Throughout the month of April, Aloha, OA! celebrates 65 years of Oceanic Arts, the world’s leading supplier of tropical and Polynesian decor. Since they started OCEANIC ARTS in 1956, Bob Van Oosting and Leroy Schmaltz have set the tone and style for tiki as they decked out Trader Vics, Don the Beachcomber, and even Disneyland, in tropical glory. Not to mention the countless restaurants, bars, hotels and backyards that now feature their Polynesian creations.
Peekaboo Gallery, a fresh concept in the curation, exhibition and sale of exceptional antiques and collectable memorabilia, and Oceanic Arts, in association with the Whittier Historical Society & Museum, are presenting a full roster of exciting events, plus a chance to tour this historical workshop before its creators retire and close up shop.
Several of the events are already sold out, but there are still tickets available for “Tiki Revival” on Sunday, April 10, 2022, and “Easter Island Funday: Family Day at OA.” but they are going fast!
The Tiki Revival April 10, 2022 3PM-10PM
Added by popular demand, this event will take place from 3PM-10PM at Oceanic Arts in Whittier. It focuses on the Tiki Revival movement of the 1990’s through the present day, and how OA fits prominently into that history. Enjoy live music from The Hula Girls, who enjoyed a 10-year residency in the Dagger Bar at Don the Beachcomber (Sunset Beach) The band is always accompanied by two hula-a-go-go dancers. Also on the bill is California surf punk band The Creepy Creeps. As Creepxotica, they reinterpret their songs in the style of 1960s instrumental exotica music. Rounding out the bill is Little Kahuna, whose gentle surf sounds will take you away to the islands.
Entertainment continues with the Dancing Fire, an LA-based performance company that presents authentic Polynesian shows, acrobatics, and pyrotechnics. Expect their specialty performances of Tahitian, Hula, Samoan, Maori, and Fire Dancing. DJ Mint Julep of The Early Bird Special will be spinning for your musical pleasure.
The day will also include “an immersive art exhibition transporting guests on a tropical adventure through OA’s history & artifacts, presentations and panels by a host of Tiki & Polynesian Pop-World luminaries,” including Carver/sculptor Crazy Al Evans and Tiki Farm founder Holden Westland, Sven Kirsten, Peekaboo Gallery’s Jordan Reichek and The Hukilau founder, Christie ‘Tiki Kiliki’ White.
Secret Island and Ventiki Lounge & Lanai will be mixing up cocktails, plus Sean Cork of Caña rum bar will host “a Tropical Rum Tasting Presentation of specially curated selection of Polynesian rums featuring: Plantation, KōHana and Holmes Cay! There will be a selection of Polynesian food vendors, a traditional Luau dinner, and naturally, Dole Whip!
This event is age 21+ Proof of vaccination required. A portion of proceeds from this event will be donated to humanitarian aid and relief for Tonga. $79. TICKETS
EASTER ISLAND FUNDAY: FAMILY DAY AT OA: SUNDAY, APRIL 17, 2022 11AM-6PM
Bring your tiki tots for a fun Easter day of dancing, hunting for tiki Easter eggs, Hula Lessons, Lei Making, Coconut Bowling, and Limbo Contests! CocoTiki, Los Angeles’ world-class live Polynesian entertainment company, will be performing traditional Polynesian dances, and hosting special kids’ activities for Easter Island Funday. Dance to music by Jason Lee and the Riptides, King Kukulele and the Friki Tikis, Coco Tiki, The HILO Hi-Flyers, and DJ Lance Rock from Yo Gabba Gabba! Plus, there will be a Moana and Maui Meet and Greet, Kids Under 10 Free. Reduced Cost Tickets for adults and kids age 11-17. Proof of vaccination required. $59 for adults, $29 for kids 11 – 17. TICKETS
