Tiki Links
Aloha Tiki Friends. Sunshine and the ZTL crew have put together a list of some of their favorite web hot spots. Some of these are great resources for anything from music to finding that perfect tropical pottery for your bromeliad. Podcasts, Tikirific info and resources, books and plenty of “other.” None of these sites actually sponsor our program so remember to check things out before going crazy and dropping your whole paycheck on kitchy Tiki stuff. If you have any questions about any of our links just send us an email and we will give you as much info as we have.
Our Favorite Podcasts
Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en: Kelly and her friends take a podcast to a place we dare not go. Video! Each show brings you a new video cast that helps solve those social dilemmas such as awkward party guests, emergency preparedness, appetizer recipes that are sure to please, surviving the holidays, and so much more.
Exotic Tiki Island: Tiki Brian had an exotica LP collection he just couldn’t keep to himself. Luckily for all of us he sends out a thematic podcast choc full of exotic tunes set to stories of mermaids, pirates, waterfalls and all those exotic places we all dream of while a work.
Behind the bar show: Mr. Martini schools you on almost every kind of booze out there.
CocktailNation Podcast: Koop Kooper serves up the greatest sounds in Lounge, Exotica, Space Age Pop and plenty of interviews with artists and other great folks from the world of the exotic.
The Quiet Village: Digitiki helps introduce all of us to the exotica we just don’t know the name of. Eventually Digitiki plays one of those songs you always wanted but just didn’t know the artist or group. Great interviews with classic and contemporary tiki all stars.
Let’s Tiki: Join Damon in his basement tiki bar for cocktail tips and a how to for many great cocktails. Let’s Tiki gives you a glimpse into the world of another great home tiki bar.
Tiki Bar TV: This Vidcast is full of cocktails and hijinks. Each episode is kitschy and kool. Too bad they aren’t filming now. :(
Cocktail Buzz: the name says it all
The Living Zen Podcast: not too zen, not too little zen, just right.
Our Favorite Tiki Resources
Konakai.com: Possibly the best one stop shop for all the info you need about tiki and the world of the exotic. If you can’t find a link to what you are looking for it probably doesn’t exist.
Tiki Central: Simply the best blog resource for tiki and mod culture. Sometimes Sunshine even posts messages on Tiki Drinks and Food. And, follow the Zen Tiki Lounge blog thread under “General Tiki” for a brief history of everything ZTL. Post replies, comments, ask questions.
Beachbum Berry: Everyones favorite umbrella drink mixologist. The Bum carefully and painstakingly researches the lost cocktail recipes of the past so you don’t have to. He has authored several oustanding books including “Grog Log” and “Sippin Safari.” He is also a pretty cool dude. If you have the chance to see him at a cocktail symposium don’t miss the opportunity.
Ooga-Mooga: Need to know what your old tiki mug is selling for? Want to find a rare gem? Or just share your mug collection with others. A great resource.
Critiki: Over 700 tiki bars, Polynesian restaurants and other sites of interest
to the midcentury Polynesian Pop enthusiast.
Our Favorite Tiki Events
Tiki Oasis: The biggest of the tiki weekenders. Each August in sunny San Diego, California. This is the one event you are sure to see Sunshine, Pumpkin, Starshine and Kalani. Be sure to visit our room crawl and try one of our very own cocktail concoctions.
The Hukilau: Fort Lauderdale, Florida serves up the most intimate tiki gathering. Plenty of music, cocktails and excursions. Be sure to visit the world famous Mai Kai for the best in polynesian drinks and entertainment.
Ohana Luau at the Lake: Visit beautiful Lake George, NY in the Adirondacks. If you ever wanted to experience the old time kitsch of a true tiki motor lodge, this is the place. Step back in time and enjoy a great weekend with other tikiphiles.
Tiki-Caliente: Probably the hottest of the tiki weekenders, this yearly event takes place in scorching Palm Springs each year. Be sure to bring plenty o’ sun block so you can enjoy the pool, cocktails, exotica and good times of Tiki-Caliente. We can speak from personal experience, this is a smaller event but in no way less to do. Get to know your fellow tikiphiles in the true mod style of Palm Springs, California.
