Post #316967 by Okolehao on Fri, Jul 6, 2007 9:28 AM

I really appreciate the feedback, guys (gals?). I'm not a hardcore Tiki guy, but I am getting more interested all the time. I'd love to actually know some people thru this forum before I go to Oasis, unlike last year when I went. I was with a group of friends that I brought, but we did feel like we weren't part of 'the fraternity'. None the less, I had so much fun I’m coming back for another year.

I understand better how the location is an important component of having an event. Unfortunately, Monterey County is not known for its mid century Polynesian Pop architecture. There are a few apartment complexes done in the style with faux Tikis, but nothing that most cities don't already have. I used to live in San Diego so I didn't get involved with the Tiki tour at Oasis - I'd seen it all before. What was so much fun for me were the shows. I'm a musician and I've been in both a Surf band and a true Hapa Haole steel guitar band. Because I'm music centric, and I work with booking bands, my impetus to put something together has come from that direction. I know place is important because of the architecture, but isn’t it more a factor of having a warm, pseudo tropical tourist local? I’m not an expert, but as has been said, aren’t there better places to hold an event if architecture was the main appeal?

Another aspect that I know is a good idea is the important inclusion of artists and vendors. Our West End festival is a showcase of our developing ‘artist loft’ arts community. That’s often the reason for an event. I know it just wouldn’t be a real event without them. I actually envision putting an emphasis on the Tiki artists because as much as artists do what they do for the love of their art, they also want to sell things to pay the bills. An early criticism of the planning of Oasis, and this might have changed by now, was the idea of having only ticketed participants getting a day with the vendors. That might be great for some, but if you’re in business it’s not what you want to do. I’m guessing that the vendors subsidize Oasis quite a bit and that is why ticket prices are so reasonable.

The suggestion of having a more inclusive festival is a good idea. We have a very large Hawaiian and Tongan community here and there are some hard core events that already take place. http://www.alohapolynesia.net/board/board_topic/513300/158705.htm Really, with all the great bands in the bay area (Ape has played here on the beach several times and the Mermen/Shi-tones are playing next month at one of our events), the true Polynesians and their very available entertainment, the great exposure artists could get (the locals are rich and throw money around like confetti), and the tourist infrastructure, it seems like something could work here.

But I’m doing a sales pitch now and that’s supposedly not why I’m posting. I really want your input. I know from experience that unless you get support from whatever group is supposed to be served by and event, it won’t work. If it’s something that just won’t work, tell me. I sincerely mean that and won’t take offence if that’s how you feel. But if you think there is something that could work, maybe different from the Hukilau and Oasis model, give me details on how you would envision this happening.