Tiki Oasis, San Diego’s annual Polynesian pop fest, turns 25 this month
Attendees at Tiki Oasis Photo by Tim Hardy Tiki Oasis Exotica music fills the air tropical drinks with umbrellas surround the pool and colorful people in floral attire are soaking up the island vibes Yep it s Tiki Oasis time But this year is special the Polynesian pop festival is celebrating its th anniversary and going all out when it returns to the Town and Country Resort Aug - What started in as a grassroots effort to save a retro motel in Palm Springs has blossomed into the world s largest celebration of tiki custom music art fashion and fun From the beginning our aim was to craft an experience that would bring tiki lovers together says co-founder Baby Doe Nowadays we are proud that through Tiki Oasis so plenty of have discovered not just a great party and fun festival but a sense of family and district San Diego s five-night four-day bash kicks off Wednesday night with a Luau at the Catamaran Resort Hotel featuring a Mai Tai and lei greeting all-you-can-eat buffet and a live performance by local group Pride of Polynesia Known for its eclectic music lineup from surf and lounge to rockabilly and mod soul this year s Tiki Oasis will showcase more than bands including The Ghastly Ones Tikiyaki Orchestra The Blue Hawaiians APE The Bomboras L Exotighost and Martini Kings Lenny Kaye legendary guitarist of the Patti Smith Group and curator of the revered compilation Nuggets which sparked a garage rock revival will headline Sunday night Billed as a Nuggets tribute concert Kaye will be joined on stage by Mike Stax and The Loons Johnny Echols Love Deke Dickerson and Robert Lopez aka El Vez Kaye will also perform a DJ set earlier in the evening joining more than DJs including Junior Francis Lee Joseph Tropicana Joe Tony the Tyger and Action Andy who ll be spinning curated vinyl sets day and night from vintage ska to rocksteady Beyond the music there s truly something for everyone at Tiki Oasis Check out the full schedule but be sure to have these signature experiences on your radar Cocktail Seminars Tastings Learn from top mixologists at sessions like Sustainable Tropical Cocktails with Tiki Lindy or Jamaica s Influence on Tropical Cocktails with Ian Burrell Yes there are samples th Annual Art Show th Annual Lamp Show Explore the pop-up art exhibit featuring over artists and custom lighting designs from top tiki lamp makers in a curated space Tiki Marketplace With -plus vendors offering everything from handcrafted mugs and custom jewelry to vintage clothing vinyl records and even doggie treats it s the biggest tiki shopping destination on earth Free and open to the general Aug from a m to p m MX Tiki Oasis Contest Pooch Parade Who will be crowned Mx Tiki Oasis Which pup will strut away with best-dressed honors It s fun for the whole ohana LGBTiki Meetup Celebrate the vibrant LGBTQ society that s helped shape and sustain the tiki revival at this all-inclusive gathering hosted by Lavendar Luau Midnight Burlesque Show Experience the sultrier side of Tiki Oasis Thursday through Saturday from p m to a m in the Pacific Ballroom with live music starting at p m Seminars Galore Educational sessions range from the history of tiki in San Diego to a -year retrospective with event founders Baby Doe and Otto von Stroheim Bonus Charles Phoenix returns with a new edition of his pop beliefs deep dive Googieland Whether you re a first-timer or a perennial diehard Tiki Oasis promises a one-of-a-kind celebration where the wacky and the wonderful all feel right at home Get your tickets here Donovan Roche a longtime music entertainment and events writer based in San Diego is a frequent contributor to Times of San Diego Send your story ideas to droche gmail com
