Tiki Central / Other Events / The Hukilau 2012 Official Thread & Announcement!
Post #617223 by Hurricane Hayward on Tue, Dec 13, 2011 9:52 AM
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Tue, Dec 13, 2011 9:52 AM
The Hukilau moves to April in 2012, launches new website Organizers of the largest annual celebration of Tiki culture on the East Coast went straight to the event's loyal following when it came time to plan the 2012 event. The result? An earlier date and other exciting changes that have just been announced on the event's totally redesigned website, TheHukilau.com. The Hukilau, which spent the past five years in early June, now moves to April 19-22 as the result of a poll of its Facebook fans. The earlier date promises milder weather and more separation from the other major summer events. Activities will again be centered around two beachside hotels plus the legendary Mai-Kai restaurant, which is celebrating its 55th anniversary this month. But months of feedback from Hukilau fans resulted in several changes: More events at The Mai-Kai, a more budget-friendly hotel, and a more laid-back schedule with time to enjoy the company of friends and South Florida's abundant beaches and beauty. One thing that hasn't changed, however, is The Hukilau's commitment to high-caliber entertainment and educational symposiums. Among the 2012 highlights are: Nashville surf/spy/space supergroup The Martian Denny Orchestra; a symposium on the mysterious Zombie cocktail by influential mixologist and author Jeff "Beachbum" Berry; a hands-on symposium by tattoo artist and historian Paul Roe; and several performances by acclaimed burlesque star Angie Pontani. Here's an overview of this magical Polynesian weekend in America's Vacationland:
TICKETS AND SCHEDULE Prices range from $25 for Thursday night only to $150 for an all-access pass that gives you entry to all four days of events, including the symposiums. Other options are a Friday-Saturday pass for $55, and a Thursday-to-Saturday pass for $85 (not including symposiums). Tickets for the Friday Main Event at the Bahia Cabana are $27, and symposium prices range from $15 for "Ta-ta-u - The Mark of Civilization" to $35 for "Revenge of the Zombie."
THE PERFORMERS
SYMPOSIUMS AND SPECIAL EVENTS
THE MAI-KAI Due to popular demand, more activities will be centered at the landmark Polynesian palace, including symposiums, happy hours and late-night parties. This is in addition to the event's centerpiece, the Saturday night main event featuring live bands all night long and two dinner shows starring The Mai-Kai's vintage South Seas stage show.
TIKI TREASURES BAZAAR Vendors from around the world will be on hand selling exotic art and retro merchandise. Space is limited to 32 vendors, so early reservations are encouraged.
OFFICIAL MERCHANDISE The Hukilau 2012 event mug is being designed and produced by Tiki Diablo, aka Danny Gallardo, a Los Angeles-based artist and carver. Special glassware is being designed by Mookie Sato, an illustrator and graphic designer from Japan. Also in the works: T-shirts, pendants, and more. LODGING The Best Western Oceanside Inn, just steps away from Fort Lauderdale Beach, is the new host hotel. It will be the site of the Tiki Treasures Bazaar, daily activities and some of the evening celebrations. Just across Highway A1A is the Bahia Cabana Beach Resort, home to Hukilau activities for the past eight years. It will also host some day and evening events.
HUKILAU HISTORY A Hukilau is a traditional Hawaiian festival at which a large net is cast into the sea so the villagers can pull the catch to shore. The feast that follows signifies the spirit of family and community, or 'ohana. This mainland Hukilau is a metaphorical net thrown out to the entire world, bringing lovers of Polynesian Pop and Tiki culture together for a very special celebration. After debuting in 2002 in Atlanta, The Hukilau found its natural home at The Mai-Kai and Fort Lauderdale's beachside hotels. The event was held in June in 2003, but moved to September in 2004. After being battered by Hurricane Jeanne, The Hukilau was switched to October in 2005 and 2006. In 2007, it moved back to June, where it remained through 2011. For the 11th straight year, The Hukilau is being organized and produced by co-creator and co-founder Christie "Tiki Kiliki" White. The many performers and artists who have contributed their talents to The Hukilau include: Los Straitjackets, The Neanderthals, The Sweet Hollywaiians, The Woogles, Yma Sumac, Robert Drasnin, Tikiyaki Orchestra, Martini Kings, Waitiki, Laramie Dean, The Crazed Mugs, Haole Kats, The Disasternauts, The Exotics, Grinder Nova, The Fisherman, Josh Agle (aka Shag), Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, Bosko, and Sven Kirsten.
CONTACTS
Official websites |