The Power of East Coast Surf

Name: The Fraternal Order of Moai (www.fraternalorderofmoai.org)

Organization: Fraternal organization for those interested in tiki culture

Geographical Area: U.S.

Interview by email with KuKu Ahu, Tagata Ao of the Order, on 9/30/08

1. What is the mission of the Fraternal Order of Moai?
 

"The mission of the Fraternal Order of Moai is to serve as the premier fraternal organization and social network for all men and women interested in tiki culture and the Polynesian pop era; to spread the aloha spirit.

Our mission is guided by these core values:

- Good works: We will improve our communities through charitable acts.
- Fellowship: We will provide a healthy and active social network for our members.
- Spirit: We will improve ourselves and our lives via the F.O.M. philosophies, and help our Fellow Moai to do the same.
- Presence: We will develop new chapters and establish brick and mortar lodges everywhere that Fellow Moai gather.
- Preservation: We will document the history of tiki culture and learn the skills of Polynesian pop art.
- Celebration: We will develop many regional tiki themed gatherings."


..but for the most part it is all about developing oneself within a social network to the benefit of all. That includes your Fellow members and the community in which you live. And of course we want to have as much fun as we can in the process. fun with purpose. Create art and music, create events, generate good will, provide a welcoming atmosphere and a good time..

We think that you can be creative and escapist while still seeking some societal benefit from it.
 

2. How did you get your name, Fraternal Order of Moai aka F.O.M.?

Honestly, it was just a simple joke. There were 2 of us that started the FOM (Jim "Chisel Slinger" Robinson and myself), and we were chatting about getting all of the Columbus Ohio tiki freaks together. It was a simple plan, we'd start a forum on the web and send out invites, talk to people we knew, etc. Because we are from the home of the once great Kahiki and it's iconic Moai statues, I mentioned that it would be "The Fraternal Order of Moai". We really never expected the idea to take off like it has. We had to scramble to keep up!

 

3. How did your current members get interested in your organization?

Ha! I still scratch my head over that one sometimes. I meant it when I said we had to scramble to keep up. We were unprepared for the response we got once things were rolling.

It has been said that our modern lives lack a sense of belonging and ritual. I believe this whole-heartedly. Our grandparents had social organizations that they belonged to that provided them with a community in which they could be a bit more than just a neighbor or a common work-a-day stiff. It's all about being a part of something greater than yourself. Every one has become so isolated... ideas like loyalty and fellowship are becoming antiquated at a time when they are desperately needed. We just seem to have struck a nerve with a certain type of person that wants to break through the barriers that keep us from being socially proactive and cooperative.

All in all, I can say that we have a hell of a time when we are all together, and I think that attracts people. That and the mystery of what we do inside the organization. The ritual part of it is a strong draw for many. We also try very hard to be welcoming, and aloha spirit is something we try to express in our daily lives.

 

4. What geographic region does the F.O.M. cover with its activities?

Currently we are stretched from Maine to Florida and as far west as the foothills of the Rockies. We look at expansion as interest develops, and our "borders" fluctuate from time to time.

 

 

5. What types of events do you hold?
 

Right now, aside from our Meet and Greet functions (which are Chapter level local get-togethers open to the public) and things such as rum tastings and room crawls, we have 2 official events: The North East Tiki Tour (or NETT) and the Hot Rod Hula Hop. Both of these are centered on Polynesian Pop culture to varying degrees, with the HRHH having a streak of kustom kulture as well. I see us moving toward a FOM national convention type event soon, though.

 

6. Can you list some of the various ways you promote these events?

We are largely focusing on word of mouth and internet promotion. We get a lot of help from folks within the various overlapping scenes (ie: rockabilly, tiki, surf, hot rod) and we do the poster/flier thing. We also take out ads in magazines and newspapers, and we look to be listed on every culturally related web calendar we can find. We also send emails and post to forums.

 

 

7. How would someone recognize or identify an F.O.M. member at a tiki event?
 

Well the fezzes are the most obvious symbol. We also have T-shirts, our Chapter lavalavas (Samoan tapa print skirts), and our Queequeg Chapter has custom bowling shirts. Truthfully though, you can't always tell if you are talking to a Fellow or not. At most tiki events I would say that the attendees probably know where to find us. There is usually a gathering of us somewhere.

 

 
8. What types or variety of live music can be heard at F.O.M. events?

Hmmm.. exotica, hapa haole, surf, slack key, rockabilly, psychobilly, garage, and anything we can find that is good and weird. We are all great lovers of music, and we bring in the acts that we really want to see.

 

9. How does surf music fit in with F.O.M. and the tiki / exotica scene?
 

Obviously it fits the whole beach theme in a modern sense, but the culture of surf music and tiki is linked in the counter culture from way back. Just like tiki and hot rods, or surfers and hot rods. I think that for many people, surf carries a certain underground retro vibe (in spite of the acts that are really pushing the limits of surf music like The Madeira) that appeals to them in the same way that tiki culture does.

Mostly though, I just think a lot of tikiphiles dig on surf music.

 

10. Do you see potential growth for surf instrumental music to be represented at tiki events?

 

Sure. We always book surf bands. All the major tiki events do.

Through the years, the Hot Rod Hula Hop has featured a number of NESMA members including the Cocktail Preachers, The Coffin Daggers, The Crimson Ghosts and Fisherman.  The event has also been DJ’d by NESMA supporters, the Surfabilly Freakout.  In addition, this year’s NETT (Northeast Tiki Tour) featured NESMA’s very own 9^th Wave.

 

11. What types of food / beverage can be found at F.O.M. events?

You will find some of the finest cocktails and some of the finest rum that you are ever likely to come across. That is guaranteed. We have a lot of very talented mixologists and a handful of the nations most respected rum snobs among our ranks (Scottes!). If you are at a FOM event, you can count on a great drink and a friendly face willing to tell you all about it. Just like our welcoming atmosphere at the events themselves, we are very keen on making our passion for cocktails and spirit knowledge available to the attendees, so you need not be a connoisseur to drink with us. We'll steer the ship and you can relax. We use the term "rum snob" in a self-deprecating manner.

Of course it isn't all about cocktails and such.. we drink plenty of cheap domestic beer too. And we have the serious beer geeks among us as well.

Food can run from one of Chef Dime's pulled pork sandwiches to a classic pupu platter. Depends on where we are and what we are doing. When we travel, I know most of the Fellows are big on sampling regional fare.

 

12. How did you discover NESMA?

We were booking surf bands for the Hot Rod Hula Hop and came across the website.

 

 

13. What do you hope to get out of your NESMA affiliation?

 

A cool membership card? Kidding..

I think that a united culture is a strong culture and there is strength in numbers. Obviously, we are a social network for good reason, and to share an association with a like-minded organization is a priority for us.

And of course we could all get together and throw one heck of a party!

 

 

14. What's coming up next for F.O.M.?

 

The national convention is on the horizon. And we are looking at incorporation with our eyes on charitable tax exempt status.

 

 

15. What's the best way for surf music fans to participate in F.O.M. events?

 

Stop by and say aloha!

 

 

16. Anything else?

 

Keep the torches burning.