{"id":29479,"date":"2023-10-07T16:13:49","date_gmt":"2023-10-07T20:13:49","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/?p=29479"},"modified":"2024-03-26T19:14:33","modified_gmt":"2024-03-26T23:14:33","slug":"sunshine-state-emerges-as-epicenter-of-tiki-revival-in-2024","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.slammie.com\/atomicgrog\/blog\/2023\/10\/07\/sunshine-state-emerges-as-epicenter-of-tiki-revival-in-2024\/","title":{"rendered":"Sunshine State emerges as epicenter of Tiki revival in 2024"},"content":{"rendered":"

Updated March 2024<\/em><\/p>\n

While California may still be king of the hill with its abundance of classic and modern Tiki bars, constant events<\/a> and confluence of Polynesian Pop’s movers and shakers, another sunny state on the opposite side of the country is quickly becoming a must-visit destination for more than its beaches and theme parks.<\/p>\n

\"Worlds<\/a>
Worlds collide: The Mai-Kai’s manager, Kern Mattei, runs into Don the Beachcomber beverage director Marie King backstage in the cocktail prep area at Tiki Oasis in San Diego in August. They will both be very busy in 2024 with their establishments in Florida. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This weekend’s return of Tiki Fever<\/strong><\/a> in Sarasota reminds us of all the things that make Florida a hot spot for seekers of a vintage experience. The event takes place at a classic retro resort and the state’s oldest Tiki bar (Bahi Hut). It includes four days of revelry featuring top bands, presenters, vendors, and more. It’s a relatively new event, celebrating its third gathering Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 5-8.<\/p>\n

But next year is when it really heats up. A promising new weekender, Tiki-a-Go-Go<\/strong><\/a>, will debut in April in Orlando. The state’s vanguard Tiki event, The Hukilau<\/strong><\/a>, will return to southeast Florida in June.<\/p>\n

Early 2024 should also mark the return of perhaps the state’s No. 1 destination for fans of classic Tiki, the revered Mai-Kai Restaurant and Polynesian Show.<\/a><\/strong> If that’s not enough, Florida is ground zero for the resurrection of the Don the Beachcomber<\/a><\/strong> restaurant brand. The Florida-based parent company plans to open at least two new locations in the state between now and the end of 2025.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The Hukilau draws cocktail and Tiki experts from around the world, including David Wondrich (left) and Jeff “Beachbum” Berry. (Photo by Hurricane Hayward \/ June 2023)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Sure, we’re still home to the ubiquitous “Florida Man,” often oppressive humidity, and increasingly questionable politics. But for all the reasons above, and more outlined below, Florida deserves to become a must-visit destination for fans of classic Tiki as well as the modern revival. <\/a><\/p>\n

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FLORIDA TIKI EVENTS<\/strong><\/FONT> <\/a><\/p>\n

Here’s a preview of the state’s three major weekenders, plus a roundup of other events of interest. (Florida-based artists, musicians and businesses are highlighted throughout the rest of this story with links.)<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Tiki Fever: West coast weekender is just what the doctor ordered (Oct. 5-8, 2023)<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>
The 2023 Tiki Fever lineup and official mug by Eekum Bookum.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Billed as “an exotic Tiki festival where artists, bands, and enthusiasts unite for a weekend of tropical bliss,” this intimate event delivers with four days on non-stop activities at the recently renovated 1950s-era Golden Host Resort<\/a> in Sarasota on the state’s southwest gulf coast. Festivities are centered around the 50-foot saltwater pool and include live music, a cocktail seminar, a fashion show, room crawl, plus a marketplace with more than a dozen vendors selling their wares.<\/p>\n

Scheduled performers include Florida’s The Intoxicators<\/a>, The Disasternauts<\/a>, Skinny Jimmy Stingray<\/a>, Stolen Idols<\/a>, and MeduSirena<\/a>. Out-of-state guests include The Mystery Men (Georgia) and The Martini Kings (California). A special event mug was created by a noted Florida artist, John Mulder of Eekum Bookum<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\"Bahi<\/a>
Bahi Hut in Sarasota, est. 1954, is Florida’s oldest Tiki bar. (Official photo)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Crafted Tiki cocktails will be available from The Honu<\/a> (from nearby Dunedin) as well as Tonga Hut, the oldest Tiki bar in Los Angeles (est. 1958). Another historic bar is just steps away. Guests can enjoy the vintage atmosphere of the Bahi Hut<\/a>, which has been operating adjacent to the resort since 1954, making it the oldest operating Tiki bar in Florida.<\/p>\n

The first two Tiki Fever weekends were held in late September and early October of 2019 and 2021, shortly after an extensive renovation of Bahi Hut. The event has had its ups and downs with a change in leadership this year, plus cancellations due to COVID (2020) and Hurricane Ian (2022). But there’s no reason to believe that this year’s event won’t be a roaring success, paving the way for a return in 2024 when things really get interesting around the state.<\/p>\n