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Tiki event in Monterey???? |
Okolehao
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 03, 2006
Posts: 234
From: Monterey, CA
|  Posted: 2007-07-05 1:59 pm Permalink
Dear Tiki People
I work for SLV Management, an entertainment management and events producer here in Monterey, CA. I've suggested to my boss that we organize some sort of Tiki event similar to Hukilau and Tiki Oasis here in our beautiful city. Maybe a one day event just to get our feet wet.
Monterey is close to the bay area, has the tourist and convention facilities, along with A) a wonderful beach party catering service, B) a great local Tiki bar/restaurant (Hulas), and C) some fun local bands. We even have the home of D) Munktiki, which is listed as giving tours, in our area.
As far as I know, and I'm just a Tiki Central lurker so forgive me if I'm wrong, there is no other organized event like this happening in Northern California.
My questions are simple. Is there interest in having an event like this here? If so, could you give me some idea as to what would bring people in? I know most events are home grown by the Tiki community itself, but if there are people that want to see something like this get off the ground we’d definitely be working with ya’ll to make sure it’s done right.
I'm attending, for the second year now, Tiki Oasis so I have a pretty good idea of the large amount of work involved in putting together a quality event. But I've also seen the dedication many of you have to Tiki culture. Is it true that “if you build it, they will come”???
Any and all feedback would be appreciated.
Your opinions, please.
A) http://www.adventuresbythesea.com/beach-party.html
B) http://www.hulastiki.com/about/
C) http://kelleyandthebeachcombers.com/
D) http://www.critiki.com/cgi-bin/location.cgi?loc_id=489
Mahalo nui loa,
‘Okolehao’
a.k.a. Keith Hayes
SLV MUSIC MANAGEMENT
Steven L. Vagnini
PO BOX 101 Monterey, CA 93942
831.372.1955
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Monkeyman
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 04, 2003
Posts: 2338
From: Vista, CA
| Posted: 2007-07-05 2:31 pm Permalink
I think that one of the most important considerations is to put together an event that doesnt feel like its "put together".....
Personally I think that the success of events like Oasis and Hukilau is because they started off as a gathering of friends. Yes they were coordinated but they didnt have the feel of a Business Conference.
They had a free floating feel to them where many of the fun activities werent organized at all. Just people being together acting spontaneous.
The danger of putting together an event for the purpose of having an "event" is that it feels over produced and every way you turn costs money...
Its a frugal crowd. I think Monterey would be lots of fun but I know that just about everything there is pretty pricey.
There have been a couple of events in the past couple years that had people buying tickets to specific seating areas for the music and entertainment... Usually the tiki music venues tend not to have seats.... or seating charts either..
Not sure what you have in mind but Monterey has lots of potential as a destination for people who dont live in the area.
Its a nice place to visit.
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Okolehao
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 03, 2006
Posts: 234
From: Monterey, CA
| Posted: 2007-07-05 4:25 pm Permalink
Really good point about a 'produced' event. I know that most Tiki get-to-gathers are about a big network of friends. Maybe sponsoring something small and intimate, like a simple meet-up, would be a good start? I could get a room at someplace like Hulas, bring in a band, and just see what materializes. If you haven't figured it out yet, I really want to do this more for fun rather than money (don't let my boss hear that). I'm exploring this because I have a lot of resources at my disposal and I'd really, really like to see something local happen.
What my group produces are mostly street festivals with music that is free to the public, but which pay for themselves thru vendors. We've got enough vendors, especially food vendors, that sign up for all the festivals because they know there are always big crowds. It doesn't matter if it's the Monterey Squid Festival or the Italian American Heritage Festival, people turn out. That opens up the possibility of having some sort of free public Tiki festival that would pay for itself. Real Tikiophiles could network and then do their serious partying at their hotels just like it's done at Tiki Oasis.
Good feedback Moneyman. Thank you.
Please people, tell me more.
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Coco Loco
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 21, 2004
Posts: 820
From: Exotic Isle of Alameda
| Posted: 2007-07-05 5:21 pm Permalink
Okay, you asked for it. 
I'm curious, other than Munktiki, and Hula's, is there other Tiki in Monterey? That's a prime consideration. Palm Springs has the mid-century modern architecture, Polynesian pop hiding in plain view everywhere, as well as Tiki...as does San Diego, as does Hukilua in FL. All of these events focus around tiki that already exists there.
A festival for the sake of a festival, with the name of Tiki attached to it, in Monterey, is a pretty far trek. This crowd is authentic and into original stuff. Without that, building it will not ensure that they will come.
As for the bands, I love music. However, that's not enough of a draw enough in my opinion. I could probably easily see bands closer to home or at any of the other established Tiki events. You mentioned a Munktiki tour. That's probably not a draw. We love them, but because many of us know them, we know they're open tours when we're visiting.
So, if the purpose is to produce a festival as a money making venture, with the name of tiki attached to it, without legitimate substance to draw people in, I'm not sure many will go for it. Since you're into Tiki, I suggest you read the boards a bit more to understand the focus and interest of this group.
The get togethers that we have are not to draw people in. They're for the pure enjoyment of our interest. That is definitely the case for larger productions like Hukiluau and Oasis. These are hardcore tikifiles. And we already network just fine thank you. Personally, I think Monterey is a great place, but it's not Tiki.
[ This Message was edited by: Coco Loco 2007-07-05 17:36 ]
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VampiressRN
Grand Member (7 years) 
Joined: Nov 23, 2006
Posts: 5465
From: Sin City Lincoln Hills (NorCal)
| Posted: 2007-07-06 06:41 am Permalink
Looking forward to meeting you at Oasis. It is very admirable of you to offer the possibility of hosting a tiki event in Monterey. I haven't been there in years and definitely would attend. I think the posts above have some very honest points on how and why Hukilau and Oasis are successful. They are held in areas saturated with tiki and they are well organized with great entertainment steeped in tradition and supported by a wonderful group of artists. But most importantly they are held by and for a very close-knit community of friends and passionate collectors of Poly-pop. I have been to a few smaller events and have found everyone to be warm and friendly and genuine lovers of all things tiki. I am happy that it is such a diverse community with serious knowledgeable collectors that help to mentor people like me...just learning about tiki. Do take some time reading on the board...I find new and exciting threads on a regular basis. I suggest you research and network over the next year and see if you get enough interest to support a successful event in Monterey.
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 "Oh waiter, another cocktail please!!!"
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tikiyaki
Grand Member (7 years)
Joined: May 18, 2004
Posts: 2690
From: The Exotic Port of REDONDO BEACH, CA
| Posted: 2007-07-06 07:43 am Permalink
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On 2007-07-05 17:21, Coco Loco wrote:
Okay, you asked for it.
I'm curious, other than Munktiki, and Hula's, is there other Tiki in Monterey? That's a prime consideration. Palm Springs has the mid-century modern architecture, Polynesian pop hiding in plain view everywhere, as well as Tiki...as does San Diego, as does Hukilua in FL. All of these events focus around tiki that already exists there.
[ This Message was edited by: Coco Loco 2007-07-05 17:36 ]
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I think that sums it up right there. One look at the Northeast Tiki Tour web page will verify that.
http://www.northeasttikitour.com/stops.htm
I mean, who would expect TIKI in Massachussets ? But, lo and behold, it's there. Some really great, vintage establishments like Kowloon and the Hu Ke Lau, which are longstanding,classic Tiki places.
What you're describing sounds like a Polynesian themed street fair, which would be cool too, but for something like that, it would be best to have Hula and Fire Dancing troups, Polynesian food, and a high concentration of Pacific Islanders who would attend such an event. Are there alot of Hawaii expats in the area ?
Plus, it seems that the tiki events people on TC attend usually hub around one place or a few places, and of course, the ARTISTS....One thing the Tiki community has done is given a home to a misfit art form called TIKI ART...carving painting, mug making...without the artists these events would be just a plain ole' party. Music is is important, but far less so than the actual art and artists in attendance.
That being said, I've never been to Monterey, but if there is no great temple of Tiki up there, like Coco Loco said, it might be stretch. Hell, OTTO who puts on Tiki Oasis lives in San Francisco, and TIKI Oasis is never held up there. That should say something right there....the place is everything, I guess.
[ This Message was edited by: tikiyaki 2007-07-06 07:44 ]
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TikiLaLe
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 09, 2006
Posts: 891
From: Largo, Floriduh
| Posted: 2007-07-06 08:40 am Permalink
Down in Monterey, You say you got all kind of resources ....go for it !!!
Every year it will be become bigger !!!!
Don't be discourage by the 'tiki doesn't exist in Monterey crowd'
Good Luck and Good Day !!!!
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Okolehao
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 03, 2006
Posts: 234
From: Monterey, CA
| Posted: 2007-07-06 09:28 am Permalink
I really appreciate the feedback, guys (gals?). I'm not a hardcore Tiki guy, but I am getting more interested all the time. I'd love to actually know some people thru this forum before I go to Oasis, unlike last year when I went. I was with a group of friends that I brought, but we did feel like we weren't part of 'the fraternity'. None the less, I had so much fun I’m coming back for another year.
I understand better how the location is an important component of having an event. Unfortunately, Monterey County is not known for its mid century Polynesian Pop architecture. There are a few apartment complexes done in the style with faux Tikis, but nothing that most cities don't already have. I used to live in San Diego so I didn't get involved with the Tiki tour at Oasis - I'd seen it all before. What was so much fun for me were the shows. I'm a musician and I've been in both a Surf band and a true Hapa Haole steel guitar band. Because I'm music centric, and I work with booking bands, my impetus to put something together has come from that direction. I know place is important because of the architecture, but isn’t it more a factor of having a warm, pseudo tropical tourist local? I’m not an expert, but as has been said, aren’t there better places to hold an event if architecture was the main appeal?
Another aspect that I know is a good idea is the important inclusion of artists and vendors. Our West End festival is a showcase of our developing ‘artist loft’ arts community. That’s often the reason for an event. I know it just wouldn’t be a real event without them. I actually envision putting an emphasis on the Tiki artists because as much as artists do what they do for the love of their art, they also want to sell things to pay the bills. An early criticism of the planning of Oasis, and this might have changed by now, was the idea of having only ticketed participants getting a day with the vendors. That might be great for some, but if you’re in business it’s not what you want to do. I’m guessing that the vendors subsidize Oasis quite a bit and that is why ticket prices are so reasonable.
The suggestion of having a more inclusive festival is a good idea. We have a very large Hawaiian and Tongan community here and there are some hard core events that already take place. http://www.alohapolynesia.net/board/board_topic/513300/158705.htm Really, with all the great bands in the bay area (Ape has played here on the beach several times and the Mermen/Shi-tones are playing next month at one of our events), the true Polynesians and their very available entertainment, the great exposure artists could get (the locals are rich and throw money around like confetti), and the tourist infrastructure, it seems like something could work here.
But I’m doing a sales pitch now and that’s supposedly not why I’m posting. I really want your input. I know from experience that unless you get support from whatever group is supposed to be served by and event, it won’t work. If it’s something that just won’t work, tell me. I sincerely mean that and won’t take offence if that’s how you feel. But if you think there is something that could work, maybe different from the Hukilau and Oasis model, give me details on how you would envision this happening.
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RevBambooBen
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Nov 12, 2002
Posts: 7401
From: Huntikington Beach
| Posted: 2007-07-06 10:14 am Permalink
contact Holden@tikifarm.com
He's a walking and talking
event planning machine!!!
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Bamboo Ben
Custom Tropical Decor
I build Tiki Rooms for you! Just ask around ;)
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Coco Loco
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Mar 21, 2004
Posts: 820
From: Exotic Isle of Alameda
| Posted: 2007-07-06 10:39 am Permalink
I've stated my thoughts above. It's not all about architecture, it's about a love of all things PolyPop in a place that has that in existence, that has people who are really into it putting it together, then they will come to support them.
To give you a little clearer picture: Hukilua and Oasis, and even Holden's events are put on by people who are really into this stuff. Oasis: Otto is a Tiki icon and he was one of the original starters of the movement. Hukiluau: Tiki Kiliki is HUGE into tiki and polypop. Swanky, also earlier part of Hukilua is a huge tiki resource of knowledge. Both are considered with high regard in the Tiki community. Holden LOVES Tiki mugs and all things Tiki. Because of this he got involved with TikiCentral. It certainly now makes good business sense for him to be involved, but bottom line, he's into the stuff and many of us know him and are friends.
I'm not convinced that you're so much into the stuff yet, as looking for an opportuntity to produce a financial money making event. That's fine if you are, but this is not the crowd to cater it to if it's not authentically Tiki from this forum's perspective. If you're wondering what that is, simply read the threads.
So my point is, you could easily throw an event in Monterey -- epecially with your resources, but in my opinion, you'll need to make it more generalist (which this crowd is not) to attract the people you need to make it financially successful. You probably won't capture a lot of tikifiles, but you certainly can get the masses of general people who aren't into Tiki so much. Beyond that, I would really suggest that you not blatantly pitch on this site, without really being into this stuff. It will probably work against you.
P.S. Look forward to meeting you at Oasis.
[ This Message was edited by: Coco Loco 2007-07-06 10:41 ]
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mieko
Tiki Socialite
Joined: May 01, 2006
Posts: 532
From: San Diego
| Posted: 2007-07-06 10:58 am Permalink
Quote:
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On 2007-07-06 09:28, Okolehao wrote:
Another aspect that I know is a good idea is the important inclusion of artists and vendors. Our West End festival is a showcase of our developing ‘artist loft’ arts community. That’s often the reason for an event. I know it just wouldn’t be a real event without them. I actually envision putting an emphasis on the Tiki artists because as much as artists do what they do for the love of their art, they also want to sell things to pay the bills. An early criticism of the planning of Oasis, and this might have changed by now, was the idea of having only ticketed participants getting a day with the vendors. That might be great for some, but if you’re in business it’s not what you want to do. I’m guessing that the vendors subsidize Oasis quite a bit and that is why ticket prices are so reasonable.
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I'm pretty new into this scene, but as someone who vended at Tiki Farm Event (shared a booth) and vended at Hukilau (turned it into a vacation), I like the idea of a small event in Monterey. I like the area, it makes a nice weekend getaway even if you're not there for an event, but add a day of vending and a few parties before and after, I'd definitely consider going.
If you want a lot of tiki artists to come and vend, and if you want a large variety, you need to have reasonable booth prices and a lot of attendees. One of the problems with Oasis is that the vendor spots are pretty pricey. As someone who's just starting out, it's almost impossible for me to sell enough to cover the booth costs. Tiki Farm booths were so reasonable, that it was worth it just to see what would happen.
I don't know if you'll get a large number of attendees from TC, so I think you would need to make it a broader to get a good number of attendees, but then you run the risk of not bringing in people who would actually buy the stuff we're vending.
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tropicaldesignsbymieko.com
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TikiLaLe
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 09, 2006
Posts: 891
From: Largo, Floriduh
| Posted: 2007-07-06 11:21 am Permalink
New spokesperson for TC .... CocoLoco !!! Let's give big hand !!!!
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Bora Boris
Mr. Unreasonable
Joined: Mar 25, 2005
Posts: 2527
From: Boogie Wonderland
| Posted: 2007-07-06 11:57 am Permalink
I agree with Coco Loco 100% on this.
I would need a little more incentive than a local live band and a sunburn to make the trip.
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TikiLaLe
Tiki Socialite
Joined: Feb 09, 2006
Posts: 891
From: Largo, Floriduh
| Posted: 2007-07-06 12:54 pm Permalink
Quote:
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On 2007-07-06 10:58, mieko wrote:
Quote:
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On 2007-07-06 09:28, Okolehao wrote:
Another aspect that I know is a good idea is the important inclusion of artists and vendors. Our West End festival is a showcase of our developing ‘artist loft’ arts community. That’s often the reason for an event. I know it just wouldn’t be a real event without them. I actually envision putting an emphasis on the Tiki artists because as much as artists do what they do for the love of their art, they also want to sell things to pay the bills. An early criticism of the planning of Oasis, and this might have changed by now, was the idea of having only ticketed participants getting a day with the vendors. That might be great for some, but if you’re in business it’s not what you want to do. I’m guessing that the vendors subsidize Oasis quite a bit and that is why ticket prices are so reasonable.
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I'm pretty new into this scene, but as someone who vended at Tiki Farm Event (shared a booth) and vended at Hukilau (turned it into a vacation), I like the idea of a small event in Monterey. I like the area, it makes a nice weekend getaway even if you're not there for an event, but add a day of vending and a few parties before and after, I'd definitely consider going.
If you want a lot of tiki artists to come and vend, and if you want a large variety, you need to have reasonable booth prices and a lot of attendees. One of the problems with Oasis is that the vendor spots are pretty pricey. As someone who's just starting out, it's almost impossible for me to sell enough to cover the booth costs. Tiki Farm booths were so reasonable, that it was worth it just to see what would happen.
I don't know if you'll get a large number of attendees from TC, so I think you would need to make it a broader to get a good number of attendees, but then you run the risk of not bringing in people who would actually buy the stuff we're vending.
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If your goods are worth purchasing people will beat a path to you.... If not ...well !
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aquarj
Grand Member (8 years) 
Joined: Apr 02, 2002
Posts: 1055
From: SF bay area, CA
| Posted: 2007-07-06 2:16 pm Permalink
Some hopefully helpful comments...
It seems like the big events have a combination of a local population of tiki enthusiasts plus local attractions that draw non-locals from far and wide. By local attractions, I mean "headliners" like the Mai Kai in Ft. Lauderdale, Hala Kahiki in Chicago, Bali Hai in San Diego, etc. Also, with each of those events the local region itself is generally an attraction too, enough to spur a trip.
I'd roughly guess that Monterey is a little short on two of those things - the local enthusiasts and the headliner destinations. There's no denying it's a nice place to visit - a lot of people go to Monterey just as tourists. And there are a lot of tiki enthusiasts just over the hill in the bay area, maybe not quite local, but 90 minutes away.
I think if you wanted to make Monterey itself into the headliner for the TikiCentral crowd, you might be able to make it interesting for non-locals to make the trip. Speaking personally, I've been to Monterey a bunch of times, but there must be a lot I don't know. If you came up with a list of 10 gems in the area, my interest would probably be sparked. Where's the bar that inherited some of the remnants from Mark Thomas' Outrigger? For that matter, where was the Outrigger, and what's there now? How about some pictures from the original place? Where's the old bowling alley that still has the great googie sign from the 60s and the Eskimo themed "Igloo Room" bar? Where's the antique store whose owner keeps two live iguanas named Shields and Yarnell by the register? Those are the kinds of things that make it interesting enough to want to come and maybe even stay a night or two. Otherwise, if it's just another aloha festival with a loosely related bunch of vendors and local bands, my guess would be that others are right that you're pretty much talking a local crowd, and therefore a smallish event. But as others said, the event doesn't have to be big - no reason not to try out a small event and see who comes.
Also, some comments about other people's comments...
The fact that Otto lives in the SF bay area and is holding the Oasis in San Diego does not indicate anything much at all. While the SF bay area has a ton of tiki destinations, my guess is that the Oasis stayed in so-cal mainly because of its "fun in the sun" pedigree. Weather-wise, SF tends to be a place that you want to find an Oasis from, rather than the other way around. Chicago's like SF in terms of bad (or worse) weather, but the tiki destinations in these cities are more oriented toward the indoor escapist experience than the outdoor Palm Springs or San Diego kind of fun.
And, ahem, to any resident of Alameda protesting about a "long" 90 min driving distance to an event, I respectfully submit that your perspective is skewed by living walking distance from one of the best contemporary tiki grottos in America!
-Randy
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