I've always been fascinated and drawn to everything tiki. It might be a bit kitschy and nostalgic, but you cannot deny that tiki culture and style is very retro-cool. Even the word - tiki - is cool. It's all about the vibe - colorful drinks, clothing, and tiki decor harping back to exotic South Pacific islands. Throw in some mondo classic lounge music from Martin Denny or Esquivel and you can understand why this disappearing post-World War II phenomenon continues to draw followers seeking something lively from the past to draw upon.
But tiki culture has been finding a re-birth, as evidenced by the Tiki Oasis, a one-of-a-kind event of its kind on the West Coast. Tiki Oasis takes place Aug. 18-21, 2011, at the Crown Plaza Hotel in Mission Valley. Those of you who remember, the host hotel is the former Hanalei Hotel, home to one of the outstanding tiki lounges anywhere. In fact, San Diego is one of the last remaining places where you can see original tiki decor and architecture anywhere: along with the Crown Plaza, the Bali Hai, the Catamaran, and lots of other places in the Shelter Island and Point Loma area.
This year's Tiki Oasis theme is "South of the Border: A Retro Style Tiki Party." In addition to the Mexican/Tiki theme of food, drink and music, there's the Tiki Oasis Art Show, "Burros, Black Velvets and Other Delights"(think velvet Elvis paintings), as well as a first-ever Sunday night event. But Tiki Oasis is more than an event - it's a lifestyle and experience to those who revel in the tiki culture.
Tiki Oasis is the largest and longest running Tiki Event on planet earth. A family produced event by Otto and Baby Doe von Stroheim of Tiki News Magazine the Tiki Oasis is the tiki community's annual reunion. Guests have the opportunity to honor historic sites and celebrate all aspects of Tiki Style with entertainment, symposiums, tours, and lots of performances. And don't forget the exotic drinks in all their fruity, flaming, colorful glory. Drinks in coconut or tiki glasses with umbrellas is a sign of coolness at Tiki Oasis.
For more details about 2011 Tiki Oasis, check out the very swanky official website here.
Comments
Aloha! gmp
Aloha…I have been to Tiki Oasis for the past 6 years. I can honestly say that even if you are not a tiki-aholic, the food, music and events that this group puts together – you will be very happy that you made the visit!
Tiki Oasis has become to many the most anticipated and enjoyed event of the year. Almost every pop subculture currently in existence happily intersects at this event to enjoy all the aspects of tiki, Polynesian pop and retro culture. In particular, the reverb-drenched sound of instrumental surf guitar rock as well as the velvety sounds of vibes oriented exotica music lay down the soundtrack to this event. It returns in 2011, don’t miss it!