That calls for a cocktail

The king of exotica, Martin Denny (center), has died at the age of 94. He studied music in Los Angeles, getting involved with the post-war jazz scene here before taking a gig in Hawaii, which he made his home until he died Wednesday. After rock hit big, Denny's luxurious, loungy, bird-call-peppered instrumental records could be found en masse in thrift store bins, but a '90s rediscovery of Denny, Les Baxter and their ilk has made them a precious commodity. Reissues are plentiful. Denny's music provides the perfect background for a swank cocktail party. Why not raise a toast to him tonight? If you'd rather watch than hoist, can catch a preview of "Shag With A Twist", which opens at the LA Theatre Center March 18. Created by artist Josh Agle (Shag) and Cindy Bradley, the show is apparently a murder mystery set at a Tupperware party and includes dance. And music. Which is sure to be exotically loungy.