I went to the Doug Fir last night and what a show the Sadies played! I've seen them several times over many years and they can still bring it. From Canada, they play a fast, country, gospel, surfy kind of sound that makes them listenable to a wide range of musical tastes. Great song writing and musical skills from this foursome. Opening was Minus Five, they were good also, but the strained voice of the lead singer was a bit hard to warm up to.

I thoroughly enjoyed the Messer Chups that played this week at Dantes in Portland. I would not have thought that a band from Russia would kick big ass but I was sadly mistaken, they are fantastic. Opening was Brainiax, a local rockabilly threesome that I also immensely enjoyed. I skipped the headliner Nekromantix, which I have seen a few times but I do not yet get.

Every time I make the drive from Portland to San Diego I think to myself "I'm never doing this again", but an hour after I arrive I remember why I do it. Something is happening ALL the time, I get to meet and speak to many artists that I respect and admire, hear terrific live music, and drink rum all day. Sales at this years Tiki Oasis were lean for me, and it ended up costing me money but I had so many people tell me how much they like the fact that I am doing something unique and different and the encouragement is worth more than money. Thanks Baby-Doe and Otto, Christie and Nicole and all the others that make this event such a blast! There is talk of another Oasis early next year in AZ, so I think that the San Diego event has gotten too big to continue on, but I look forward to next August, where the theme will be New Wave-should be some killer bands for that one. Favorite band of the weekend was swinging big band Kahulanui. My carving New Year starts tonight, see you in 2019.

I heard from the Big Daddy of tiki events, Tiki Oasis today, they are holding my same spot for me, which I consider the best outside location, with the famous Gecko as one neighbor, and the even more popular bar on my other side. It happens in August in San Diego.

DAMN, I just got a rejection email for this years Art in the Pearl, which is not tiki related but I really wanted to get in. This is the second time I've applied and been denied, I'll get over it, a lesson in humility, but will be stewing big time for the next few days or weeks.

I heard from the Tiki Kon people today and I am in. It's the middle of July here in Portland, and is always one of my best shows. Every year keeps getting better and I look forward to seeing what Justin and Greg come up with!

I sent my application in for Tiki Kon Portland come July, here is hoping I pass the audition.

I'm all signed up for this years Tiki Caliente in Palm Springs. This event takes place in May, and it is one of my best selling venues, and always one of my favorites. Vending goes from Thursday through Sunday which is good as it gives people time to check everything out, and I love the scenic cabana that the organizer Rory Snyder saves for me to set up in.