{"id":21184,"date":"2020-06-02T13:32:10","date_gmt":"2020-06-02T17:32:10","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=21184"},"modified":"2022-01-16T23:47:51","modified_gmt":"2022-01-17T04:47:51","slug":"the-hukilau-2020-a-week-of-virtual-events-to-honor-19th-annual-tiki-weekender-help-those-in-need","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2020\/06\/02\/the-hukilau-2020-a-week-of-virtual-events-to-honor-19th-annual-tiki-weekender-help-those-in-need\/","title":{"rendered":"The Hukilau 2020: A week of virtual events honor 19th annual Tiki weekender, help those in need"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated June 26<\/em><\/p>\n

The Hukilau’s 2020 event in Fort Lauderdale may have been wiped out by the coronavirus pandemic, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate the Polynesian Pop lifestyle in the privacy of your own Tiki bar or with other villagers in your local scene. Following are a week’s worth of suggestions<\/a> that pay homage to the participants, along with some ways you can lend a hand in these trying economic times.
\nSee below:<\/strong> Bonus recipe for The Last Fang<\/a>
\n* Virtual Main Event at The Mai-Kai on Friday and Saturday, June 5-6<\/a><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a><\/p>\n

Many of us were looking forward to the 19th annual edition<\/a> of the East Coast’s largest Tiki weekender on June 3-7 at the B Ocean Resort<\/a> and The Mai-Kai restaurant<\/a>. But we’ll have to wait for next year’s 20th anniversary to meet up with all our old friends, savor rum and Tiki cocktails made by some of the world’s top bartenders, dance to live bands and DJs, watch Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid<\/a> and her aquaticats perform through the portals of Wreck Bar<\/a>, plus so much more.<\/p>\n

But as the shutdowns, stay-home mandates and restrictions due to the pandemic stretch into a fourth month, it’s possible to get a taste of The Hukilau without going far or putting yourself and others at risk. We’ve come up with ideas stretching over seven days, from educational symposiums to a special virtual event set for Friday and Saturday at The Mai-Kai. While The Hukilau’s kickoff party typically doesn’t launch until Wednesdays, we know many villagers like to arrive early and get a head start. The Hukilau 2019 also featured special events for bartenders<\/a> starting Monday, so we’re following that plan.<\/p>\n

Follow The Hukilau<\/strong>
\n* TheHukilau.com<\/a> | Facebook: Page<\/a> and Group<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

Related posts<\/strong>
\n* The Hukilau hits the road to benefit closed Tiki bars<\/a>
\n* Support Tiki bars now: Visit their online stores, contribute to fundraisers<\/a>
\n* Daiquiris of Hope: Keeping the spirit of our favorite bars and bartenders alive<\/a>
\nThe Tiki Times:<\/strong> See what’s canceled, rescheduled – plus new online events<\/a> <\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s an outline of suggested Hukilau-related things to do this week. If you have any to add, shoot us an email<\/a> or a message on our social media pages: Facebook<\/a> | Twitter<\/a> | Instagram<\/a><\/p>\n

MONDAY, JUNE 1: Learn about rum<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
\nWatch the replay:<\/strong> The London Docks and Rums of the British Empire<\/em><\/a> hosted by Matt Pietrek of Cocktail Wonk and Minimalist Tiki.<\/em><\/p>\n

Rum and education are two of the foundational elements of The Hukilau, so what better way to start the week than a special presentation by Matt Pietrek. The former Microsoft specialist and writer has turned his passion for rum and Tiki cocktails into a second career, earning an impressive three nominations in the upcoming 2020 Spirited Awards<\/a> at Tales of the Cocktail in July.<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Matt<\/a>
Matt Pietrek demonstrates a flaming garnish during his Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class at The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Pietrek was nominated for Best Cocktail & Spirits Writing for an article on his long-running Cocktail Wonk blog<\/a>, plus Best New Cocktail or Bartending Book for Minimalist Tiki: A Cocktail Wonk Look at Classic Libations and the Modern Tiki Vanguard<\/em><\/a>, written with his wife Carrie Smith and released last summer. The blog is also among the heavyweight industry players nominated in the Best Cocktail & Spirits Publication category.<\/p>\n

In his debut at The Hukilau last year, Pietrek did double duty with a symposium (How the British Navy Influenced the Birth of Tiki<\/em>) and Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy class (Stocking Your Home Tiki Bar<\/em>). Pietrek also joined The Atomic Grog for The Rums of The Mai-Kai: From the Back Bar to Your Glass<\/em>,<\/a> a special presentation and discussion in the main dining room at the historic restaurant. He was in the midst of digging up more fascinating facts for this year’s Hukilau guests when everything was put on hold.<\/p>\n

But Pietrek has kept busy over the past several months with regular appearances online in a very active and engaged rum community. This new presentation covers The London Docks and Rums of the British Empire<\/em>,<\/a> an offshoot of his fascination with Navy Rum. Minimalist Tiki<\/em> is a DIY effort by Pietrek and Smith, so you can support them directly by purchasing the book online.<\/a><\/p>\n

If you need to stock up on some rum while planning your week of festivities, we recommend you support the brands who support The Hukilau with sponsorship money, free samples, and merchandise. Among the 2019 sponsors were Angostura, Appleton, Cockspur, Diplomatico, Don Q, Gubba, Hamilton, Lemon Hart, Orgeat Works, Plantation, Pusser\u2019s, The Real McCoy, Real Syrups, Rhum Barbancourt, Rum Bar, Rums of Puerto Rico, St. Benevolence, Sandy Feet, Santa Teresa, Tiki Lovers, Swedish Punsch, Tanduay, and Worthy Park.<\/p>\n

TUESDAY, JUNE 2: Learn about cocktails<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Let's<\/a>
\nWatch the replay:<\/strong> Let’s Get Tropical<\/em> with Georgi Radev and Jupiter Jones, featuring Oriol Elias on The Craft of Tiki Cocktails<\/em>.<\/a><\/p>\n

The Hukilau’s Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy classrooms may be dark this year, but there’s been no shortage of bartender knowledge spreading on the Internet, thanks to many talented mixologists around the world keeping their audience engaged. I’ve never seen so many professional recipes and trusted information available daily like it is now.<\/p>\n

Elite among these engaging bartenders is Georgi Radev, owner\/operator of Laki Kane<\/a> in London, author of Let’s Get Tropical: More than 60 Cocktail Recipes from Caribbean Classics to Modern Tiki Drinks<\/em> (2019), <\/a> and a veteran Okole Maluna Cocktail Academy instructor. Last year, he taught Tiki on the Thames<\/em> and Tiki Mayhem<\/em> (the latter with international colleagues Daniele Dalla Pola and Ian Burrell<\/a><\/p>\n

\"Oriol<\/a>
Oriol Elias presents a cocktail seminar on Tiki in Spain at the 2017 Miami Rum Renaissance Festival. (Atomic Grog photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Since the pandemic hit, Radev has been tireless. He launched “Mixology From The Fridge” on YouTube<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>, featuring dozens of entertaining how-to videos with recipes for cocktails, syrups and more. You can support Radev by watching his YouTube videos, buying his book and ordering items from the Laki Kane online store.<\/a><\/p>\n

Radev joined forces with another online juggernaut, Tiki marketing maven and event organizer Jupiter Jones,<\/a> for a weekly “Tiki Tuesday” broadcast<\/a> on the Zavvy network of shows and podcasts.<\/a> Their past guests have included Tonga Hut<\/a> manager and rum\/cocktail expert Marie King; Tiki and music historian Brother Cleve; and Trader Vic’s marketing exec Eve Bergeron, granddaughter of company founder Victor Bergeron. All of these VIPs had presentations or pop-up bars last year at The Hukilau, and Brother Cleve was scheduled to return in 2020 as a DJ.<\/p>\n

This week’s guest, Spain’s Oriol Elias, is a noted bartender and rum expert as well as an authority on his country’s Tiki history. He was preparing for his first Hukilau presentation this year as a new cocktail academy instructor. Instead, we can enjoy his presentation on The Craft of Tiki Cocktails<\/em><\/a>, which includes the category’s rich history and techniques, along with tips and tricks to help you create your own delicious libations. <\/a><\/p>\n

You can find more of Elias’ handiwork on his blog, Three of Strong<\/a>, which features recipes, education, videos and more. Radev and Elias were also two of the featured bartenders in Minimalist Tiki<\/em>, Matt Pietrek’s book touted above. The first cocktail we tried from the book remains one of our favorites:<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Last Fang by Oriol Elias (Photo by Hurricane Hayward, August 2019)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Bonus recipe: The Last Fang<\/strong>
\n(By Oriol Elias, from Minimalist Tiki<\/em> by Matt Pietrek)<\/p>\n

* 1 1\/2 ounces lime juice
\n* 1 1\/2 ounces orange juice
\n* 1 ounce passion fruit syrup
\n* 1\/2 ounce falernum
\n* 2 ounces soda water
\n* 2 1\/2 ounces aged agricole rhum<\/p>\n

Flash blend with crushed ice and pour into a large snifter. Fill with fresh crushed ice. Garnish with a mint sprig and a bamboo skewer with three speared cocktail cherries.<\/p>\n

A refreshing, creative Sidewinder\u2019s Fang<\/a> riff that achieves a perfect balance between sweet, rich and rummy. But the rhum is clearly the star of this drink. Use a quality agricole, such as Elias favorite Trois Rivieres Ambre. We had great results with Rhum JM XO. <\/a><\/p>\n

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 3: Support artists and bands<\/strong><\/p>\n

Musicians and artists are among the many feeling the brunt of the nationwide shutdown that began in March and is only now starting to abate. But with the economy in tatters, it’s unlikely these creative professionals will be able to regain a semblance of steady income anytime soon.<\/p>\n

\"Russell<\/a>
Russell Mofsky of Gold Dust Lounge hawks his band’s recordings in the Tiki Treasures Bazaar at The Hukilau 2019. (Photo by Julie St)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

In the current climate, the only way for most of these talented folks to make any money from their art is through online sales. So we encourage everyone to seek out their music and artwork, supporting them if you have the means. At the very least, follow them closely on social media and show them you care.<\/p>\n

The Hukilau typically officially kicks off on Wednesday night at The Mai-Kai with a pre-party in The Molokai bar. The band du jour at this event is Gold Dust Lounge<\/a> an eclectic Miami group led by guitarist Russell Mofsky. A new single, Masketeers<\/em>, was recently released on BandCamp,<\/a> joining many past releases. You can also find digital music on iTunes<\/a> and physical copies in the band’s website store.<\/a><\/p>\n

Two other Florida artists are also fixtures at The Hukilau. Tallahassee’s The Intoxicators<\/a> have missed just one event since 2005. The instrumental powerhouse has a great catalog of music available for purchase on its website store<\/a>. Hailing from the Fort Lauderdale area, surf guitarist Skinny Jimmy Stingray<\/a> has played The Hukilau with his band every year since 2013. You can download some of his original tunes on Bandcamp.<\/a><\/p>\n

Over the past several years, The Hukilau has developed a close relationship with Vincent Minervino and Magdalena O\u2019Connell from New Jersey’s Hi-Tide Recordings. Not only have the hard-working label owners provided their DJ talents, they have steered many great bands toward Fort Lauderdale every June. This year’s lineup was no exception.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Surfrajettes’ new single from Hi-Tide Recordings features two songs on limited yellow vinyl, plus free downloads.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Canada’s The Surfrajettes<\/a> have a new single (Hale\u2019iwa Hustle<\/em> b\/w Banzai Pipeline<\/em>)<\/a> in addition to their popular Party Line<\/em> 45<\/a> debut for the label. The Manakooras – a new surfxotica group featuring current and former members of Satan’s Pilgrims, Aqualads and The Intoxicators – have a debut extended-play 45<\/a> available for pre-order.<\/p>\n

Another Hi-Tide band booked for The Hukilau is Argentina’s Los Fren\u00e9ticos, who dropped their Teletransportaci\u00f3n<\/em> album<\/a> last July. Digital albums can be downloaded via Bandcamp.<\/a> Greg Townson, who was scheduled to play with his band The Hi-Risers, released his More! Travelin\u2019 Guitar<\/a><\/em> album via Hi-Tide. The band’s back catalog can be found in this website store.<\/a><\/p>\n

Spike Marble, leader of Southern California’s The Hula Girls<\/a>, was supposed to lend his DJ talents, but he now spends his time making some tasty cocktail videos<\/a> from his home Tiki bar, Spike’s Breezeway. You can pick up the band’s extended-play 45<\/a> and Jungle Beach Party<\/em> LP<\/a> via Hi-Tide. Past albums and merch can be found here.<\/a><\/p>\n

Headliner Eddie Angel<\/a> is no stranger to The Hukilau or surf music fans as a founding member of Los Straitjackets<\/a>. You can find the band’s vast back catalog on their official website<\/a>, the Yep Roc Records store<\/a>, and where ever cool music is sold. He also has a busy solo career, plus many side projects (Planet Rockers, Neanderthals). Click here for links to merchandise<\/a> for all of the above.<\/p>\n

UPDATED:<\/b><\/span> The Hukilau playlists on Spotify<\/strong>
\n2020:<\/strong><\/a> Eddie Angel, The Hi-Risers, The Surfrajettes, Los Fren\u00e9ticos, Manakooras, more!
\n2019:<\/strong><\/a> Surfer Joe, Tikiyaki Orchestra, The Volcanics, The Hula Girls, The Intoxicators, more!
\n2018:<\/strong><\/a> Los Straitjackets, The Neanderthals, Martian Denny Orchestra, Mr. Ho’s Orchestrotica, The Madeira, more!<\/p>\n