Tiki Central / Other Events / The Official Announcement of The Hukilau 2016
Post #760168 by Hurricane Hayward on Fri, Mar 4, 2016 6:56 PM
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Fri, Mar 4, 2016 6:56 PM
From The Atomic Grog .... The Hukilau updates: Raiders of the Lost Tiki Culture symposium, new sponsors, Pier 66 hotel news In honor of The Hukilau’s 15th year and the 60th anniversary of The Mai-Kai, event co-founder/organizer Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White has assembled some of the top names in the Tiki revival for special events and symposiums that promise to educate as well as entertain. On March 3, she announced a first-of-its-kind Tiki event, a groundbreaking gathering of some of the biggest names in the modern revival. Tickets are on sale now for “Raiders of the Lost Tiki Culture”, a freewheeling panel discussion on Saturday, June 11, moderated by yours truly and featuring Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Otto von Stroheim, Humuhumu, Martin Cate, Crazy Al Evans, and Tiki Kiliki herself. The godfather of the Tiki revival, Sven Kirsten, will participate via Skype. “We would not be celebrating today if it weren’t for these people,” Tiki Kiliki said of her colleagues on the panel. It’s just $15 for this very special event, which will follow von Stroheim’s “2001: A Tiki Odyssey” symposium at 1 p.m. in the Panorama Ballroom at the Pier 66 hotel. The “Raiders of the Lost Tiki Culture” panel discussion will be divided into two parts: First, Kirsten, Berry and von Stroheim will discuss the early days and evolution of the revival. Then, they’ll be joined by Humuhumu, Cate, Evans, and Tiki Kiliki to talk about how the revival inspired them to push the boundaries even farther. “I don’t want people to forget how we got here,” Tiki Kiliki said. You’ll hear the stories of how Tiki became a passion for a select few Californians, and how they revived this lost culture for the rest of the world to enjoy. Learn how they did their research and how they found each other, kicking off a new renaissance that continues to this day. The rest of the panel will talk about their discovery of Tiki, and how they approach their own unique experiences. I’ll be quizzing the panelists about their place in the Tiki pantheon, and the audience will also have an opportunity to ask questions. A special cocktail is also included in the price of admission. Those also attending von Stroheim’s symposium will receive priority seating. Buy tickets now: http://thehukilau.com/2016/buy-tickets/ More beverage sponsors on tap Tiki Kiliki has also announced additional sponsors who will be providing tasty product samples to guests throughout The Hukilau. Puerto Rico’s venerable Don Q and the Caribbean rums from Kenny Chesney’s Blue Chair Bay Rum will join the previously announced Flor de Caña (Nicaragua) and the Caribbean spiced navy rum from Sailor Jerry. Sapporo Beer from Japan has also joined the eclectic lineup that also includes Hendrick’s gin, Reyka vodka, and Leyenda del Milagro tequila. More sponsors are being sought, Tiki Kiliki said Pier 66 property expected to sell for $200 million Concerns were raised recently when it was announced that the owner of the Pier 66 hotel and marina has put the prime real estate on the market. The property, which is owned by the Blackstone Group of New York, will not necessarily retain the Hyatt brand and is approved for additional mixed-use development, according to a report in Fort Lauderdale’s Sun-Sentinel. Tiki Kiliki said hotel officials expect the sale to be completed by the time The Hukilau arrives in June, but it won’t affect the event. She has a contract for The Hukilau to stay at the hotel through 2017, she said. The new owner would have the option of signing an agreement with any hospitality company or go independent, according to a story in the Fort Lauderdale Daily. The sale of the iconic 384-room hotel is being handled by real estate and investment firm CBRE Hotels, which expects it to fetch around $200 million, the Sun-Sentinel story said. The market value is $77.5 million, but a “highly competitive environment” is expected to drive up the price, according to a CBRE senior executive.
If a sale is made, the new owner would take over without a brand or management firm, the Sun-Sentinel said. The agreement with Hyatt is due to expire this year. But after talking to her contacts at the hotel, including the general manager, Tiki Kiliki said she isn’t concerned. “I don’t think there’s anything to worry about,” she said. “We should be fine.” The site has been approved for 58 new luxury residential units in two 11-story towers with more than 30,000 square feet of retail and office space, CBRE officials told the Sun-Sentinel. The marina, one of the largest in Florida, is also considered to be a key selling point. The lucrative Fort Lauderdale Boat Show is held nearby at the Bahia Mar resort. But, at least in the short term, it’s Tiki Kiliki’s understanding that the existing facilities will stay in place. “It will stay as a hotel,” she said. The tower’s Pier Top Ballroom is the site of The Hukilau’s two signature, sold-out events on Thursday, June 9: Shag’s SkyLounge, a “Martini meet and mingle” with the acclaimed California artist; and the Tiki Tower Takeover cocktail party, a one-of-a-kind event featuring signature drinks from top Tiki barmen Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, Martin Cate, Paul McGee, Brian Miller, and St. John Frizell. Rooms are close to selling out, Tiki Kiliki reports. It’s advised that you book a room now to ensure your spot at Pier 66: See the full story: |
