Post #230961 by Monkeyman on Mon, May 8, 2006 11:36 AM

I think the Oasis in San Diego was a true success.

The Friday night venue behind the Bali Hai and right on the WATER with the San Diego skyline in the distance was really cool. It was especially nice to have a venue that could actually make GOOD drinks. I think more than a few folks realized the potency of the Bali Hai Mai Tai. I recall a number of people that night in sad shape. One was passed out under a table behind the stage. Another was um...(how do you say "going commando" for a female?) expressing lots of freedom in her dancing that night.

The Sand Devils were an awesome high energy addition to an event with historically mild entertainers (Ape is the exception). When that super loud guttural reverb guitar started the crowd just lit up !!! Not even the woo hoos from the crowd could be heard over the driving guitar.

Although I'm not usually a fan of the Burlesque stuff the Friday night performance to the Disneyland Tiki Room music was very appropriate and the music ends with a perfect climax for that style of performance.

The vending area finally had the breathing space it so desperately needed when compared with the limited area in the Caliente Tropics lanai. You could actually walk from vendor to vendor and SEE the product they were vending. The cloud cover kept the vendors from getting cooked in the sun.

I was skeptical of the Tent style venue at the Hanalei but honestly when the stage decor was complete and Onatikis KILLER lamps were turned on it actually was pretty cool. In the end WE are the decor in all of our vintage wardrobe splendor.

The tent also secluded us from other hotel guests (think wedding reception) and kept the temperature stable for the scantily clad ladies and sandal wearing men.

The room parties were really off the hook this year even though they were shut down early at night, there were plenty of daytime parties. Maybe the Hanalei can work on getting ALL of us in the same building so we don't bother other guests.

Cult of the EYE!!! Damn that was a room party. A huge room, a wrap around bar and cool custom decor and drink dispensers.

Apes performances were tight and energetic as always and the Mai Kai gents with a big sound system were terrific.

Major pluses of the Hanalei is that they had a solid bar in the hotel and 3 restaurants to choose from (unlike Caliente where you were eating Mexican food or leaving).

Big props to all of the volunteers and especially to Matt Reese who seemed to be bustin his ass and on the go the entire time. Hauling around amps long after the performances were done and the people were gone. Give dat boy a raise! Ona Tikis lamps were a major plus to the venue giving us some eye candy up high in the tent. I know personally that he really busted his butt getting all those huge lamps made. Nice job all.

I would say its a success and all should pat each other on the back.

2007.....

PS- I got 4 hours of solid video but no photographs. Who has some pics to post?

[ Edited by: Monkeyman 2006-05-08 11:39 ]

[ Edited by: monkeyman 2006-05-08 12:17 ]