Nothing tacky about Tiki, say devotees

By Mark Hasiuk-Staff writer

As the summer sun finally shines down on the city, a few fun-loving Vancouverites are putting on Hawaiian shirts and reaching for Tiki mugs filled with Jamaican rum to celebrate Tiki culture Vancouver-style.

The genesis of North America's Tiki culture, also known as Polynesian pop, can be traced back to the end of the Second World War when American servicemen returning from the South Pacific brought back Tiki clothing and art, spawning an explosion of Polynesian-themed restaurants, bars, pop-music acts and Tiki cocktails.

In the 1960s, several Tiki bars sprang up in Vancouver, including Trader Vic's-which closed several years ago-and the Tahitian Lounge at the Vancouver Waldorf Hotel, the city's last remaining Tiki-themed establishment.

"There were all these great Tiki drinks like Mai Tais and Suffering Bastards," said Peter Lisiecki, owner of Funhauser D‚cor-a Vancouver retro style and novelty store-and resident Tiki expert. "But through the '70s and '80s, it became a thing of the past and a lot of the bars closed and faded away."

Tiki's diehard followers are a dedicated bunch, collecting Polynesian woodcarvings, Hawaiian shirts and signature Tiki mugs that resemble long-faced Polynesian gods. Tiki parties take place mainly on patios and in the decorated depths of suburban basements. Lisiecki, who lives in an apartment on Beach Avenue, hosts summertime parties on his patio festooned with Tiki lights and torches.

"Through the summer, I throw parties on my deck all the time," he said, adding that he favours the smooth sounds of surfer music and 1950s the exotic music stylings Martin Denny and Arthur Lyman. "But some of my friends are little bit scared to come over because the drinks are pretty wicked."

Although Tiki ain't what it used to be, Lisiecki contends Tiki culture is on the cusp of a comeback, pointing to the resurgence of "lounge culture" in the late-1990s, which prompted him to open his retro store. He's also a key sponsor of Lost Paradise, a July 21 celebration of all things Tiki at the Waldorf's Tahitian Lounge.

The all-day event features presentations from Tiki enthusiasts such as Don Luxton, an expert on Vancouver's Tiki history, and Seattle artist Dawn Frasier, who will showcase Tiki artifacts and art from the craze's heyday. Drinks and Tiki music will follow the talks, and Lisiecki expects attendees to be outfitted in telltale Tiki fashion.

"Sandals and Hawaiian shirts-or Hawaiian shirts with a suit for a more sophisticated look," he said, noting that Panama hats are also popular among Tiki gentlemen. "For the ladies, moo-moos and Hawaiian dresses are all the rage."

For more information on Lost Paradise at the Waldorf, check out www.heritagevancouver.org.

published on 07/06/2007