Tonga Hut 55th Anniversay! July 20/21 2013

Have any more artists been added to the Art Show?

Hey Boris!

There are a few more awesome artists participating in the show:

Rebecca Lord
Jeremy Costello
Krisdrama
Scott Mabbutt
Billy Crooks
Desiree C Crooks

There will be a vote for best in show, with cool prizes!

Also vending:
Smokin' Tikis

Looking forward to attending!

Ho-Tep-Nefti
Tiki Goddess Extraordinaire

[ Edited by: 2013-07-29 08:00 ]

ITMP on Saturday and Tonga's 55th on Sunday - Holy Moley, what a weekend! X-D

This is a link to the LA Times article.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-night-tonga-hut-20130705,0,1075112.story

[ Edited by: Bora Boris - Fixed link. - 2013-07-09 21:27 ]

Cool! I'll try to make it by on Sunday! I want one of those Shag mugs too!

Here is the story for later when the link expires -

Tonga Hut still carrying the tiki torch after 55 years
Opening at the height of the Polynesian culture craze in 1958, the NoHo watering hole remains an icon of the umbrella-drink lifestyle.

The Tonga Hut has been open for 55 years. (Michael Robinson Chavez, Los Angeles Times / July 2, 2013)

By Sean J. O'Connell
July 4, 2013, 4:25 p.m
.
First discovered by Captain James Cook in 1773, the tiny Kingdom of Tonga sits amid crystal blue waters in the southern Pacific Ocean. Much closer to home in North Hollywood, the Tonga Hut is a welcoming island in its own right amid the Valley's summer-heated suburban sprawl.

This month, the Tonga Hut is celebrating 55 years of pineapple garnishes and fire-breathing totems, ensuring its continued status as the oldest operating tiki bar in Los Angeles. And it shows no signs of slowing down.

"Everybody here, whether you are young or old, you all fit together" says co-owner Amy Boylan. "This is a neighborhood bar. Here you'll see people in their 30s talking to people in their 50s. Not every bar has that. You can walk into 100 bars in L.A. and you won't find that."

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By striking that balance between throwback and modernity, the Tonga Hut has found longevity in a genre has seen many of its contemporaries disappear. Last March, Rosemead's boisterous mainstay Bahooka closed after 46 years of business. It appeared to be an ominous sign for the tiki scene, but in many respects, tiki still appears to be thriving.

Disneyland's Enchanted Tiki Room celebrated 50 years of singing birds and thatched roofs last month, outlasting many of the renovations that have overcome the rest of the park. Patron saint of the cocktail umbrella, Don the Beachcomber has had its name resurrected for Orange County's recent beachside temple in Sunset Beach. Even rum, that pillar of every tiki bar menu, has been elevated in status by the recently opened La Caña in downtown Los Angeles while bars such as Manhattan's PKNY are bringing tiki culture into the high-end speak-easy scene.

The owners of the Tonga Hut do not see tiki culture ending any time soon. They even have their eyes set on expanding the brand beyond North Hollywood and toward tiki-friendly Palm Springs.

The tiki craze struck the U.S. following World War II. James Michener's "Tales of the South Pacific" romanticized the tropical landscape, and the book was transformed into the Rodgers and Hammerstein Broadway show "South Pacific" two years later. For the next 15 years the craze spread across the country, filling countless closets with Hawaiian shirts in hopes of impressing the lusty women pasted onto the covers of LPs by the likes of Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman. It was an irresistibly appealing lifestyle full of consequence-free suntans and potent drinks glowing with unnatural hues.

The Tonga Hut opened at the peak of that craze and has carried the bamboo torch ever since. Although it has had a few additions since opening, the dimly lighted intimate space has all the requirements of any tiki aficionado. A four-tier fountain gently descends behind the bar's illuminated bottles while a shallow pool opposite the bar houses a small, drooling statue. Several snug booths are held up by totem-like pillars rescued from a Playa del Rey apartment complex while a more communal space opens up around a midcentury enamel fireplace in the center. In between, patrons chatter, united in their love of loud fabrics, strummed ukuleles and strong, mysterious libations.

"It's important to remember our past, but it's important to be relevant," explains Boylan. "We're not what you call 'bamboo/palapa tiki.' We're Midcentury Modern tiki. We play in both groups."

Charming bartender Lisa-Marie Burnside has been responsible for filling many of the customers' collectible tiki mugs for the last six years. She can easily whip up a crisp mai tai or a tall Voodoo Juice, playfully splashing rum into shakers and squeezing simple syrup with a casual flair. She even ladles drinks into tiki's greatest contribution to drinking culture: cocktail bowls. A four-person Scorpion bowl forms a communal experience that casually introduces drinkers to the ghosts of tropical-themed evenings of the past by way of an oversized straw.

Understandably, the standard tiki repertoire is second-nature for Burnside, but Boylan is more than happy to see her branch out beyond the Pacific. A small illuminated board behind the bar boasts the new creations she has dropped in alongside the well-worn punches and zombies. Her go-to creation, the Belle Époque, with a smattering of liqueurs, fresh mint and spices, easily slides in among the classics.

"People who truly love what tiki stands for, it's kind of corny, but it's a mind-state," says Boylan. "I think it'll probably go out of fashion like everything else, but tiki has come and gone half a dozen times already.

"What the Hut represents is an aloha spirit, a friendly state of mind," she adds. "It's a special place."

[email protected]

Tonga Hut

Where: 12808 Victory Blvd., North Hollywood

Hours: Daily 4 p.m.-2 a.m.

Info: (818) 769-0708

Here's what I've been working on for the last 2 days for the Artshow portion of the Party on the 21st. trying to throw in some Hut Regular's....some mainstay's that you'd normally find there. So far I've got Grog, and Tiki Tony's "Charlie Bibbles" in this. Gonna put a few more people, or a representation of them in this. Trying really hard not to bog this down, since I still need to ink and color it.

Live music Saturday night:
GLASGOW TIKI SHAKERS

Live music Sunday night:
CASINO 66
CREEPXOTICA

Is there any particular time that these bands will be performing?

TikiMan77---started with GROG , huh? It's easy to draw the guy with the bald head! You probably drew Jeremy second.

GROG miss Tiki-Kate

[ Edited by: GROG 2013-07-15 16:53 ]

Going to be offering some Tiki Earrings for sale on Sunday! I've even got some special 55th Big Mo themed ones.

Awesome earrings!

Where the heck have I been?!? Kon TIki earrings?!? Kahiki earrings?!? Too cool!!!

I think it's time I finally visited the Tonga Hut!

Thanks Eric! Those are some of the new ones. :)

Actually Ern...as you can see here....Jeremy didn't make it in. I did think about it, but given the space, and the fact that I really didn't want to erase any of the Woody, I only put a few people in this. Even your clothes made a huge change in the end. Inking this thing now....and you're next.

Casino 66 playing a Tiki event ?? Hooray !! Awright Don Brewski. :)

Now is the monkey supposed to be Tiki Tony?

You know it Ernie. He saw it posted up on Facebook, even though I had drawn Bibbles in before asking him if it'd be ok...Tony love it. Glad of that...

Aloha Everybody! Less than a week away, frantically finishing up things for the big 55th blowout event... here's a peek at the official 55th Anniversary Pendant... Tonga Hut's Secret Tiki! Only 55 of these will be available!

See everybody on Sunday!!!

JULY 20/21, 2013
Celebrate the Tonga Hut's 55th Anniversary!!! Events all weekend long...
Art Show and Vendors Sunday starting at noon!
2 Brand New Mugs!
New Mai Tai glasses!
New Pendant!
Free Goodie Bags!
Raffles!
and much more!

Pre-party Saturday evening w/ live music from ...
GLASGOW TIKI SHAKERS

Live music /w 2 bands on Sunday evening ...
CASINO 66
CREEPXOTICA

Hey, you only turn 55 once, it's a big deal, LET'S CELEBRATE!!!

[ Edited by: Queen Kamehameha 2013-07-16 22:59 ]

Here's my pieces for the art show... An early version of the black paper drawing that was used for the 55th anniversary giclee print... this version depicts the front entrance to the Hut.

I also have four small paintings... these are the original images that I produced and then extracted elements to create the 55th anniversary fabric.

Looking forward to this weekend, it's gonna be awesome!

What time is vending? 12 - ?
What time do the bands play on Sunday?

Thanks!

[ Edited by: SandraDee 2013-07-17 14:36 ]

Poor Big Mo looks sad in the black paper drawing.

Hey Grog!

I think it's the angle... I took some reference photos with Tonga Tom's camera with a wide angle type lens... l was on my back on the floor, looking up at Big Mo, so his expression looked a little distorted... but really , he's happy as can be!

Here's the prize ribbon for the Art Show... the award for "Best In Mo", featuring Tonga Hut's own Big Mo! Popular vote will determine the winner, who will receive some cool prizes!

cool! looklin forward to hangin sunday at the tonga with my tiki peeps, having a cold mai tai and showing off my new photo book and new cd,
i'll be vending see you there!
new cd!!!!
new book!

How much are the new Shag and Drooling Bastard mug going to cost?

Happy Birthday Tonga Hut!!

Here's my piece for the art show.

"The Tonga Hut, 55 years of Rum Soaked Fun"
Pencil and pastel mounted to MDF board with handmade papers.
Overall size 27.5" X 12"

Niccccceeeeee!

Doug Horne rules!!!!

#1. You must be at least 6"7" to ride this ride.

#2. No running with scissors.

#3. You must wait 30 minutes before swimming after eating a large meal.

#4. No elbows on the table.

#5. No shirt, no shoes, no service.

#6.No smoking in the house.

#7. You must be in bed by 10:00.

#8. You can't have dessert until you finish all your veggies.

#9. No running around the pool.

#10. You must wait until the airliner comes to a complete stop before unfastening your seatbelt.

ALOHA!!!... Today is 'National Daiquiri Day'..and they mix 'em well at Tonga Hut!! Go down and celebrate their Annivs. early tonite and let's get this party started!!!....and does anyone know how much the mugs will be sold for??? Mahalo :) ....... (remember)"there's always Rum just around the corner"

What is the timeframe for vending? Also the bands are at 6 each day? I might be able to make it, but not until I am off work on Sunday and drive to LA. So I can be there by 8. Will there still be some fun times to be had? I am guessing YES!

Also, I hope that you are FIRM on the one mug per family. I REALLY would like to get one, but I realize that I might be late to the party.

Thanks for the info and HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Inks finally done. There's a story behind this pic that took place about 6am this morning, but I won't get into it here.

Now...Onward to Colors.

Wow Billy! Looks cool!

I like how the Drooling Bastard looks like a 1920's cartoon character!

Here's a couple things I'll have at the show: Ceramic Drooling Bastard pendants and earrings!

I'm out of town for work for 6 weeks in Texas and am really bummed I am going to miss this.

I'm hoping people post pictures here of the festivities, so I can get some mahalo out here in Texas.

Happy Anniversary to Marie, Lisa Marie, Sid and everyone else at the Hut!!

Loading up to vend for the first time at the Tonga Hut. I will bringing a few lamps, vintage clothing, & misc. items.
See you all soon!

GROG have a few ceramics.
Going to share a booth with Johnny Velour and his lovely wife.

Don't forget to have some ice cream today, it's National Ice Cream Day!! Yay!

See ya'll at the Tonga Hut.

GROG missed the built in joke it's National Ice Cream Sun-Day!! :o

and it's 15¢ Hot Dog Day!!

Nice to see everyone today. Wish we could have stuck around longer. I just noticed that someone already posted the Shag mug on Ebay. Congratulations on 55 years. All of the art show pieces were very cool and we thought that Tobunga's piece had the best vintage vibe. Nice tequila sample from Deadhead too.

Didn't have time to go get any ice cream while at the Tonga Hut today, but grabbed some on the way home---it was SOOOooooo good!

Nothing like having a limited edition SHAG mug to get a crap-load of people to an event! That's easily got to be the new best 1 day sales record for business at the Tonga Hut. Congrats EVERYBODY for putting on a stellar event, and for all the patrons old and new for coming and celebrating with us at the Tonga Hut. Congrats Doug Horne for getting first place in the art show. Congrats, Amy, Jeremy and Murph on Tonga Hut2 announcement. Good job Eric October organizing the vending and art show.

Thanks to all GROG' friends who came by and chatted, and expressed their concerns about GROG' upcoming heart surgery . Great to see everybody.

Lunavideogames, sorry GROG not around if/when you and your friends came back to Tonga Hut from hotel. GROG wiped out from long day, short amount of sleep, and home was calling to GROG. Nice meeting new friends and fellow TCers GROG hadn't met before. Not going to name everybody because GROG too tired right now to recall all names and not want to miss anybody.

GROG drag GROG' tired butt to bed now.

What Grog said!
Congrats to Dougie for the big win!
Grog you name names, Buddy!
X on the jukebox!

Stopped at Pink's on the way home to celebrate Doug's big win! need Tums's Badddd!
I tried my hardest to get Shag to post bad things on TC, he is to nice to corrupt!

Missed Charles Phoenix, damn!

Groggo!

What a great 55th! It was magical!

The place was packed

Even Pete Moruzzi came by to sip some Deadhead Rum

It was great to see all the friends, like the BongoFurys and DustyCajun

Bora Boris thought so too

It was DEFINITELY a great event, and it was fun to see so many friends there!

Holy Tonga Hut! Luckily had to go to see friends in LA on Sunday, which just happened to coincide w/ Tonga Hut's 55th B-Day happening. Great to see everyone celebrating- the bar was completely packed, great for business, and the line to get Tonga Hut merchandise was serious.

This photo was taken around 12:15: a fairly daunting queue that moved oh not so quickly. Thankfully the wife came with, so got to switch off to go peruse the vendors. Expected a long line for the Shag mug- but I was really looking forward to taking home Eric's print- which is completely awesome (note, the print is not curled, just looks that way in the protective plastic):

They had run out of Shag mugs on site (two people before I got up to the front of the line)- I scribbled my address down on a receipt pad and will hope for the best that the mug will arrive.... they had additional mugs available that they were going to be shipping out. Hopefully this is true.... :wink: The Tonga Hut goodie bag was great- swizzles, an emblem sticker, and more.
Vendors had a great selection, I was stoked to finally meet Grog, talk ceramics, and buy this bowl:

Great seeing Johnnie Velour again (and all of the other peeps selling there) and talking shop- will have to get one of his Bob mugs soon....

Eric, thanks for setting up the vendors, look forward to next visit to the Hut w/o the zillions of peeps there- but certainly a good reason for everyone to meet up. Happy Birthday!

Good showing for the 55th! Gratz to Amy and the Murphs on the Tonga Hut 2.0 - Palm Springs edition. Will definitely making plans to go to that opening with Mr. Moai in tow. Or...maybe a drooling bastard?

Grog - Hope your surgery goes well! Best of vibes to you!

Such an amazing event ! Thanks for letting me be a part of the festivities.
Tonga Hut is really lucky to have so many amazing regulars who pitch in and work their tails off to ensure events like this come off as enjoyable as possible for everyone attending. It was great seeing so many friends gathered in one spot celebrating such an amazing feat--55 years and better than ever!

It was also great having SHAG, Charles Phoenix and George Barris swing by :)

I missed the 2nd band but Creepxotica has never sounded better!

Happy 55th Tonga Hut! So excited to hear about Palm Springs.....cannot wait for the Grand Opening!

On 2013-07-22 06:22, bigbrotiki wrote:
Groggo! Pendant carved by Kirby of GROG' personal mug, given to GROG by Kirby as gift. Now just gotta get broken mug back from Hiphipahula so GROG can fix.

The view of line for mug from GROG' vending space.

The view from the front of the line.

Boris explaining that his humor isn't appreciated in America, but in China he's big like Hassehoff in Germany or Jerry Lewis in France.

The MarTony King.

Vending area in full swing.

The Ding Devils and Martini Kings together for the first time along with Sid Viscious.

The Taco Lady worked her colo off!!

All the Tonga Hut employees and co-owners worked their butts off too (except for Jeremy who's happy to let everybody else make the bar and event successful for him.) :wink:

Magic Tiki made an appearance.

He posed with Murph.

Cute and colorful group.

Al chatting with Johnny Velour's wife as Johnny talks to a patron about his awesome handmade ceramics thrown on the wheel.

The bald guy with the tattoos and funny French accent is Phillipe Tilikete with his wife and child. He and his wife are both fellow animation artists. Phillipe has worked on Madagascar, Shark Tale, Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron, The Road to El Dorado, The Prince of Egypt, Space Jam, Balto and both Despicable Me movies. He does the well-drawn comic (unlike GROG Bamboo Ben comic GROG just crap out) Cocktails From the Black Lagoon for Tiki Magazine, and he's designed a few mugs for Tiki Farm and a mug for Mahalo Mike (in the back) produced by Eeekum Bookum.

His contribution to the art show is "Tonga a go-go" piece that has a Derek Yaniger vibe to it. Derek and SHAG's art was influenced by the old 60's animation styles such as UPA and Ward Kimball, so you'd only expect an animation char. designers art made to look retro is going to have a similar vibe.

Nelson's Tiki Hut.

Charles Phoenix (left) made an apppearance as well as SHAG (not shown).

This guy was admonishing Manuel for not being Tobunga when Manuel was manning the booth and Eric was gone.

The uber-nice, super-talented Johnny Velour GROG was lucky enough to share a booth with. GROG thoroughly enjoy hanging out with him and his lovely wife and getting to chat and visit. Plus, he was willing to trade art with GROG, and GROG get a really nice bowl. Johnny got a hand-made bowl from GROG also, but GROG got the better end of the deal.

This lady was trying out some furniture Hakalugi brought .

It was overcast most of the day, so the weather was perfect for the outside vending.

Gigantor Horne wearing his first place ribbon from the art show.

Inside the Tonga Hut later in the evening after the bands played and the Tonga Hut had settled down to a more manageable crowd. GROG miss Creepxotica because GROG outside vending, but GROG heard from several people that they were great.

This the wonderful bowl GROG get in trade with Johnny Velour.

[ Edited by: GROG 2013-07-22 10:16 ]