Bobble Tiki loves him some fire. If that makes Bobble Tiki a pyromaniac, so be it. Fire is in Bobble Tiki’s blood and always will be.

If you think about the situation, it makes sense. Bobble Tiki comes from the islands, where things on fire are part of the culture. Whether it was molten hot magma from an erupting volcano or a performance by a Hawaiian fire dancer, Bobble Tiki grew up around flames.

For this and many other reasons, Bobble Tiki is a big fan of Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s. Bobble Tiki first saw Seattle’s famous rockabilly and jump blues band years ago — when Bobble Tiki had more hair and less liver damage. The music of the Dusty 45s left Bobble Tiki smiling. The fire made Bobble Tiki a lifelong fan.

What fire, you ask?

Not only has this band perfected the art of rockabilly blues, enough so to make the artists of the ’50s and ’60s proud, but frontman Billy Joe Huels has a pyrotechnic side that Bobble Tiki can relate to. At the climax of nearly every Dusty 45s performance, Huels defies (if not death) good reason, and lights his trumpet on fire — while playing. How does something metallic catch fire? You’ll have to check them out this week at Jazzbones to find out.

The Dusty 45s started in Seattle in 1997, and there’s a reason this band of Buddy Holly style rockers has survived. It’s because they’re good … and, at least according to Bobble Tiki, because they’re not afraid of a little conflagration. Bobble Tiki caught up with Huels this week to pick the horn-rimmed rocker’s brain.

BOBBLE TIKI: The first time Bobble Tiki saw the Dusty 45s Bobble Tiki doesn’t remember it being “Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s.” It was just “the Dusty 45s.” Has there been a name alteration or is Bobble Tiki just forgetful?

BILLY JOE HUELS: After 10 years as the leader and songwriter of the Dusty 45s, I was ready to put my name up front.

TIKI: You guys released a live recording in 2007, appropriately titled Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s Live. Is it challenging to capture what the Dusty 45s do live on CD?

HUELS: We are very happy with the new live CD, and the reaction from fans has been great. It can be challenging to capture the energy from our live show, but this recording was a live show. We just made sure it wasn’t over produced.

TIKI: The band has been around for more than 10 years now. What keeps it fresh and interesting?

HUELS: Song writing. I’m influenced by all styles of American Roots music — rock, honky tonk, surf, and blues — not just rockabilly, and those boundaries are just the right balance for me. Also, we are amazed to see new fans at every show.

TIKI: Why did you fall in love with Americana? In your opinion, how healthy is the Seattle/Tacoma Americana scene?

HUELS: When I started writing music, I found that most pop music I liked was derived from American Roots (Americana). As a singer/songwriter and trumpet player, I have always been inspired by many early artists such as Louie Armstrong and Buddy Holly. As far as the Americana scene, we are doing fine, however, it seems like indie-rock is king in the Northwest.

TIKI: Have you ever gotten in trouble lighting that trumpet on fire?

HUELS: After the Great White incident, we opened for John Doe in Denver. The club owner almost had a heart attack, but I can assure you that this stunt has been approved by the Seattle Fire Department and the U.S. Secret Service.

TIKI: What’s next for the band? How will you spend 2008?

HUELS: It’s happening fast. We go into the studio next month to record a full-length CD featuring all new original songs. The release will be in May or June, and we plan to promote the CD with U.S. and possibly a European tour in the fall.

TIKI: What can people expect out of the show at Jazzbones? What are your impressions of Tacoma, and how have you been treated when playing here?

HUELS: The show at Jazzbones will rock. We love Tacoma and are excited to make our return after almost three years.

As usual, Bobble Tiki really doesn’t give a rat’s ass what you do this week because he doesn’t even know you. Unless you’re as big of a fan as Bobble Tiki is of lighting stuff on fire, he probably doesn’t want to meet you. Too bad they don’t ask that question on eHarmony. Join Bobble Tiki for breakfast Monday through Saturday at www.weeklyvolcanospew.com, and consider yourself lucky to have received an invite. It’s as close as you’re going to get. 

[Jazzbones, Billy Joe and the Dusty 45s, Family Jones Fortune, 9 p.m., $10, 2803 Sixth Ave., Tacoma, 253.396.9169]

Bobble Tiki is going out of his head via e-mail.