The 11th annual tiki-fest Hukilau just announced its 2012 lineup. It's packed with surf sounds, jazzy tunes, and even some sexy burlesque dancing. The traditional Hawaiian festival debuted in Atlanta in 2002, but migrated to the balmy shores of Fort Lauderdale only two years later. It brings together a community of tikiheads who can't get enough of that island lifestyle.
Artists will pay tribute to the covers of classic exotica albums and tiki treasures will be sold at Miam's Harold Golen Gallery's curated Exotica Art in Hi-Fi exhibition. There will be tiki themed films, a bowling event, symposiums on the history of Mai-Kai and Samoan tattoos. Sven Kirsten, the man accredited with launching a tiki revival, will be hosting a presentation and book signing. Jeff "Beachbum" Berry will discuss a morbid mixology with "Revenge of the Zombie: The Tale of Tiki's Deadliest Drink."
For a full schedule of events click here. Most importantly, for those who love to listen to the surf, keep reading to see what musical acts will be gracing the Hukilau stages this year.
If Nashville's Martian Denny Orchestra can't get you on the waves with their surfy instrumental classics, nothing will.
Angie Pontani of the Pontani sisters will provide a classy alternative to the raunchiness of the strip club. Catch the burlesque performances on Thursday, April 19, at the Best Western Oceanside and Friday, April 20, at both the Best Western and Bahia Cabana.
Tallahassee's The Intoxicators are regulars at the Hukilau. Their spiffy outfits will inspire you to dress better. Catch them Thursday, April 19, and Saturday, April 21, at The Mai-Kai.
Exotik-a-GoGo goes where no men have gone before. These Minneapolis instrumentalists bring the jungle to jazz. Watch them get weird on Friday, April 20, at the Bahia Cabana.
Miami's Gold Dust Lounge, headed up by Russell Mofsky, will make you feel like you're in a Fort Lauderdale remake of Pulp Fiction on Friday, April 20, at the Best Western Oceanside and Saturday, April 21, at The Mai-Kai.
A solo set from Pablus, co-founder of The Crazed Mugs, is bringing tunes and his ukulele on Thursday, April 19, at the Best Western Oceanside and Saturday, April 21, at The Mai-Kai.
Elvis is back in the building with Dan Cunningham's Prestley repertoire on Friday, April 20, at the Bahia Cabana and Saturday, April 21, at The Mai-Kai.
Marina the Fire Eating Mermaid and her team of mermaids will perform crazy stunts at the Sheraton Beach Hotel's Wreck Bar on Friday, April 20, at 6:30 p.m.
Emcee King Kukulele (A.K.A. Denny Moynahan) brings humor and a uke to the festival.
Finally, there will be some DJs like Heelgrinder and the duo Jack Fetterman and Gina of the Jungle bringing a chill and fun soundtrack to the weekend.
The Hakilau takes place from April 19 to 22 at the Mai-Kai (3599 North Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale), Best Western Oceanside, and the Bahia Cabana Beach Resort. Prices range from $25 for Thursday night to $150 for an all-access pass. Purchase tickets at thehukilau.com/2012/tickets/. Sponsors include Tiki Magazine, Fee Brothers, and Psycho Suzi's Motor Lounge in Minneapolis.
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