's post on You Tube.


This band was a side project for THE WEST COAST ROLLERS guitar player Ron Jr. He teamed up with local surf drummer Stretch and bass player Big Wave Dave - they had only practiced once before they played this gig at a coffee house in Santa Cruz, California.

Rapa Nui Travelogue

This in from my good friend Tiki Chris. Chris is the author of the Kamapua'a series that I illustrated, did the page layout and put together. Emilia, Chris's wife, took some amazing pictures when they were visiting Easter Island last year. I am really excited to see what they have put together. Here is a description of thier project from Tiki Chris himself:

The blog is a humble attempt to keep abreast of the news pertaining to one of the world's most fascinating places - Rapa Nui. I hope to present current news about the island, its people, and its culture in such a way as to allow readers to determine their positions for themselves. Of course, comments and opinions pertaining to Rapa Nui from readers are certainly welcome and even encouraged.

Recently, I fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Rapa Nui, an adventure chronicled in a 22-page travelogue, The Law of the Island: A Rapa Nui Travelogue. More about The Law of the Island can be found at http://www.weplanyourtrip.com/law.html.

By no means do I see myself as an expert on all things Rapanui neither do purport to represent the views of anyone, let alone those of the Rapanui people. With that said, I certainly welcome any suggestions and leads from others interested in staying up-to-date on Rapa Nui happenings.

I've already posted a few pieces - about the plans to build a casino on the island and about the moai that is to be returned to the island from buenos aires.

Maururu!
Tiki Chris

Surfin' Sunday Concert Series in Huntington Beach

Here is the schedule for the 2006 concert series at the Huntington Peir. I am going to try and get down south for at least one of these shows. Looks like another awesome slew of shows and in my humble opinion the number one reason why Huntington Beach deserves the title of Surf City. I pulled this info off of Stockteam.com Take a look at this impressive list of bands that will be playin'

International Surfing Museum 2006 Concerts 411 Olive St. 714-960-3483 The popular concerts in the Museum parking lot are coming back for a 5th season. Over 100 different bands from all over Southern California and the world have performed for the Museum. The concerts feature the original 1st wave 60's era bands to the 2nd wave bands from the 70's and 80's to the current 3rd wave bands. The concerts are two Sundays per month from April to October in the Museum parking lot. Occasionally, the concert series moves to the Pier Plaza Amphitheater.

SURFIN SUNDAYS SUMMER CONCERT SERIES 2006
Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Location: 411 Olive Ave HB 92648 Corner of Olive & 5th
Pier Plaza Amphitheater. Location: 315 Pacific Coast Hwy Huntington Beach North side of the pier
Check our website events section for the latest information Surfingmuseum.org


APRIL 2, 2006 Relics - Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Surfing band The Relics with Dan Looney, Mulu Iakopo, Dan Jette and Joe Winders' surf, rock and blues at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 412 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Call: (714) 960-3483.

April 9, 2006 Band - Surfing band The Neptunes with Tom Walzem with double-necked guitars blazing in from Fresno. at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 412 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Call: (714) 960-3483.

APRIL 23, 2006 Secret Samurai Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Some of the original “Surf Report” band members with a saxophone added. April 23, 2006 Band - Surfing band Secret Samurai which was formed from the disbanded Surf Report from San Diego, plays at the Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum. Time: 1 to 3 p.m. Cost: Free. Location: Huntington Beach International Surfing Museum, 412 Olive Ave., Huntington Beach, CA 92648 Call: (714) 960-3483.

MAY 7, 2006 Pier Plaza Amphitheater. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Deep Sea, The Fabulous Planktones back for their usual high energetic visit.
Surf Kings Step Into Liquid Legends sold out the Coach House in San Juan Capistrano
Flowmasters (Huntington Beach Longboard Club loves these guys).
Surfaris with Jim Fuller, back from their 2nd European tour and hotter than ever.

MAY 21, 2006 Torquays - Museum parking lot Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
We are blessed with one of the Torquays rare appearances

JUNE 4, 2006 Pier Plaza Amphitheater. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Marauders Opened for Dick Dale New Year’s Eve 2005 at the Coach House
Boardwalkers Dan & the boys are back to knock your socks off
Detonators I guarantee you can’t sit still with these guys playing
Insect Surfers Even a 55 gallon drum of Raid can’t stop these insects
The Eliminators Exotic sounds & Bill Swanson on the sax are a sweet combination

JUNE 11, 2006 Museum parking lot..…TBA. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

JUNE 25, 2006 Museum parking lot…..1:00 Pm to 3:00 Pm
Pacific HeadhuntersTwins, a sax & drums are a winning combination for this group
Brian Jay & the Rockin JestersRich Knight’s rockabilly with a surf twist kind of fun

JULY 9, 2006 ReventlosMuseum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Latest Cd “Palace of Sound” pays honorable mention to HBISM & Linda Miller

JULY 16, 2006 Breakaways Museum parking lot….1 to 3 p.m.
Who brought us Gidget, return with their traditional music to delight us all. Gidget’s book is available in our gift shop but she will not be with us this year due to illness.

JULY 23, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Glasgow Tiki Shakers Requested to open for Madeira and are very excited about it
Madeira from Michigan traveled a considerable distance to bless us with their appearance

AUGUST 6, 2006 Pier Plaza Amphitheater. Time: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fabulous Nomads faithfully with us every year since the inception of Surfin Sundays
Pollo Del Mar from San Francisco Zippityduda stoked you’re coming back
CHUM, Dynamite Thanks to Adrien Anthony for bringing us such great new bands
Slacktone Dusty, Dave & Sam take energy to an all-time new level
Outer Wave Always a great favorite, back with more power & grace

AUGUST 13, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Wave Invasion…2006 Orange County Music Award Surf genre nominee

AUGUST 20, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Buddy Dughi Combo a more traditional rockabilly sound than Hot Rod Trio

AUGUST 27, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
The Sound Waves 2005 Warner Grand Theater Battle of the Bands Recipient

SEPTEMBER 3, 2006 TBA………..Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 10, 2006 TBA…………...Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.

SEPTEMBER 17, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Duotones Gil Orr & Paul Johnson Jam session returns with all new surprises

SEPTEMBER 24, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Goofyfoots It’s always nice to have their great sounds with a flare all their own.

OCTOBER 1, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Reckless Reefers brand new group referred from Jeff bigtikidude that looks quite promising

OCTOBER 8, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
“Art of Surf Drumming” Dvd release party…Bob Colwell produced this DVD we’ve all been waiting for this past year….Tentative subject to change…

OCTOBER 15, 2006 Museum parking lot. Time: 1 to 3 p.m.
Verbtones from Oregon…with Kyle Alaniz comes to us thru Jeff bigtikidude Hanson

Get Well Soon Shirley!

Unfortunate news for the Ukulele Community. A few weeks ago Shirley Orlando who is an ukulele playin' extraordinaire and one of the driving forces of Uke For Troops was in a pretty bad car wreck. This info is off of Jim Beloff"s website Fleamarket Music.com. Shirley was in a bad auto wreck. Broken ribs, punctured lung. She'll be okay but is in sore shape. The bottom line is she was hit while going thru' a green light by a "big car" running a red light.....plowed right into her side. She had to be pried out. As noted above at least a couple broken ribs and punctured lung. At first someone thought she had a broken hand but it's more like jammed or strained. She's in good spirits. Send your get well cards to Shirley's shop
The Island Baazar
582 Gothard Street, Suite R
Huntington "Surf City" Beach, CA 92647

Also, Braddah Piko did an interview with Shirley on his podcast The Hawaiian Concert Guide about Uke For Troops. Go to Piko's site and do a search for Ukes For Troops to give it a listen.

Coconut Wired Adventure #2 Uploaded

Co•co•nut wi•re n. The communication of native island people by using the word of mouth telegraph system. 2.) Chongolio’s pirate podcast.
Co•co•nut wi•red adj. The act of being tuned into the Lost-Isle’s phantom frequency and filling your senses with Sonic Surf, Tropical Tunes and Exotic Ambiance brought to you from Chongolio and his far-out Freinds.

Ok...If you haven't heard yet Moki has uploaded the second episode of Coconut Wired. This time Monkeypod and I are podcastin' from the lagoon while the crew of trained monkeys retrieve the rest of our supplies from the Liki Tiki. This episode features the music of Tiki King and the Idol Pleasures, Kelp, The Cadillac Angels, Ape and whole lot more! So kick up your heels and get ready to have your ear holes filled with some KILLAH tunes and your eyes treated to the artwork of Noah Snodgrass & Shawn Dickinson from Untamed Highway and the knock out art of Sam Gambino If you like what you see and hear be sure to help support the bands and artists by picking up their CDs and artwork. You can also help too keep the adventures going by purchasing any of the Chongolian Swag I have available at Chongolio's Tiki Surf Shack or on ebay at the The Lost-Isle Trading Post. Don't be shy too write me with your comments, suggestions and feedback on the show.

Are you in a surf, exotica or Ukulele or tropically inspired band? Let me know and I will try to get you into an upcoming episode.