The Hukilau 2011, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
It's hard to believe that Hukilau, the annual tiki gathering in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida is celebrating its 10th Anniversary this year. I've been an attendee since 2003, the first year that the event moved from Atlanta to Florida, and they've gotten better year after year despite some interesting twists and turns, like when Hurricane Jean forced the evacuation of most of the attendees in 2004. This year also marks the 55th Anniversary of the Mai Kai restaurant, the very last of the grand mid-century polynesian palaces built in the U.S. Here are all the details from the press release:
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Aloha Hukilau Villagers, Beachcombers, Tiki Lovers, Cocktail Afficionados, Beatniks, Hipsters, Rockabillies, Lounge Lizards and lovers of everything Mid-Century, we are pleased to announce the 10th annual Hukilau, taking place from June 9th to June 12th, 2011, in beautiful Ft. Lauderdale Florida.
Plan now for your June Polynesian Pop vacation weekender which unites Tikiphiles from around the world! The Mai-Kai, now in its 55th year, awaits you with its dimly lit entrance, its cavernous mazes and magical memories! Be dazzled by four days of exotic and intoxicating art, entertainment, music, historic seminars, fashion and of course, drink!
The Bahia Mar has rooms available starting at the low price of $114.00 per night! This is where most events will take place over the weekend.
The Bahia Cabana has rooms available starting at the low price of $89.00 per night! This is where our incredible Room Crawl will take place on Thursday night and our Master Mixologist Competition!
The Hukilau 2011 featured events:
The Hukilau has the distinct privilege of presenting along with the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale “A View of the South Pacific” Oceanic Collection donated by many contributors incluing the Mai-Kai itself in the early 1970s. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity to view this world-class collection for the first time. Special cocktail creation by Jeff “Beachbum” Berry, a special performance by the Mai-Kai dancers, reception featuring Sven Kirsten, Christie “Tiki Kiliki” White, curator Dr. George Ellis, cameo performance by Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid and a tour through this very special collection!
The Hukilau special guests, artists Kevin Kidney and Jody Daily, will be debuting new works of art as part of the on-site Harold Golen Gallery art show installation and be available for a special Meet and Greet over the weekend! The Little Florida Orange Bird told me that Kevin might just delight us with a Symposium!
The master mixologist, Jeff “Beach Bum” Berry, returns with an all-new experience as he presents his Rumposium and the Rum Rat Pack! This never before assembled panel of Rum experts will not only talk about Tiki cocktails but will take you through a literally explosive history of our favorite spirit! Join the Bum, Ian Burrell, Martin Cate, Steve Remsburg and Wayne Curtis for this Hukilau exclusive!
Author Phillip Roberts joins us all the way from Hawaii to share Waikiki Tiki: Art, History and Photographs – an inside look at his new book including rare photos, special guest Randy Wong of Waitiki and Waitiki 7 and an incredible finale that will have Tiki historians talking for years to come!
Our friends at Vintage Roadside present “Beautiful Girls that Look Like Fish” The Story of Aquarama, World Famous Mermaid Attraction which will feature photos, stories and vintage home movies of these amazing Aquamaids and Aqualads in action. And hold onto your seats folks – they have even unearthed footage of an actually visit to Weeki Wachee and the Mai-Kai in 1968! See it first at The Hukilau! Special guest: of course, our resident mermaid herself!
The Harold Golen Gallery’s “Fine Art Tiki Show” returns to The Hukilau in 2011 and is thrilled to be a party of the events 10 year anniversary! Participating will be a collection of the finest artists in the Tiki community such as Bosko, Al Evans and Heather Watts just to name a few.
Entertainers include:
Fort Lauderdale’s own Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid
The Tikiyaki Orchestra from Los Angeles
The Fisherman from New York
The Exotics from Milwaukee
The Intoxicators! From Tallahassee and beyond
Grinder Nova from Atlanta
Our most favorite of royals, King Kukulele emcees the entire weekend – this year joined by Crazy Al Evans!
And providing the Exotica soundtrack for the weekend:
DJ Dr. Scopitone
DJ’s Lounge Laura Taylor and Drew Farmer
DJ’s Jack Fetterman and Gina of the Jungle
Other Hukilau 2010 Special Events:
The return of The Hukilau Room Crawl – A Tribute to The King! Participants outfit their rooms after their favorite Elvis movie!
The return of the Harold Golen Fine Art Tiki Show! With artists such as Heather Watts, Crazy Al Evans, Bosko, El Gato Gomez and more!
The weekend ends with a perfect celebration for The Hukilau Aloha Pass and 2 Day Pass holders only to share a very special day at the Mai-Kai on Sunday 6/12/11. Browse through the Mai-Kai archives, enjoy a Rum tasting and take in a tour of The Hukilau’s last 10 years. Check the schedule online for more information!
Also look for upcoming sculpts and insider info about the 2011 Munktiki / Kevin Kidney Mug. Hukilau glassware designs by Kevin Kidney and Mookie, T-shirts and other keepsakes!
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If you've never gone, I highly recommend you attend. The entertainment is always top notch, Beachbum Berry's seminars are enlightening, and an evening at the Mai Kai is an enchanting experience you'll never forget.
June 9-12, 2011 | Ft. Lauderdale, Florida
Visit the Hukilau 2011 website | Get your tickets online