Symposium Tickets
Tiki Oasis Symposiums subject to change with notice. Please arrive 15 minutes before all symposiums to check in and get settled. Those with VIP passes get first entry to all symposiums!
Friday August 16th
Steelin' Home - The Roots of Hulabilly
with Duke Weiss
more info: Join Haywire Duke, the Duke of Hulabilly History in a fast-paced informal introduction and overview of Hawaii’s influence on music from America’s mainland. Haywire D., will trace 100 years of Hulabilly history, starting in a small village in Laie, on the windward side of Oahu, with stops in San Francisco, Chicago, all points east, Oklahoma and Texas, Los Angeles, Bakersfield, Memphis, Tucson and then back to Hawaii. Your ticket will take you on an in-depth and enchanting voyage with the Hawaiian Steel Guitar, from its origin as a Spanish Guitar, to an aluminum resonator, to an electrified lap steel instrument, to its eventual landing in Nashville as a pedal steel guitar. Haywire D. will share the rarified sounds that took America by storm, as it ran its course of cultural popularity as rural Hillbilly, Western Swing, Honky Tonk, Rockabilly Bop, the Nashville and Bakersfield Sounds and even Lounge and World music. Come meet the colorful characters whose innovations, individualized the music, from Joseph Kekuku to Speedy West, all seen from historical photos and archival footage and heard from original recordings, some over 80 years old. Also, you will learn about women who played Steel; the artists who created the fashions of Hulabilly; African-Americans and the Steel Guitar; an example or two of Surfabiilly; Hot Rods and Pickers meet the Steel Guitar and see and hear rare Hulabilly Vinyl. Also, there will be an opportunity to slide a steel bar on a vintage Fender Lap Steel and fondle a 100 year old Hulabilly rooted Edison Diamond Disc.!
Location: Peacock Room II, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 11:00AM -12:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00....................................................Limited tickets sold at door
The Art of Stamping
with Artist Eric October
more info: Stamping, in various forms, is a craft that has been utilized by many cultures, notably by Polynesians in the creation of Tapa. Discover the techniques that can transform an ordinary piece of foamboard into an extraordinary tool for creating art in a modern take on the art of Tapa. Participants will create stamps, and then apply them to decorate and personalize your own tote bag. Polynesian Pop is the emphasis of the style being demonstrated, and students are also encouraged to bring along t-shirts or other items that they feel could use a tiki touch (natural fabrics work best). Tools and materials provided. Cutting instruments will be used, and participation is at attendees' own risk.
Location: Cove Room 1, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 11:00AM - 12:30PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes. The first 50 Attendees at the event will receive a free tote bag for stamping on!
Price: $20.00 Material Included ......................Limited tickets sold at door
History of Pin-Up Icons from the 20s to Modern Day
with Penny Starr, Jr.
Sponsored by A Pin Up's Closet
more info: The art of the pin-up is almost as old as photography itself! Join us as producer and burlesque dancer extraordinaire Penny Starr, Jr. reviews the top 10 pin-ups that have inspired us throughout the decades! Penny will explore the characteristics unique to each era—from the Ziegfeld Follies girls to Farrah Fawcett to Dita Von Teese! She'll then show you tips and tricks straight from these beloved Pin-Up Icons, and share how how you can use them today.
You'll learn simple techniques to help you take your own sizzling hot photos! How to find your best side, how to air-bite, and even why pin-up poses are like doing yoga but in high heels and false eyelashes! You'll walk away with a little extra sass in your step—and a handy cheat sheet for getting the best photos whether with a professional photographer or hanging out at the car show with your friends.
All participants receive a set of false eyelashes from A Pin Up's Closet
Location: Peacock Room I, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
Hula with Hawaii’s own Violetta Beretta
more info: Discover this graceful and expressive dance from the Hawaiian Islands! Hula is a wonderful way to increase grace, balance, deliberation in movement and to achieve beautiful hands. But it's so much more! It's also excellent for promoting a strong back, arms & core and a relaxing way to gently banish tightness and tension from your entire body, especially your legs, hips and shoulders! In this basic Hula class, Violetta will give you a brief history of the origins, cultural practices and variations of Hula. She'll also walk you through a warm-up and teach you basic hand, arm, hip, and foot movements. You will also learn a short, classic "hapa-haole hula" dance to the song “Little Grass Shack” to take home, practice & perform! Please wear comfortable clothing you can move in—feel free to wear a sarong, hula skirt or lei if you're feeling fancy! Feet should be bare. Open to all ages, no experience needed.
Location: Grassy Area by Pool, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 1:00PM - 2:00PM
Price: Free
Hulabilly Swing Dance Lesson
more info: Join San Diego's most traveled Swing Era dance instructor: Joel Plys for a special Hulabilly Swing Lesson! No experience needed. Come with a partner or solo! Make sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing that you can move in!
Joel has 14 years of professional Swing Dance teaching experience which has taken him to 32 US States and 10 countries including: Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, New Caledonia, Scotland, Sweden, and the UK. He is in the Camp Hollywood Hall of Fame and has been nominated for the CA Swing Dance Hall of Fame. Joel owns 2PlySwing Productions, Swing Dancing in San Diego and is the organizer of the local performance troupe The Hang Top Hoppers.
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 2:00PM - 3:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
Squirrel Whiskey, Monkey Rum, and Sweet Spirit of Cats a'Fighting: The Taming of American Moonshine
with Matthew Rowley
more info: Despite the hype, most moonshine isn't corn whiskey and hasn't been since Donn Beach was knee-high to a moai. For almost 400 years, Americans have distilled untaxed liquor in cabins, sheds, warehouses, hollers, and now garages and basements. Author Matthew Rowley examines the history of moonshine, America's primal spirit. From the colonial era though Prohibition to its recent incarnations, moonshine has changed with the times. Through guided tastings from some of today's (legal) craft distilleries and Q&A, participants will learn to distinguish so-called "legal moonshine" and white whiskeys from their illegal forerunners and modern cousins.
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Friday August 16th, 3:30PM - 5:00PM
Attendees: MUST be 21 years and older to attend. Attendance included with the VIP cocktail pass.
Price: $30.00................................................. Limited tickets sold at door
Saturday August 17th
Lounge-a-licious Ooey Gooey Stretch Class
with Tana the Tattooed Lady
more info: Wonder how you are going to sustain a whole weekend of Tiki Oasis? Let Tana the Tattooed Lady help you stretch and relax and give you tips on how to keep the energy alive for all those late night after parties!
Location: Peacock Room I, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 9:00AM - 10:00AM
Price: Free
Appalachian Flatfoot Dance for Beginners
with Rebecca Stout
more info: Ever wondered how folks dance to bluegrass, old-time, square dance and barn dance music? This is it. A beginners class in the art of percussive dance...hillbilly style. No need for a partner, this is a solo, freestyle dance. There will be no difficult routines and you can look like a pro in the space of one hour! This dance is a vigorous workout, so be prepared to sweat. Bring plenty of water, slick-bottomed hard soled shoes, and ladies....if you are amply endowed, be sure to wear a good support bra. If you already enjoy square-dancing, barn-dancing or contra dancing, learning the few simple steps introduced in this class will greatly enhance your enjoyment of these dances and assist you tremendously in the area of keeping good time to the music. Open to all ages!
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
How to Throw a Mid-Century Tiki Patio Party!
with Kelly Patterson from Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en
Co-Sponsored by Deadhead Rum and Fee Brothers
more info: From the perfect pupu platter to edible masterpieces, learn how to throw a mid-century Tiki patio party with style! Expert hostess Kelly Patterson will walk you through some simple yet amazing tips and tricks that will wow your friends and impress your neighbors. Get ready for an afternoon filled with easy recipes for fun food & sassy cocktails. Kelly's quirky cool style will leave you entertained and inspired! After Kelly’s lecture and demo you'll be armed with enough info to dazzle all your guests. The only problem? Everyone will want to crash your Tiki–tastic patio party!
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 11:00AM - 12:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $15.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
History of the American Cocktail
with Dr. Clint Lanier & Derek Hembree
Co-Sponsored by Diplomatico, Depaz and London Gate Gin
more info: The complete history of the cocktail, starting from the first known cocktail recorded, the ”El Draque”, and ending with a cocktail just invented by award-winning San Antonio Bartender, Jaret Pena “The Mas Chingoni”
Each drink is accompanied by the story of it's invention, why it was popular, step by step instructions on how each drink is made and why its ingredients are significant. Did we forget to mention you will get to sample EACH cocktail?
Location: Peacock Room II, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Attendees: MUST be 21 years and older to attend. Attendance included with the VIP cocktail pass.
Price: $30.00.................................................. Limited tickets sold at door
The Higher the Hair the Closer to the Tiki Gods
with Lady Borgia
Sponsored by Pinup Girl Clothing
more info:Learn the secrets of the perfect bouffant hair styles that Dolly Parton perfected back in the 1950s-60s. This is combination lecture and hands-on class and will cover styles for both short and long hair. Participants will work in pairs to practice hairstyles. Instructions will also include tips on using hair pieces, pony clips, spray dyes and more! Please bring with you a comb, a brush and bobby pins. Expect door prizes and lots of heavenly fun!
Location: Peacock Room I, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 1:00PM - 2:30PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $15.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
'Twang' Guitar Class
with Jason Lee
more info:Jason Lee is back again at Tiki Oasis 13 with some Twang guitar in his arsenal. Currently recording original music for television shows, such as Duck Dynasty, Shark Week, and many other programs, Jason has worked hard this year to put together a fun and interactive symposium guaranteed to inspire. He will be covering the basics and will lead up to advanced levels of mid-century roots guitar and twang.
All you need to bring is a guitar, a cable and a fun attitude! All skill levels welcome. Jason will provide a limited amount of amps and guitars for attendees that cannot bring a guitar with them.
At the end of the class there will be an open "Grab and Jam" session, where attendees can play any of the vintage amps and guitars on display!
Location: Cove Room I, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 1:00PM - 3:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
San Diego's Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School
more info: "Dr. Sketchy's Anti-Art School is art class...without the class. Founded in New York City by artist/burlesque performer Molly Crabapple, Dr. Sketchy's now has branches in over 110 cities around the globe, from Los Angeles to Tokyo to Soa Paolo. Artists draw sassy burlesque girls, models, circus performers, roller derby chicks, and rippling hunks of man. Interspersed are silly drawing contests (Best left handed drawing? Best incorporation of a sea creature?) and fabulous prizes! Come draw gorgeous models in delicious Tiki getups. Bring your art supplies! (Extras supplies available at the door)"
Location: Peacock Room II, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 3:00PM – 6:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $10.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
The Third Man: The Incredible True Story of “Tiki Restaurateur to the Stars” Stephen Crane. A Tinseltown Tale of Mai Tais, Movie Stars, and Murder
with Martin Cate
Co-Sponsored by Appleton, Coruba and Wray & Nephew
Welcoming Cocktail featuring Mount Gay Rum, Galliano, Remy Cointreau and Remy Martin VSOP
more info: Much has been written about the two founding fathers of the tiki drink craze Don the Beachcomber and Trader Vic, but little discussed is the third man in the great historic tiki trifecta: Joseph Stephen Crane- Steve to his friends, and “High Talking Chief Stefooma” to the thousands of customers who walked through the door of his legendary Beverly Hills nightspot, The Luau. Crane came from humble beginnings to climb his way up the social ladder in pre-war Hollywood through a mixture of good looks, street smarts, and undeniable charm. It wasn’t long before the kid from Crawfordsville, Indiana found himself married to Hollywood’s biggest star, the incomparable Lana Turner. Crane opened his first restaurant in the late 1940s, but he cemented his place in history with the 1953 opening of The Luau on Rodeo Drive. It became the destination for Hollywood celebrities and was the start of a chain of successful restaurants nationwide. Crane took the Polynesian concept to a new level, with innovative new cocktails, food, and décor that had never been seen before.
Sit back, relax, and join Smuggler’s Cove owner Martin Cate for a rare look back into the amazing world of Steven Crane. Discover his talent for hospitality, mixology, and business through rarely seen images and artifacts and new interviews with his (and Lana Turner’s) only child, Cheryl Crane. Enjoy tastes of The Luau’s famous exotic cocktails while discovering a story so amazing, it could only have happened in Hollywood.
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Saturday August 17th, 3:30PM – 5:30PM
Attendees: MUST be 21 years and older to attend. Attendance included with the VIP cocktail pass.
Price: $35.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
Sunday August 18th
Charles Phoenix Retro Slide Show: Southern Californialand
"It is the age of space and we have just landed in the most modern metropolis on the planet..."
more info:Live Comedy Performance celebrating the past and present of SoCal’s underrated classic and kitschy mid-century drive-ins and drive-thus, coffee shops and bowling alleys, strip malls and shopping centers, extreme homes, dingbat apartments, fast food stands, amusement parks, themed environments and much more !!! Charles also shares his latest food crafting experiments, road trip adventures and “best of” guide to local attractions – all in glorious color !!!
Location: Grand Hanalei Ballroom, Crowne Plaza
Date: Sunday August 18th, 11:00AM – 12:00PM
Attendees: Attendance is included with BOTH VIP passes
Price: $18.00................................................... Limited tickets sold at door
Hawaii West Uke Jam
more info:King Kukulele will be hosting the Tiki Oasis open ukulele jam session, in the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Atrium. There is no fee to join in, just bring a ukulele. You never know who will stop by! This year we are excited to announce that we will have prize giveaways at the Uke Jam including: Island Bazaar Travel Ukulele Prize Package including Travel Uke, Chord Chart and Instruction Book and Tiki King Ukulele Player Stickers.
Location: Atrium, Crowne Plaza
Date: Sunday August 18th, 1:00PM – 3:00PM
Price: Free
