Tiki Central / Other Events / The Official Announcement of The Hukilau 2016
Post #757503 by Hurricane Hayward on Mon, Jan 18, 2016 9:03 PM
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Mon, Jan 18, 2016 9:03 PM
Lots of news to report ...
The Hukilau 2016: Entertainment, music and symposiums announced, full website launches
After 15 years of planning the East Coast’s premiere Tiki weekender, Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White knows a thing or two about giving her guests, affectionately known as “villagers,” what they want. For the 15th anniversary of The Hukilau, scheduled for June 8-12 in Fort Lauderdale, that means assembling the biggest names in the Polynesian Pop revival for an unforgettable experience unlike any other. “Tiki culture is only growing stronger, and we are trying to provide the best show possible for anyone who wants to join us,” Tiki Kiliki said in an interview this week. She said she wants her guests to feel like “they’ve just stepped back in time into an era where Tiki was ever-present.” Tickets went on sale Tuesday for an impressive array of symposiums and experiences that will make the Hyatt Regency Pier 66 and The Mai-Kai restaurant in Fort Lauderdale the epicenter of the 21st century Tiki revival. Special guests and entertainers include some of the scene’s top artists (Shag, Tom Fowner, Will Anders, Jeff Chouinard), cocktail creators (Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Martin Cate, Paul McGee, Brian Miller, St. John Fritzell), bands and musicians (Tikiyaki Orchestra, Jason Lee and the R.I.P. Tides, The Intoxicators, Skinny Jimmy Stingray, The Quiet Villagers, The Disasternauts), entertainers (Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid, Angie Pontani, Kitten de Ville, Lila Starlet), and pop culture historians (Otto von Stroheim, Tim “Swanky” Glazner, Humuhumu, Paul Roe). “The appearance of Shag has really stirred tons of excitement here on the East Coast,” Tiki Kiliki said. “We don’t see him often enough, so that will be a true treat for everyone.”
Sales of 2016 event passes and tickets for special events have been selling at an unprecedented rate after going online in late October, much earlier than in past years. Demand is no doubt driven by the anniversaries and the unique experiences the 2016 event offers. Tiki Kiliki said many things are driving interest this year. Villagers are “excited about celebrating the past and the future with the anniversaries, and Tiki culture is only growing stronger. … Also, Pier 66 has a lot to do with it too. The event grows ever stronger in the right venue.”
Shag’s SkyLounge and the Tiki Tower Takeover - The Hukilau’s two signature events - went on sale in October and are already sold out. Just released Tuesday are tickets for eight special symposiums at Pier 66, plus special events at the nearby Kreepy Tiki Lounge (Thursday’s After Party) and The Wreck Bar at the B Ocean Resort (formerly the iconic Yankee Clipper), home of Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid (MeduSirena). Due to popular demand, Marina and her pod of aquaticats will be performing three special swim shows in the hotel’s pool, visible via large portholes in the soon-to-be expanded historic bar (as seen in Hollywood movies over the decades). Priced at just $15, the shows will each have their own theme and will be for guests of The Hukilau only. To ensure clear views, The Wreck Bar will not be filled beyond capacity. These shows fill up fast, so don’t delay in getting tickets. Wednesday night at 10:30 is Glamour Girl (restricted to ages 18 and older), Thursday afternoon at 2 is Savage Jungle, while Saturday’s 2:30 p.m. show is Polynesian themed. Marina will also perform a “Feature Figure Swim” on Thursday night at 9 at the Pier 66 pool, free to passholders. This year will mark her 10th appearance at The Hukilau.
Another focal point of The Hukilau is providing a wide-ranging lineup of symposiums that give guests a glimpse into the past. “I concentrate on the history of Tiki culture, past and present,” Tiki Kiliki said. “Whether it’s architecture, cocktails, exotica, creating the experience – they have to point someone in the right direction of keeping the culture alive.” Here are the symposiums announced Tuesday (dates and times subject to change):
In addition, two South Florida craftsmen will teach classes to villagers interested in learning the finer points of Tiki art. Join Tom Fowner for “DIY – Make your own Float Lamp Necklace” on Saturday, June 11, at 10 a.m. and create a personal keepsake you can take home. All materials and supplies are covered in the $20 admission fee. Meanwhile, the “DIY – Carving 101” class with Will Anders on Friday, June 10, at 10:30 a.m. will give guests instruction on how to delicately carve a bar of soap – a great first medium for learning the art of Tiki carving. The $20 ticket price includes everything you’ll need to get started. Check out the story from The Atomic Grog for full details: The Hukilau quick links ...
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