Post #249126 by WooHooWahine on Tue, Aug 15, 2006 5:00 PM

JOHNNY SUEDE SUGGESTS
Buenos Dias Bitches! ...
Johnny Suede

August is here and let the party begin! This month I thought I would first give the floor to the Holden Westland, the distinguished gentleman from Catalina Island and let him tell you all about the First Annual Tiki Festival to be held- Aww fuck it- I’ll let him tell you all about it!

First Annual Catalina Tiki Fest

The allure and the cultural richness of the Hawaiian Islands are making its way to Southern California this year. Should you wish to appreciate all that the Hawaiian Islands have to offer, you can experience it all right here in our own backyard at the First Annual Catalina Tiki Fest.

Held at Descanso Beach in Avalon on beautiful Catalina Island 22 miles off the coast of Southern California, the Catalina Tiki Fest boasts a traditional Pacific Rim style Luau with over 50 dancers, cultural vendors such Maori face painters, lei makers, Bora Bora fire jugglers, Tiki carvers, Tiki artisans, Tiki Bands and much more.

Highlighting the event is Gregg DeCastro & the All Nations Band and the Westwind Luau Explosion. The Westwind Luau Explosion is one of the finest Halau’s (Hawaiian Hula Dance Troup) in the entire continental United States. Their traditional Hula dances span the entire chain of Pacific Rim Islands and feature the traditional costumes of all of the Islander nations represented.

The music is indicative of the modern day heavily resurgent Tiki movement. "Tiki" music is a combination of Hawaiian Style, Exotica, Surf, Ukulele and Lounge with a little bit of modern edge thrown in. The headlining act is a band called "Ape". Crazy Al, a notorious character in the Tiki movement, fronts 'Ape'. Arguably, no modern day entertainer looks more like the Captain Morgan pirate than Crazy Al. While crooning out the lyrics, Crazy Al carves a full sized Tiki statue on stage… in rhythm! Ape’s style starts off old-time Hawaiian meets modern Hawaiian (with a touch of a punk rock edge) and then transitions into a VooDooesque, mysterious pulse pounding frenzy.

Also playing the event is King Kukulele & the Friki Tikis. Denny Moynahan (aka: King Kukulele) is the voice of modern day Tiki and will be emceeing the weekend long event. Moynahan’s Vaudevillian style performance and impromptu and off the cuff antics have enchanted crowds for years at Tiki events past.

Also playing the event are the Dynotones and the Martini Kings. The Dynotones bring the high-powered Surf genre to the stage and the Martini Kings add an Exotica top-off to this culturally packed weekend. In between the musical acts, local L.A. based "DJ Lee" will be spinning all of the aforementioned styles of music. DJ Lee is L.A’s most well known spinner of "Tiki".

Tiki artisans from all over the globe will also be in attendance at the event, vending their unique handcrafts on both Saturday and Sunday. Tropical décor and fashion, unique carvings, Tiki mugs, Polynesian jewelry, oil paintings and prints are just some of what will be found. The weekend presents a unique opportunity for its guests to purchase some of today’s hottest and most unique fashion and décor items.

Along with a complete Luau experience, what sets the Catalina Tiki Fest apart from other Tiki events is an abundance of cultural vendors. The event will include Maori face painters, Bora Bora Drumers, Keiki (Hawaiian for "kid") Hula lessons, Ukulele lessons, and Shaved Ice and Polynesian fire jugglers. There will also be 2 fully stocked VooDoo Rum sponsored Tiki bars on the grounds at Descanso Beach.

Raffle Tickets will be sold during vending hours for a 5-day, 4-night stays at both the Royal Kona Resort and the Royal Lahaina Resorts (including complimentary dinner for 2 at their recently re-opened "Don the Beachcomber" Restaurants; airfare not included) as well as for a Fender Acoustic Guitar and a Gretsch Acoustic Guitar. Fender & Gretsch will be on site debuting their brand new line of Ukuleles and other corporate vendors in attendance will be Quiksilver Edition, Mountain Apple (featuring the largest offering of Hawaiian cd’s in the world) and Don the Beachcomber Restaurants