San Diego has a lot of wonderful annual events, but there is nothing quite like Tiki Oasis, taking place August 5 – 9, once again at the Town and Country Resort in Mission Valley. Celebrating tiki culture, it’s truly a feast for the senses, with amazing music, lectures / panels, art, DJ’s, pool parties and more, across the entire venue. It’s an unbeatable, action packed weekend of fun.
This year’s Tiki Oasis theme is Psychedelic Tiki: An Island of Kaleidoscopic Color and Exotic Sounds, and organizers Baby Doe and Otto have once again put together an amazing musical lineup. On hand will be 1960’s era hit makers, The Strawberry Alarm Clock, best known for their 1967 #1 hit, “Incense And Peppermints,” and with a new album, Where’s One, just out via Big Stir Records, as well as 1980’s new wave sensation, Josie Cotton, who scored with such iconic songs as “He Could Be The One,” “Jimmy Love Mary-Anne,” and “Johnny Are You Queer.” Other favorites performing include The Pandoras, Dengue Fever, The Loons, The Woggles and The 5,6,7,8’s, but that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
It should be noted that while there is an admission fee for Tiki Oasis, there are a few daytime components that are free and open to the public, including the Art Show and the wonderful Marketplace, chock full of vendors with cool tiki themed items, as well as clothing, books, records, clothing, jewelry and much more.
Trumpeter Jason Hanna is a Tiki Oasis veteran, having performed there with both The Bullfighters and more recently, The Swingin’ Bananas, since 2014. What does he enjoy about the event? “It’s the positive vibe that the event brings each year,” he said. “It’s always a fun and safe good time. The Miss Tiki Oasis pageant was my favorite thing, unfortunately they’ve ended the pageant this year, but I’m sure something else equally as cool will replace the Thursday evening hang.”
Bernard Yin of the duo, Par Avion, has been a Tiki Oasis mainstay for the past several years. “This has included wild room parties and also sets with other artists, such as El Vez,” Yin said. “I have lost count and I am honored to have been playing parties for Otto even before Tiki Oasis started, over 20 years ago! It’s a tradition now for us to do poolside on Saturdays at noon. The vibe is just right.” According to Yin, pretty much all of Tiki Oasis is a highlight. “The marketplace is amazing because creative people show and sell tiki/Polynesian/tropically themed crafts,” he pointed out. “The music can be amazing. It is well-curated and top notch. Luckily each year has a theme which allows for different performers to get involved. Some people really get into costume and I just love that. It is also a great opportunity to see old friends and visit San Diego where I spent my highschool and college years. San Diego is a great place.”
Meanwhile, guitarist Deven Berryhill of The Tourmaliners enjoys the camaraderie of the event, as well as a chance to celebrate surf music. “It’s fantastic to see everyone come together around the vintage tiki theme with incredible music and outfits,” he said. “But my favorite thing about Tiki Oasis is how they’ve embraced instrumental surf music as a core part of the modern tiki movement.” The Tourmaliners will be celebrating the release of their new Pacific Records release, El Gato, at this year’s Tiki Oasis.
Yin considers Tiki Oasis to be “escapism and a place to get your freak on,” he said. “One can let their guard down. Also, it does have a foot in the “retro” world for those who need that with a fascinating history. In the end, it’s just great fun.”
Brian Witkin, frontman of island themed trio, Slack Key Ohana, also considers Tiki Oasis’ musical side to be his favorite. “Beyond that, I love the diversity and culture represented throughout the event. People come together from all different backgrounds because they share an appreciation for island lifestyle, music, art, and community. As a family band, that’s something we really connect with, and everyone is there simply to have a good time.” Slack Key Ohana’s new album, The Ohana Sessions, also on Pacific Records, will be out just in time for Tiki Oasis.
Why does Hanna feel Tiki Culture remains so popular all these decades on? “Rum, fun, and the sun baby!” he said good naturedly. Berryhill notes that it also “brings people back to a simpler, more innocent era, a time when life felt a little lighter, more relaxed, and fun.” Witkin agrees. “I think it’s because it gives people a chance to step away from everyday life for a while,” he said. “Tiki Culture celebrates music, hospitality, and bringing people together, and those things never go out of style. That’s very much in line with what we hope people experience at our shows as well.”
Does Hanna have anything special planned for his set? “We’re opening the Midnight Burlesque Show at 11 p.m. on Thursday night with the Bananettes shakin’ it on stage – it’s going to be a gas!”
Yin notes that collaboration is part of the event’s fun. “The Tiki Oasis team has always encouraged Par Avion to “be itself” which means letting us to experiment; often with guest musicians. This year, we are going heavy on lap steel with San Diego’s Aaron Brownwood. Johnny of Los Pakalolos will add some guitar flavors and Marina, the Fire Eating Mermaid will do some percussion with us.” A few fun guests worth mentioning from the past are San Diego locals Eric Reedy, Andy of Tikitronic, Declan Halloran, and Rick Wilkinson. “Last year, Lenny Kaye of Patti Smith’s band played a few songs with us and knocked it out of the park! The previous year, Ruiko of Japan’s The Whys joined us and shredded.”
For Berryhill and his bandmates, the focus of Tiki Oasis will be promoting their brand-new album. “We’re are excited to perform songs from our new album,” he said. Having played Tiki Oasis previously in 2020 and 2023, he notes that “this is also our first time performing on the main stage, and we’re honored to be opening for new wave legend Josie Cotton!”
Witkin notes that Slack Key Ohana will have some special guests to help celebrate their new release. “This year’s psychedelic theme is especially meaningful for my dad and band mate, Joe Witkin, who was a founding member of Sha Na Na and performed at Woodstock in 1969.” They will also be participating in the Saturday morning signing event before their performance. “Tiki Oasis is one of the year’s highlight’s in San Diego,” Witkin said. “The anticipation for fun in the sun is always high, and Tiki Oasis always delivers.”
