Tropical Escape Artists
Join legendary tiki designer Bamboo Ben Bassham and his son Blake for an inside look at creating unforgettable tropical escapes. Over a 30-year career, Ben has completed 68 commercial tropical-inspired projects, earning recognition from the Los Angeles Times as “the foremost Tiki bar designer and builder worldwide.”
From backyard retreats to world-class tiki destinations, this father-and-son team will share the creativity, craftsmanship, and island-inspired design principles behind building immersive tropical experiences.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@bambooben2024
From the Breezeway to the Mighty Mo
From crafting vintage cocktails on Spike's Breezeway Cocktail Hour to fronting the legendary surf-exotica band The Hula Girls, Spike Marble has become one of tiki's most recognizable ambassadors of tropical escapism. Whether he's sharing cocktail traditions, exploring iconic tiki destinations, or bringing island-inspired music to the stage, Spike celebrates the culture, creativity, and adventure that keep the spirit of tiki alive.
Returning to Lei Away for another year of fun and aloha, Spike invites you to raise a
glass, enjoy the journey, and escape to the islands without leaving shore.
Links:
https://www.youtube.com/@BreezewayCocktailHour
https://www.instagram.com/thehulagirls
Postcards from Paradise
With a passport stamped in vintage glamour and tropical adventure, Susana Vestige
creates imagery that transports viewers to a world of swaying palms, exotic cocktails, and island dreams. As the founder of Vestige Photography, she has spent more than two decades blending midcentury style with modern, body-positive storytelling. Specializing in tiki culture, tropical environments, and retro-inspired portraiture, her work transforms every setting into a destination, from iconic tiki bars to private backyard oasis.
Pack your aloha spirit and join Susana as she shares how photography can capture not
just a moment, but the magic of paradise itself.
Links:
https://www.instagram.com/susanavestige
Charting a Course for Paradise
Blending the romance of the South Seas with a passion for hospitality, Captain David Muhlstein and Tiki Dan Choiniere share the stories, flavors, and traditions that make tiki more than a drink; it's a state of mind.
As the creative forces behind the highly-anticipated Dagger Room and Phoenix favorites The Captain's Cabin and Sugar Cane, this dynamic duo has spent years bringing tropical escapism to life through immersive cocktail experiences and world-class hospitality for guests across the country. Drop anchor, raise a glass, and join Captain David and Tiki Dan on a voyage to paradise.
Links:
https://daggerroomphx.com/
https://www.hulasmoderntiki.com
@_captaindavid_
https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidmuhlstein/
@tiki.dan
https://shoutoutarizona.com/meet-dan-choiniere-bartender-hospitality-professional/
A Tropical Storm of Creativity
From hidden tiki hideaways to legendary island-inspired destinations, Tommy “Typhoon Tommy” Allsmiller brings tropical dreams to life through award-winning artistry, craftsmanship, and storytelling. Blending woodworking, carving, lighting, and themed design, his work has transformed homes, restaurants, and iconic destinations, including the legendary Mai-Kai, into unforgettable tropical escapes.
Batten down the hatches and prepare for this typhoon to make landfall and share his
inspiration, techniques, and adventures behind creating immersive tropical experiences.
Drop the Needle and Raise the Sails
A self-described “radio rat” and longtime host of the beloved Retro Cocktail Hour, Darrell Brogdon has spent decades sharing the sounds of exotica, lounge, and tropical escapism with listeners around the world.
Part radio host, part musical explorer, and full-time record collector, Darrell celebrates
the music and midcentury spirit that helped define tiki culture. His passion for vintage vinyl and island-inspired sounds has made him a favorite among cocktail and exotica enthusiasts alike.
Sit back, grab your favorite cocktail, and let Darrell guide you through the soundtrack of
tiki's golden age.