The Jungle - LIVE Podcast
Presented by David Marley
Join David "Dr. Skipper" Marley and Trevor Kelly for a live recording of their popular podcast "The Jungle" and take questions from the audience. This will be a fun filled hour of Disney comedy and wild stories. We invite you to join the fun and ask them questions about the park, especially the Jungle Cruise, or any topic that comes to mind.
David "Dr. Skipper" Marley and Trevor Kelly will do a live recording of their popular podcast "The Jungle" and take questions from the audience. It will be a fun-filled hour of Disney comedy and wild stories. We invite you to join the fun and ask them questions about the park, especially the Jungle Cruise, or any tiki topic that comes to mind.
Tiki Oasis Book Club Presents "Day of the Locust" by Nathanael West
Sponsored by
Presented by Karen Finlay
In the spirit of this year's Tiki Oasis theme, we will be going west with Nathanael West, reading his 1939 classic about California dreaming and Hollywood scheming: Day of the Locust. Admired by F. Scott Fitzgerald, Dorothy Parker, and Dashiell Hammett, Day of the Locust continues to influence American writers, artists, and culture. No novel more perfectly captures the nuttier side of Hollywood, reflecting the follies, scandals, and the lunacies of an entire nation.
Karen Finlay — the Hostess with the Mostest BOOKS — is celebrating her ten-year anniversary of hosting the Tiki Oasis Book Club! Karen is the founder of The Mid-Century Supper Club Potluck and co-owner (with her husband, Jon Burchard) of Alibi Bookshop in Vallejo, California. Her favorite things are old books, old restaurants, old clothes, old Hollywood... and Tiki Oasis!
From Victor to “The Trader”- A 90-Year Cocktail Odyssey
Sponsored by
Presented by Eve Bergeron and Beachbum Berry
Eve Bergeron and Beachbum Berry take you on a jaw-dropping journey of Tiki titan, Trader Vic! With never-before-seen photos and previously untold tales of his early years, including unlocking tropical drink secrets in Cuba, Jamaica, and Trinidad, and his glory years — inventing the Mai Tai and Scorpion while forging an empire of 25 restaurants. His legacy has been kept alive through the cocktail Dark Ages and into today’s Tiki revival by the dedication of his family and his fans.
One of Imbibe magazine’s “25 Most Influential Cocktail Personalities of the Past Century,” Jeff “Beachbum” Berry is the author of seven books about vintage tropical drinks and the owner of Beachbum Berry’s Latitude 29, a New Orleans restaurant which has won worldwide critical acclaim. The New York Times cites him as “the Indiana Jones of Tiki drinks” and The Los Angeles Times as “a hybrid of street-smart gumshoe, anthropologist and mixologist.”
Tropical Tasting {Session 4}
Sponsored by
Featuring Clubtails, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Liquid Alchemist Natural Cocktail Syrups, Uruapan Charanda, Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Worthy Park Rum & Kona Bar Chocolates.
The Friday and Saturday Tropical Tasting sessions curated by Tiki Oasis will be different! Guests enjoy a spirited flight of guided tastings of some of our favorite brands (and some NEW ones too!) before embarking on a journey of one-on-one tastings to further explore products that work well in tropical cocktails. Admission includes a collectible tasting glass that guests may keep.
Made in California: Food that Changed America
Presented by George Geary
A&W Root Beer. Foster’s Freeze. IHOP. Der Wienerschnitzel. See’s Candy. Jack in the Box. You name the American food icon, and chances are its roots are in California. Food historian and chef George Geary tells the remarkable stories of the early 20th-century food startups that captured America’s hearts and stomachs, from burger joints, diners, fast food and restaurants.
George Geary is the author of 16 books covering food history and cookbooks. He is known as the creator of the cheesecakes on the iconic award-winning show, The Golden Girls. He is the former award-winning pastry chef for the Walt Disney Company, and last December, celebrated 30 years on morning TV news programs, from San Diego to Chicago to Florida. When not working, George enjoys tropical drinks (and cheesecake!) in his historical home in Palm Springs.
The Wild West History of The Trade Winds
Sponsored by
Presented by Rincon Ron Ferrell
Take a deep dive into the rise and fall of a once-majestic Polynesian restaurant — The Trade Winds Polynesian Restaurant in Ventura County, California. With its soaring A-frame entrance, lake with a full-size Chinese junk, and over 50 carved Tikis scattered across 10,000 square feet, the Trade Winds had connections to Oceanic Arts, movie studio set designers, and Sawyer architects — designers of many well-known Tiki bars, including the Luau, Don the Beachcomber, the Lanai, and the South Seas.
Rincon Ron Ferrell is a collector, traveler, and educator. He has been a writer for Tiki Magazine, a partner and pot still installer for Sespe Creek Distillery in Oxnard, a project manager for House Of Bamboo Tiki Lounge in Camarillo, and was a builder of The Rincon Room and Drifters Reef.
King Kukulele Uke Jam
With King Kukulele
Join us for the annual Tiki Oasis Uke Jam! There is no fee to join in, and don’t worry about being experienced in your playing, just bring a ukulele. You never know who will stop by!
King Kukulele is a multi-talented entertainer and long-time M.C. for Tiki Oasis. He is a comedian, actor, and ukulele player who has performed around the world. Kukulele is known for his inexhaustible energy and for singing hapa haole and novelty songs at events ranging from Hollywood movie premieres to Disneyland.
Legendary Tiki Bars Reborn
Sponsored by
Presented by Justin Peterson, Tom Allsmiller, Marie King
Curious about the remodel of the legendary Mai-Kai Restaurant? Want to know more about how Don the Beachcomber is being re-envisioned as a contemporary but classic version of “the greatest Tiki bar on earth”? Join Justin Peterson and Tom Allsmiller, Creative Directors of Don the Beachcomber and the Mai-Kai Restaurant, for an inside look at the art, design, and creative process of building these legendary Tiki bars. Enjoy samples of Don the Beachcomber and Mai-Kai libations created by Don the Beachcomber Beverage Director, Marie King.
Justin Peterson & Tom Allsmiller are the Creative Directors of Florida’s famous Mai Kai Restaurant and of the first new Don the Beachcomber location, now open in Madeira Beach. Marie King is the Beverage Director of Don the Beachcomber and the former beverage director for Tonga Hut.
Tropical Tasting {Session 3}
Sponsored by
Featuring Clubtails, Drumshanbo Gunpowder Irish Gin, Liquid Alchemist Natural Cocktail Syrups, Uruapan Charanda, Vecchio Amaro del Capo, Worthy Park Rum & Kona Bar Chocolates.
The Friday and Saturday Tropical Tasting sessions curated by Tiki Oasis will be different! Guests enjoy a spirited flight of guided tastings of some of our favorite brands (and some NEW ones too!) before embarking on a journey of one-on-one tastings to further explore products that work well in tropical cocktails. Admission includes a collectible tasting glass that guests may keep.
Delights of the Desert
Sponsored by
Presented by Chuntikis
Be inspired by desert life and culture with Julio "Jules" Gutierrez, AKA Chuntikis. Chuntikis will share his knowledge of spirits from the desert, including agaves, bacanora, sotol, and more. He will discuss the unique tastes of desert spirits and share tips about how to use them in delicious tropical cocktails. As a first generation Mexican-American with roots descending from the Sonoran Desert, this taste adventure will include suggestions of desert locations to visit where you can find your own Tiki oasis.
Julio “Jules” Gutierrez is a first-generation son of immigrants from Sonora, Mexico. For the past 13 years, Gutierrez has been in the adult beverage industry. He created Chuntikis, a cocktail pop-up, as a response to a lack of Latino representation in the beverage industry. At its heart, Chuntikis is about telling stories and giving representation to the Latino community. Using tropical cocktails as a base, Gutierrez carefully layers flavors that play a role in telling the story of some aspect of Latino culture.
San Francisco's Tonga Room: From Pool to Hurricane Tiki Hut
Sponsored by
Presented by Eric Jost
Step aboard the S.S. Tonga as we dive headfirst into the mesmerizing history of the world-famous Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar! Since 1945, this themed restaurant and bar has been a go-to destination for San Francisco locals and visitors alike. Get ready to unravel the secrets behind the transformation of the Fairmont Hotel’s pool into the ultimate hub for an ocean liner-themed bar, evolving gradually into the beloved tropical paradise we know and adore today. Discover how the Tonga Room & Hurricane Bar defied extinction in the early-2000’s, emerging even more popular than ever before.
Eric Jost isn't your average urban anthropologist and walking tour guide – he's the spirited time-traveler of San Francisco's vibrant past! With a penchant for unraveling the city's secrets, he's the brain behind the tours “SOMA Origins: Bars, Bathhouses, & Beyond,” and “Pagan Bay: SF’s Role in the Rise, Fall, & Resurgence of American Tiki Culture.” When he's not leading excursions through the city's historical nooks, you'll catch him sipping cocktails at Trader Sam's or chasing the tropical island vibes for that extra dose of inspiration.
East Coast & Western Swing Dance
Presented by Steve Conrad & Dana Stephenson
Steve Conrad and Dana Stephenson are back at it this time teaching us the dances from the West! Learn the steps of the Arizona and Texas Two-Step as well as a few line dances. We will practice to the sounds of 1950's and 60's country music. No experience necessary so complete beginners are welcome. No need to come with a partner to participate. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that allow you to move on the dance floor.
Dana Stephenson and Steve Conrad love to dance and want you to dance with them! Over the last two years Steve Conrad has been teaching partner dances around the world! He was recently featured on ABC’s “The Bachelorette”, HGTV’s “House Hunters”, and NBC’s “Little Big Shots: Forever Young”, as well as in numerous music videos and USA Today.
Influential Women in Tiki
Sponsored by
Presented by Tiki Lindy
Moderated by Tiki Lindy this panel discussion includes the most influential Women in Tiki today. Gathering pioneers in history, mixology, Tiki events, and entrepreneurs in a vibrant seminar celebrating their impact the Tiki culture we know today. Each panelist will shares insights into their groundbreaking contributions, from crafting innovative libations to organizing unforgettable events and establishing successful ventures. Engaging in dynamic discussions, they delve into the fusion of tradition and innovation, shedding light on their journey, challenges, and triumphs in shaping the Tiki landscape. With expertise, passion, and creativity, these trailblazing women inspire and empower others to carve their paths in the ever-evolving world of mixology and tropical indulgence. Featuring Eve Bergeron (Trader Vic's), Baby Doe (Tiki Oasis), Shannon Musipher (Author), Marie King (Beverage Director Don the Beachcomber)
Disney Legend: The Great Rolly Crump Presents his Magic
Presented by Christopher Crump & Chris Nichols
Rolly Crump (1930-2023) is a Disney Legend — he even had his own window on Main Street, USA! But many people do not know that he was also a prolific artist beyond his Disney work. His son Christopher Crump and special guest, Chris Nichols (Los Angeles Magazine) will present highlights of Rolly’s distinguished career and provide those in attendance with some of the Rolly Magic. The book The Great Crump Presents His Magic will be available for purchase.
Chris Crump retired from Walt Disney Imagineering in 2016 after contributing to projects worldwide for over 28 years. As a production designer and field art director, Chris completed The Little Mermaid - Ariel's Undersea Adventure in 2011 at Disney California Adventure. He and his team received the 2002 Thea Award for Best New Theme Park: Tokyo DisneySea. Chris began his career working alongside his father, the legendary Imagineer, Rolly Crump. FACEBOOK
Chris Nichols is a preservationist and senior editor at Los Angeles magazine. He formerly worked with the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee. In addition to creating tours, exhibitions, and lectures about historic Los Angeles, Nichols has advocated for endangered buildings all over Southern California. His books include Walt Disney’s Disneyland for Taschen and The Leisure Architecture of Wayne McAllister. He writes the Ask Chris column in Los Angeles magazine and has served on the board of Hollywood Heritage.