Post #586299 by little lost tiki on Sun, Apr 24, 2011 2:42 AM

On 2011-04-24 00:58, GROG wrote:
Sure, there may have been more Tiki bars and restaurants in the first Tiki movement, but this time around we have so much more. We have a message forum which basically created a Tiki community; several books about Tiki and Tiki mugs; a Tiki magazine; new bars and some old bars and restaurants that have survived from the first round that are enjoying a newly revitalized popularity; people mixing and creating drinks specifically for Tiki enthusiasts without the stigma of the drinks being "girly drinks"; musicians creating and performing music specifically for Tiki enthusiasts; media such as cartoons like Sponge Bob that contain Tiki imagery; podcasts of exotica; Tiki Bar TV on the internet; a multitude of artists specifically creating Tiki art and art galleries featuring their art; mug makers specifically making Tiki mugs and collectors who collect them; a number of large events that celebrate Tiki with bands, Tiki art vendors, musicians, room crawls, and event mugs; talented and skilled artists building and creating new Tiki bars; and plenty of home bars. Plus,now Tiki is in so many other countries besides America. You can go to Tiki bars in Europe, Asia, Norway, Australia, etc. Some Tiki bars/restaurants may be closing, but others are opening. No devolution here. We're riding a wave that hasn't crested.

Great points Ernie!
I think any sign of Devolution is in where the mainstream folks cash in on trends and create products for the masses that don't quite "get it"...I think of these big box store chains as false ambassadors to our Paradise.
and yet...
Mainstream is a double-edged sword.....it makes cheesey items for Pic-n-Save and Big Lots,but it also expands the numbers of people who have been attracted to Poly-pop and Tiki,but hadn't known where to find it....
Of course,with any expanding "fan base",there will be the gems
those inspired,gifted folks who truly contribute to the scene
and of course,
the others,
who are just here for the party,be it Tiki or Pirate or Zombie or whatever theme an event celebrates.
I imagine both are valid in some sense
but it's those new carvers,artists,mixologists,and musicians who gives us true tiki soldiers
that joy and happiness!
Thank heaven there's communities like these and guidebooks like Sven's literary and visual historical tomes
to educate all of us,oldies and newbies,properly...
What a great thread!
except that spam on the last page....
:)