2023 Thursday 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.
History of Swimwear
Dive in with Dave Temple as he explores the history of swimwear. As stated by Google Arts & Culture, Few items of clothing have been as revolutionary, or as risqué, as the swimsuit. From full body coverage to the itsy bitsy teeny weeny yellow polka dot bikini, swimsuits have seen endless creative innovations that allow us to take a dip into the water while also looking like we’re walking on a Paris runway. But do you know how we really got to the bikini we all know and love today?
Dave Temple, fashion historian, and theatrical costumer, has presented seminars and vintage fashion shows from coast to coast; and has lectured and written about vintage attire for decades in conjunction with his company, Clever Vintage Clothing. His previous seminars, Fashion and the History of Travel and California: Sportswear Capitol, led to exhibits at The Museum at FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising).
Location: Ballroom E
Cost: $15
Mysterious Marriage of Coffee & Tropical Cocktails
Coffee is a fascinating, diverse, and intriguing ingredient. From Irish Coffee to Espresso Martini, it became a part of some of the most iconic bartenders’ creations. But did you know that coffee has a history in Tropical Cocktails? In this seminar Egor Polonskiy will break down coffee cocktails from Don the Beachcomber’s “Kona Coffee Grog” to the Mai-Kai “Black Magic” and why they work! He will also cover modern coffee cocktail techniques using coffee in syrups, infusions, and tinctures.
Egor Polonskiy is the West Coast Manager of Trade Education and Mixology for Patrón Tequila. He has dedicated many years to the study of tequila and the diverse world of spirits. Egor specializes in tequila education, conducting mixology events, training, and presenting spirit-focused seminars. He is WSET 3rd-level spirits certified, an alumnus of the BAR5 program, and an active United States Bartenders Guild member.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom C
Cost: $35
Our Own Paradise: History of Black-Owned American Resorts
You may have heard of the Green Book, a popular travel guide treasured by the Black community for its travel tips during Jim Crow. But have you heard of Black Eden? Or Idlewild? Or American Beach? These are some of the many Black resorts that were popular places many Americans spent their summer vacations. This seminar will delve into the history of these resorts featuring photos and stories from famous Black celebrities to journal entries for the lucky families who enjoyed these safe spaces.
Leslie “Dottie” Van Every is a marcom maven, writer, and lover of all things vintage, except vintage beliefs. As a woman of color whose father was deeply committed to Civil Rights, Van Every is picking up the torch as co-founder of Solidarity Sundays, a powerful community action group with over 20K participants. She co-founded the award-winning blog Modern Kiddo and has written for Huffington Post, Babble, and many others.
Location: Ballroom E
Cost: $15
Tropical Tasting #1
The Thursday and Saturday Tropical Tasting sessions will be different! 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.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom A
Cost: $35
Growing a Jungle at Disneyland
David “Dr. Skipper” Marley, a former Disneyland Jungle Cruise Skipper, has a Ph.D. in American History and taught at California State University Fullerton. Marley is the creator of the first class to specifically focus on the History of Disneyland. e is also the author of the popular Skipper Stories series of books of interviews with Jungle Cruise skippers. Under the name Dr. Skipper, he creates Tiki and Disney-based art.
Marley is a former Jungle Cruise skipper and taught history at California State University, Fullerton. His newest book, The Jungle Cruise: The Wild History of Walt’s Favorite Ride, was published in 2021. He is the author of the popular Skipper Stories books. A former stand up comic, Marley is the creator and producer of the popular Jungle Cruise-based stand-up comedy show, “The Skipper Show”. Marley is also an artist who makes Disney- and Tiki-inspired creations.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom B
Cost: $25
Sea is for Cocktail: Navigating the Murky Waters of Nautical Libations
Spirits Educator, Consultant, and Beverage Director of the World Famous Golden Tiki, Adam Rains, and first mate, Nick Brink, invite you to climb aboard as they take you on a spirited voyage through the origin and lore of cocktail culture on the high seas. Discover and explore the lively history, rum-soaked traditions, and time-honored craft of classic tropical cocktails inspired by the sea. Ahoy! No rations here! Tip your hat and raise a glass or two to the legendary sailors, smugglers, and swillers.
Adam Rains, A.K.A. “Rains” is the Master of Potions and Tiki Tipples at the Golden Tiki in Las Vegas. He is an author, award-winning mixologist and a Brand Ambassador for Vecchio Amaro Del Capo. In addition to his charity mug initiatives, he was named the 2019 Nevada Restaurant “Drink Specialist of the Year” and 2020 Italicus Bar Artist.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom C
Cost: $60
Tropical Tasting #2
The Thursday and Saturday Tropical Tasting sessions will be different! 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.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom A
Cost: $35
The Torrid Story of Fassionola
Sit back with some Passionola Cocktails, enjoy the fruits of our detective work – a culinary and cultural history, and illustrated story of mixology’s most mysterious ingredient – Passionola – now known simply as “fassionola.” We tell how Passionola touched the lives of music publishers, actors, dancers, soft-porn directors, suspected mob associates, and barmen keen to keep the legend alive. As it was advertised, P/Fassionola really was the “Taste Thrill of the Century.”
Martin S. Lindsay is an art director, food historian, writer, and board chair of the Culinary Historians of San Diego. Martin wrote Ninety Years of Classic San Diego Tiki, contributed to Tim Ferriss’ bestselling book, The 4-Hour Chef, and blogs about history and food. Gregorio Pantoja is a Co-Author, Professor of History, founder of The Kon-Tig Tiki Bar (pending non-profit), Philanthropist has also consulted, and appeared in documentaries serving communities. Doc Parks is a Renowned Mixologist has established some of the world’s top tiki Bars such as Pagan Idol, Zombie Village, and Wilfred’s, and is the in house Mixologist for the Passionola Legacy Syrup based on the original 1930’s recipe.
Location: Town & Country Ballroom C
Cost: $50
