Exotica 101 with Marty Lush Symposium (Friday 10:30am)

Sales begin March 14th 10am PST

Exotica is the sound of Tiki itself: the quintessential soundtrack to a thatched roof, a strong mai tai, and a dimly lit room that feels somewhere far from the everyday. Like the broader Tiki aesthetic, Exotica is a carefully constructed fantasy—music from a place that never truly existed. It freely blends elements of jazz, Afro-Cuban, Caribbean, Brazilian, East Asian, and Polynesian music, yet fits neatly into none of these categories. The result is a genre that is evocative rather than authentic, suggestive rather than ethnographic.
This symposium will explore the origins and evolution of Exotica, tracing its roots from the early days of sound recording through the work of Martin Denny and beyond. Along the way, we’ll uncover strange and fascinating stories, listen to classic recordings, examine the distinctive instrumentation that defines the genre, and discuss the essential “must-have” records for any serious Exotica collection. Together, we’ll examine how this imaginary music came to be—and why it continues to enchant listeners today.

1 Drink Provided
1 Hour Symposium