Post #322259 by Pepe le Tiki on Tue, Jul 31, 2007 9:45 AM

I wasn't going to respond but I think I need to 'vent' a little too. I'm sorry that some people were disappointed with the event. I personally agree, some things could have been done differently and probably better. A lot was learned from this experience. It was a nightmarish challenge from beginning to end.

The reality is that alot went on behind the scenes that nearly cancelled this event right up to the week before, mostly because of the Waldorf. Sadly, this place is in decline and may not be around much longer. The closure of the Menehune Room and adjacent bar downstairs days before the event, due to daily inspections by the BC Fire Marshal, are a clear sign of this. This constantly changing playing field created some serious logistical problems for us organizers. We also dealt with the turn-over of three general managers and two main chefs leaving during the organizing, which helps explain the food. (But seriously, was the food & drink ever good there??)

Heritage Vancouver set the price for the event and the entertainment budget. I would have loved to bring in Polynesian Dancers and other entertainment, but their mandate was to raise funds. I will say though, having just returned from Portland's fantastic Tiki Kon 07, that I think the entertainment at Lost Paradise was great and on par with any event that I've attended elsewhere in the past. The entertainers also plugged LP and were really happy to perform in such a great venue.

It wasn't easy putting this together as I have a business to run, it's my livelihood and it demands my time. As a person that loves Tiki and it's culture, I opened a store because I couldn't find any retailers that 'got it' in Vancouver. For the same reason, I helped Heritage Vancouver out with this fundraiser event because no-one ever puts a Tiki event together in Vancouver. Sadly, the Tiki scene here is fragmented at best but I'm very fortunate to have befriended people here that share this love, several who helped out with Lost Paradise just for the passion of Poly-pop.

I'm grateful to everyone that came out for this rare event, I know many of you personally and you're the best!!!
So in hind sight, I think I'll stick to attending events over organizing them and I guess, sadly, that means I'll probably have to leave town.

...but please don't ever ask me; "Why is there never anything 'Tiki' going on in Vancouver?"
Just make it happen! I'll definitely go.