2022 Saturday Seminars
Join us as we celebrate Tiki and Mid-Century style in a variety of educational seminars.
If a seminar is noted as 21+, that means no babes in arms or strollers allowed.
- 8:30 am –9:30 am
Wake up with El Vez
El Vez
Hangover be gone! Get your body moving in this early morning stretch class. El Vez will lead you through a gentle warm-up that will wake you up and get your body, mind and SOUL ready to take on the rest of the Tiki Oasis weekender! 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…. let’s go!!
El Vez
El Vez is the Latin sensation that is sweeping the Nation, and the world! A modern multicultural hybrid of Americana & Mexicano, he is more than entertainment, he is a thinking man's Elvis, a post-modern King with a Latin twist, the Chicano experience presented and told through the songs of Elvis. He has appeared on The Tonight Show, Oprah, MTV, HBO, CNN, and Live with Regis & Kathy Lee. He has even been a question on Jeopardy!Pacific Ballroom $10 Register - 9:30 am –11:00 am
Uke Jam
King Kukulele
Join us for the annual Tiki Oasis Uke Jam! There is no fee to join in, and don’t worry about being experienced in your playing, just bring a ukulele. You never know who will stop by!
King Kukulele
King Kukulele is a comedian, actor, and ukuleleist with inexorable energy who has performed around the world, singing hapa haole and novelty songs at all kinds of shows from Hollywood movie premieres to Disneyland. He composed a promotional song about tropical fruits and fish for the Orange County Fair, as well as "I Don't Eat Poop," a song written for the California Board of Public Health. The latter song was not used. Palm Room $FREE Register - 10:00 am –11:00 am
The Art of the Matchbook: Tiny Artifacts of Mid-Century Nightlife
Stephen Coles
For over 50 years the matchcover was one of the most prolific forms of advertising. It was also one of the smallest – yet it could still pack a punch. Join typography expert Stephen Coles on a tour of California restaurants, motels, bars, and nightclubs via these colorful remnants of another era. This presentation will be packed with matchbooks that feature exceptional lettering and illustration. Along the way we’ll learn some things about how these little works of commercial art were designed and printed.
Stephen Coles
Stephen Coles (he/him) is Associate Curator & Editorial Director at Letterform Archive, a nonprofit library and educational center in San Francisco. As an editor and community builder who seeks to connect font makers with font users, Stephen co-founded the websites Fonts In Use and Typographica, and wrote the book The Anatomy of Type. In a past life, he funneled his furniture and architecture interests into the blog, The Mid-Century Modernist.Prohibition Pops Pacific Ballroom E $20 Register - 10:30 am –11:30 am
The Exotic World of Les Baxter
Jeff Chenault
The Exotic World of Les Baxter celebrates the music of Les Baxter. The year 2022 would have been the composers 100th birthday and at Tiki Oasis we want to celebrate his life in music. Learn about his years growing up to having carte blanche at Capitol Records. His earliest Exotica albums are the benchmark for the entire genre and Quiet Village still remains the theme song for all things exotic. From composing his own Exotica music to composing for hundreds of film soundtracks - Les Baxter remains a true pioneer. Special guest Leslie Baxter will be in attendance.
Jeff Chenault
Jeff Chenault is an author, producer, music historian, and exotica DJ. He has written for various publications including, Cool and Strange Music Magazine, Tiki News, Bachelor Pad Magazine, Tiki Magazine, Exotica Moderne, and a host of others. Chenault has produced three albums of rare exotica music for Dionysus Records, including The Beachcomber Trio, Live at the Kahiki, The Exotic Sounds of Jerry Sun, and The Hawaiian Spotlighters. He was one of the co-authors of the Kahiki Supper Club book, and his latest book, Ohio Tiki, documents every known Tiki establishment in the state of Ohio from 1934 to present.Deadhead Rum Town & Country Ballroom $20 Register - 11:00 am –12:00 pm
Tropirobics
MeduSirena the Fire Eating Mermaid
That Fit-Fanatic Fire Eating Mermaid is at it again, this time with a full-body workout of dance, cardio, and strength work combined! Move to the rhythm of tropical tunes while you burn off all those cocktail calories. Eccentric Aloha attire is encouraged (but not required) – just make sure you can move in whatever you are wearing!.
MeduSirena the Fire Eating Mermaid
Swim shows, fire-eating, dancing on broken plates, and laying on a bed of nails are MeduSirena’s forte. With beginnings at the Hawaiian Inn Daytona Beach and The Mai-Kai, her work has led to worldwide recognition -- being one of the last models photographed by Bunny Yeager. When in Fort Lauderdale make sure to catch her underwater swim show at the legendary Wreck Bar at B Ocean Resort Fort (Formerly the Yankee Clipper hotel circa 1956).Pacific Ballroom $18 Register - 12:00 pm –1:30 pm
Potions of the Caribbean
Jeff Beachbum Berry
This event is 21+. After WWII, the Caribbean went Tiki; Jamaica, Cuba and Puerto Rico aimed to compete with Hawai'i as the “other” tropical vacation paradise. Bartenders at the new lavish resorts used local island flavors in inventive cocktails inspired by the tropical drinks of America’s wildly popular Polynesian-themed bars. Come sample the best of these now lost “Polynesian-Caribbean” drinks and learn about the people behind them, from Sloppy Joe Abeal, who slung drinks for thirsty American movie stars during Prohibition, to Trader Vic — who opened an elaborate restaurant in Cuba just in time for Castro’s revolutionaries to storm it. The Caribbean’s unjustly neglected indigenous bartenders also get their due; we’ll tell their stories and celebrate their pioneering use of Caribbean island flavors.
Jeff Beachbum Berry
One of Imbibe Magazine’s “25 Most Influential Cocktail Personalities of the Past Century,” Jeff “Beachbum” Berry is the author of seven award-winning books on Tiki drinks and the owner of Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, a New Orleans bar-restaurant, which Esquire and Playboy named one of the USA’s best bars. Food & Wine calls Jeff “one of the world’s leading rum experts,” while the New York Times cites him as “the Indiana Jones of Tiki drinks.” Jeff has been profiled in the Washington Post, USA Today, and Wine Enthusiast magazine. He’s also been featured on PBS Television and National Public Radio. I www.beachbumberry.comAngostura Rum & Bitters Town & Country Ballroom $60 SOLD OUT! - 12:00 pm –1:00 pm
Make Your Own Tiki Mug Shelf
Typhoon Tommy
Have a growing Tiki mug collection?! Join East Coast Tiki Bar Designer and Builder Typhoon Tommy and make your own Tiki Mug shelf! In this 2 (two) day class Tom Allsmiller, AKA Typhoon Tommy, will teach you the secrets to Scenic painting tricks, such as Distress Painting Techniques, to make your own Adventureland inspired Jungle Navigation Co. sign, which you can later turn into a mug shelf.
Typhoon Tommy
Typhoon Tommy is a former Universal Creative Scenic Artist in Orlando Florida. During his 10 + year career he has worked on projects for theme parks and various museums and restaurants across the country. Most notably the Harry Potter parks across the world. He is now a full time home and commercial bar Designer and Fabricator. He is currently Art Dr. and Designer for the Mai Kai. His previous projects include The Suffering Bastard in Sanford and Tahiti Gil’s Mananui AirBnB in Kissimmee. His love of creating and painting fits perfectly with his love of the Tiki Culture and History.Pacific Ballroom E $40 Register - 1:00 pm –2:30 pm
Tropical Tasting #3
This event is 21+. 1pm and 3:30pm sessions! Interact with makers representing new products, and some of our old favorites. During this sit-down event, Tiki Oasis has curated a unique collection of rum and other spirit brands that go well in tropical cocktails! Admission includes a tasting glass.
Town & Country Ballroom $35 Register - 1:00 pm –2:00 pm
Mid-Century Signs of Tiki
Heather M. David
There was a time… and not too long ago, when no respectable Tiki temple was without at least one eye-popping, car stopping, Kodachrome capturing, roadside sign. From Yesco’s Aku Aku in Las Vegas, Nevada to Ad-Art’s Islander in Stockton, California – these signs were a celebration of creativity and craftsmanship – each sign, a one-of-a-kind. Today, sadly, few of these cultural landmarks still stand. But we can still celebrate the SIGNS of TIKI, their creators (when known), and the rare survivors.
Heather M. David
Heather M. David is a California-based cultural historian and freelance writer. She is the author of the books Mid-Century by the Bay, Motel California, and numerous articles on American popular culture and historic preservation. She is an advocate for the preservation of mid-century modern architecture, art, and signage – with a focus on California Modernism.Pacific Ballroom E $20 Register - 2:00 pm –3:00 pm
History of Rocksteady
Charles, Reggie and Rip of The Amalgamated band will discuss the many facets of early Jamaican music including influential styles, popular dances and cultural factors. From Calypso to Early Reggae - You won’t want to miss this fun interactive presentation with a lively musical demonstration and personal stories. Grab our welcome cocktail and prepare to have a deeper appreciation for the music and culture of this beautiful island.
Town & Country Ballroom $20 Register - 3:00 pm –4:00 pm
70 U.S. Tiki Bars in 12 Weeks
Adam Demerath
Adam and Trista take you on their fabulous tiki bar expedition. In the Summer of 2021, they set out on a three-month adventure to visit 70 Tiki bars across the US. Come along on their journey where they will share their favorite cocktails, highlight the locations with the most dazzling decor, and tell a few tales about the things that surprised them along the way.
Adam Demerath
Adam is a Southern California Native and Tiki bar expert and mixologist with over 20 years in hospitality. After moving to New York he fell for craft cocktails, especially tropical drinks. Adam used his background as a scenic designer to host lavish Tiki parties with his wife, Trista, in their one-bedroom apartment in Queens. This brought attention of the New York Tiki scene and soon Adam began designing and bartending recurring Tiki pop-ups throughout the city. Adam now works behind the bar at the new Sunken Harbor Club in Brooklyn.Pacific Ballroom E $20 Register - 3:30 pm –5:00 pm
Tiki: Stirred, Not Shaken
Jason Asher
A spirituous look at the evolution of the Tropical Cocktail. Join Cocktail Master Jason Asher, of the world-famous Under Tow, as he takes you on a intoxicating journey into the world of stirred cocktails. His high-spirited tales will surely leave your mind in a swirl!
Jason Asher
Jason Asher is a founding Partner of Barter & Shake. A native Phoenician, Jason began working in restaurants throughout his academia years. Graduating with a Culinary Arts degree from the California Culinary Academy, and with over 20 years of hospitality experience, Jason specializes in mixology, spirits, and restaurant and bar operations. He has been featured in numerous national publications, including Esquire, Imbibe, Tasting Pa nel, Food & Wine, GQ and Saveur. He’s also racked up a few accolades along the way, including “Top 100 Culinary Trendsetters” by the Scottsdale Culinary Festival, “Best Mixologist” by Arizona Restaurant Association’s Foodist Awards, GQ Bombay Sapphire’s Most Inspired Bartender and Food Network’s Chopped “Champion.”Town & Country Ballroom $60 Register - 4:00 pm –5:30 pm
Calypso Craze on the Silver Screen
Domenic Priore
Join us for a visual exploration on how Calypso stars were featured in films. From 1957 exploitation flicks produced by the illustrious Sam Katzman, the man responsible for the Alan Freed rock 'n' roll movies and later Riot on Sunset Strip, to the birth of ska in a 1964 short featuring a very early performance by Jimmy Cliff (who later starred in "The Harder They Come"). Discover how the popular mod dance craze stemmed directly from the calypso scene, as an offshoot of Mento. Musical performances by Maya Angelou (yes, she made a Calypso LP!), R&B gods, The Treniers, jazz harmonics from The Hi-Los ,and that bongo-beating madman Preston Epps of "Bongo Rock" fame, and more.
Domenic Priore
Domenic Priore is a writer and television producer specializing in pop culture and music. He is the author of Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock 'n' Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood (foreword by Arthur Lee of Love), Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles’ Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier (with Christopher Merritt), the biographical text for the art book Shag: The Collected Works, Beatsville (with Martin McIntosh), Pop Surf Culture: Music, Design, Film and Fashion From the Bohemian Surf Boom (with Brian Chidester) and Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson’s Lost Masterpiece (with forewords by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks). As a result of that project, Domenic wrote the liner notes, sourced photographs and helped sequence the music for The Beach Boys: Smile Sessions box set (Capitol Records), which won the 2013 Grammy for Best Historical Album. He was also the main writer on the AMC documentaries Hollywood Rocks The Movies: The Early Years 1955-1970 (hosted by Ringo Starr) and Hollywood Rocks The Movies: The 1970s (hosted by David Bowie). A Los Angeles native, Priore has returned to SoCal after living in New York City and San Francisco.Town & Country Ballroom $20 Register - 4:00 pm –5:00 pm
Tiki Oasis Bookclub
Karen Finlay
Let’s travel to the tropics and read 'Dancing to Almendra' by Cuban-Puerto Rican author Mayra Montero, set in 1950s Pre-Revolutionary Cuba. It’s got everything: Mobsters. Murders. Music. Mayhem… And even an unfortunate hippo. Havana, 1957. On the same day that the Mafia capo Umberto Anastasia is assassinated in a barber's chair in New York, a hippopotamus escapes from the zoo and is shot and killed by its pursuers. Assigned to cover the zoo story, Joaquin Porrata, a young Cuban journalist, finds himself embroiled in the mysterious connections between the hippo's death and the mafioso's in this intoxicating story of murder, mobsters, and, finally, love. “Montero has delivered a well-written, cinematic story that fairly steps off the page. Think Chinatown set in the late 1950s, pre-Castro Cuba.” —The Plain Dealer Books available from your local independent bookstore or at: bookshop.org/shop/alibibookshop
Karen Finlay
Karen Finlay lives in Vallejo (aka Vallejoasis), CA, with her husband Jon Burchard and two tiny dogs named Dorothy Parker and Dino Martina, and owns a small independent bookstore, Alibi Bookshop. Books, Tiki Oasis, and Tiki Oasis Book Club are her favorite things.Palm Room $FREE Register
