L.A. Is My Beat: Tiki Pop

Tiki Couples

We attended this event yesterday:

Tiki historian Sven Kirsten (author of "Book of Tiki" and the newly released "Tiki Pop") will give an illustrated presentation about the charismatic world traveler, raconteur and unrivaled cocktail master, Donn Beach (aka Ernest Gantt). Creator of the world's first tiki bar, Don the Beachcomber, (originally located on McCadden Place across the street from the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood!), is credited with inventing over 80 cocktails such as the Zombie and the MIssionary's Downfall.
Following the presentation is a book signing of Sven’s latest book "Tiki Pop, America Imagines Its Own Polynesian Paradise", published by Tashen in conjunction with an ongoing exhibition at the prestigious Musée du quai Branly in Paris, France.
The 1958 film ENCHANTED ISLAND will screen following the lecture:
Join us in the lobby during the break between the presentation and film for a Tiki Cocktail tasting sponsored by Deadhead Rum. (An exotic tropical, non-alcoholic beverage will be available as well.) Wear your finest Tiki gear!

Oh my! What a huge gathering of Polynesian Pop fans! I haven't seen so many Hawaiian prints together since we visited Hawaii! It was a really fun afternoon and evening. We met up with many of our friends from the Modern Committee, along with making new friends. Sven's presentation was very informative.

Tonga Hut People

There were vendors in the Egyptian Theater's courtyard selling Hawaiiana; handbags, shirts, dresses and more. It was all very tropical. Our Los Angeles weather yesterday felt very humid and tropical, just like Hawaii!

Machine "Crochet" Aloha Shirt

The film, "Enchanted Island," was NOT fab, but it was mildly entertaining. The scenery in the movie was alluring. I couldn't quite believe Jane Powell as a Polynesian cannibal princess, but this was the 1958 Hollywood version of Herman Melville's story, "Typee."