TIP-OFF
The exotic lounge tunes of Don Tiki

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Editor

"The Forbidden World of Don Tiki," showcasing updated exotica sounds by the Don Tiki combo, will be presented at 9 and 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at the Hawaiian Hut, Ala Moana Hotel.

Don Tiki is a collaboration of musicians who owe their sound to pioneers Martin Denny and the late Arthur Lyman. They have expansive experience ranging from jazz fusion to world beat, and individual credits range from the Honolulu Symphony Orchestra to dubious Waikiki showrooms.

The group's music, dubbed "lounge music," is a blend of tropical percussion with bird calls complementing vocals.

A coterie of other musicians and vocals — described as the Tiki Tribe — contribute to add to the party spirit. While specific guest artists have not yet been named, the band is known to involve stellar surprise artists such as Teresa Bright, Jake Shimabukuro, Lopaka Colon and Jimmy Borges.

Tickets, $20, are available at Borders, Tower Records, Cheapo Music and University of Hawai'i Campus Center. Information: 735-4333, taboorecords@yahoo.com, dontiki.com