3 days of fun for lovers of tiki culture on the shore of the beautiful Sea of Cortez!
An international cast of bands and DJs playing exotica, surf, rock'n'roll, rhythm and blues and more wild sounds inspired by the 1950s and 60s!
Pool parties! Cocktails! Symposiums! Marketplace! And much more…
CONTACT: mexotika.info@gmail.com
TICKETS
The second phase of tickets is on sale here:
http://mexotika-weekend.boletia.com
The ticket costs $1900 (Mexican pesos) and includes:
- Access to the three days of events at La Concha Beach Hotel & Club: pool parties, symposiums, marketplace and more (Friday 22nd, Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th November, 2024)
- Access to the two evening shows at Marea (Friday 22nd and Saturday 23rd)
We also have on sale a limited number of one-day tickets:
Friday - $950 (Mexican pesos)
Saturday - $1100 (Mexican pesos)
VENUES/ACCOMMODATION
LA CONCHA BEACH HOTEL & CLUB (***)
Carretera Escénica Km. 5, CP 23010, La Paz, BCS
Located just 8 minutes’ drive from downtown La Paz and 25 minutes from the airport, La Concha Beach Hotel & Club is located on the shore of the beautiful Sea of Cortez with its own sandy beach and an excellent restaurant, "Jardín Escondido". This palm-laden hotel will not only be the venue for Mexotika’s daytime activities (pool party, symposiums, marketplace and more), but it will also offer our attendees the chance to stay in its rooms, all of which have air conditioning, cable TV and sea views.
MAREA (****)
Acceso Zofemat #3230 (al final de calle Sinaloa), El Manglito, Inalámbrica, CP 23060, La Paz, BCS
Just like La Concha Hotel & Beach Club, it is located right by the beach and the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, 7 minutes' drive from downtown La Paz and 15 minutes from the airport. As well as being the venue of the evening shows with our international cast of bands, DJs and more, Marea also has a boutique hotel for those attendees who wish to have a more exclusive experience with maximum comfort. It has eight beautifully designed, spacious rooms, each one with a private terrace with partial sea views. Bookings include an a la carte breakfast.
IMPORTANT! Booking in our official hotels for the mentioned dates is ONLY AVAILABLE FOR PEOPLE WHO ALREADY HAVE THEIR EVENT TICKETS (first you have to buy your ticket, and afterwards you will be able to book your room)
Bookings must be made here in our shop. Please, do NOT contact the hotels directly.
LINE-UP
LIVE ACTS:
NATTY BO
(UK)
With his idiosyncratic style and massive stage presence, the singer of groups like Ska Cubano, the Top Cats, Natty Congeroo & the Flames of Rhythm, Los Ritmo Ticos and Yiddish Twist Orchestra will treat us to his unique mix of rhythm and blues, voodoo swing, Jamaican ska, latin rhythms and more vintage dancefloor sounds, backed up by the super talented Mexotika All-Stars.
But that’s not all! Natty is also an excellent DJ and the resident of London’s longest-running weekly clubnight Gaz’s Rockin’ Blues, so we’ve convinced him to bring a box of records from his extensive and eclectic collection so we can keep on dancing the mambo jump until the early hours!
DANI NEL·LO
(Spain)
With the mysterious group of crack musicians The Mexotika All-Stars, the legendary saxophonist and leader of Los Mambo Jambo and Los Saxofonistas Salvajes will come all the way from Barcelona to present a special set full of rhythm and blues, rock'n'roll and jazz noir... with an exotic twist!
THE GO GETTERS
(Sweden)
Led by vocalist/drummer Peter Sandberg, the Go Getters' story began in Västerås, Sweden in 1988. Since then they have taken their high-octane rockabilly blues around the world, headlining many of the most important international events. We’re very excited to welcome them to the first edition of Mexotika!
L’EXOTIGHOST
(Spain)
Taking the best of 1950s and 60s exotica music and bringing it into the 21st century to create a sound which is traditional and modern at the same time, L'Exotighost will transport us deep into the jungle with their mix of marimba, theremin, bass ukuleles, surf guitars, shamisen, potent drums and percussion and even some retrofuturistic electronic touches. You can't miss this Madrid quartet on their first visit to Mexico!
THE CAVERNARIOS
(Cuautitlán Izcalli, Estado de México)
This iconic band from Cuautitlán Izcalli in the State of Mexico has been at the forefront of the Mexican underground scene for more than 20 years with their powerful blend of wild surf and primitive garage rock’n’roll and now they will play in the north of the country for the first time. After an absence of almost a year, Mexotika Weekend will mark their triumphant return to the stage and their only show of 2024.
GIDDY UP GO
(Austin, TX)
Hailing from Austin, Texas, this rockabilly/country band is led by two women: Mandy Marie Luke, who is sponsored by Harmony Guitars and has played with legends such as Marty Stuart, and Miss Drew Hays on upright bass, while Drew’s husband Gaston Marfia keeps the beat on stand-up drums. Their music is fun and energetic with strong harmonies and the band has a vibrant stage presence, always having a great time and living up to their nickname 'The Happiest Trio In Texas'.
THE MEXICAN WEIRDOHS
(La Paz)
Local heroes of the vibrant Baja California Sur music scene, The Mexican Weirdohs have been conquering stages with their electrifying instrumental surf music since 2012. The intrepid trio has toured mainland Mexico several times, playing in some of the most important underground venues of Mexico City, Guadalajara and Puebla, to name but a few of the cities where they have taken their energetic live show, and now we have the chance to see them on home turf in La Paz. With rumbling bass, thunderous drums and guitar with reverb so wet that you should probably wear a lifejacket, they’ll be the perfect band to soundtrack the Saturday pool party at Mexotika Weekend!
DJs:
TROPICANA JOE
(Italy/Austin, TX)
Born in Italy but now based in Austin, Texas, the exotica sound’s most elegant ambassador will set the dancefloor on fire with his incredible collection of rare and exciting rhythms from around the world. Don’t stop the conga line!
LEMON SQUEEZER
(Germany)
Martin Hemmel AKA DJ Lemon Squeezer has been part of the European tiki scene for many years; not only has he been running his “Swing and Sway in Hawaii” parties since 2002, he also spins records frequently at the Munich branch of Trader Vic’s and is a top collector with an encyclopedic knowledge of mid-century tiki style. What’s more, he’s the resident DJ of the “Teenage Kicks” nights as well as the Munich Garage Fest. Now he's coming to Mexico for the first time with his boxes of rarities that run from exotica and hula rock’n’roll to surf and garage. He’ll have us doing the jungle stomp all night long!
NURIA
(Spain/Los Angeles, CA)
Nuria started out as a DJ over 30 years ago in Madrid, Spain, where she was also the manager of the legendary rock’n’roll bar “Louie Louie”. In 2010, she moved to Los Angeles, and for more than a decade has now been a resident DJ at Tiki Oasis, the biggest tiki festival in the world. She has an exquisite selection of rock’n’roll, surf, exotica, R&B, garage, boogaloo and more, so get your dancing shoes ready!
CATMAN
(Las Vegas, NV)
One of the resident DJs of Fever Record Hop, Leo Villaseñor AKA Catman is wild about rock’n’roll and has spent many years spinning 45s in some of Sin City’s most iconic bars and clubs, as well as many spots in LA. He’s opened for artists like The Sonics, Wanda Jackson, The Delta Bombers and Robert Gordon, and he’s also played in several big festivals like Viva Las Vegas, Nashville Boogie, Punk Rock Bowling and Red Hot Vegas. When Catman’s on the turntables, the dancefloor won’t stop shaking!
GUY
(Tijuana)
Together with his wife Miriam, Guy has been a pioneer of the Tijuana mod scene since the 1980s, and they were the first ones to organize events of that kind anywhere in Mexico. Currently, the couple is responsible for the famous “Tijuana A-Go-Go” parties, in which Guy is resident DJ. His impeccable dress sense is only equalled by his impressive record collection that goes from rhythm and blues and jazz to boogaloo and garage. We can’t wait for his set in the first edition of Mexotika Weekend!
RUSTY QUINTEROS
(Ecatepec, Estado de México)
A true character of the Mexican rock’n’roll scene, Rusty has been collecting, dealing and DJing vinyl records for many years, dedicating hours and hours every week to hunting for forgotten 45rpm gems in the city streets. When Rusty plays records, it’s not just a set, it’s an experience, one in which you never know quite what could happen next. Whatever he has in store for us for Mexotika, it surely won’t disappoint!
CARLOS RENÉ
(Mexico City)
The co-founder of the record store “Casa Calypso” started out as a DJ in 2002, and since then has become one of the most important vinyl collectors in Mexico. He specializes in discovering Mexican/Latin American rarities of various 1950s, 60s and 70s genres on 45rpm, many of which he shares on his impressive YouTube channel that contains more than a thousand of his finds and has nearly 11,000 subscribers.
But he’s not just a record nerd! He also knows how to set the dancefloor alight with his explosive sets, to which anyone who has ever attended one of his famous parties, like “Hipshakers!” (2009-2018, focused on 60s R&B, soul, garage, etc.) or “Bombo y Maracas” (2017-, dedicated to vintage tropical afro-latin rhythms), or has seen him spin on one of his tours around the world, will attest. We’re excited to hear him work his magic at Mexotika Weekend!
MISS WHISKEY T. FOXTROT
(Australia)
Michaela Avery AKA Miss Whiskey T. Foxtrot is part of “The B-Sides DJs”, a collective that started out with a weekly radio show on the now-defunct Orbital Radio. She’s a strong presence in the nightlife of the Inner West, the heart of Sydney’s alternative culture scene, spinning frequently at the “Uptown Top Ranking” night at MoshPit, among other venues.
For Mexotika Weekend, she’s promised us a selection of surf, garage and exotic rock’n’roll records from Japan, South-East Asia and her native Australia, full of twang and fuzz and perfect for dancing like crazy to!
BATMAN
(France/UK)
DJ since the late 1980s, over the years Thierry Duclaut AKA Batman has played at many of the European rockin’ scenes most important events like Hemsby R’N’R Weekend, Rockabilly Rave, Rockin’ Race and High Rockabilly, as well as frequently spinning at London’s bars and clubs, inciting plenty of frenetic dancing with his enormous collection of oddball and obscure 1950s and 60s rock’n’roll 45s. When he’s not playing records, you can find him selling them on his website “Rockinitis”. We’re very pleased to welcome him to the DJ team for Mexotika Weekend 2024!
KATWOMAN
(France)
Music lover from a young age, when her dad played her his John Lee Hooker records, Juliette Blondel AKA Katwoman has been a DJ for around 20 years, not just in the bars and parties of Paris, but also in big events like Viva Las Vegas (USA), Rockabilly Rave (UK), Hemsby R’N’R Weekend (UK) and High Rockabilly (Spain), where she’s played for 13 consecutive years. With an excellent selection of 1950s and 60s rock’n’roll, her set is guaranteed to make us get wild on the dancefloor!
DENEPA PANKY
(Mexico City/La Paz)
One of the organizers of Mexotika Weekend, Denepa is the co-founder of “Born to be Cheap” the trash rock’n’roll parties that have been electrifying the dancefloors of Mexico and beyond for more than 8 years. For Mexotika, she promises a set full of infectious 1950s and 60s rhythms: exotic shakers, reverb-laden surf, and of course, plenty of Mexican go-go sounds. Always with heaps of energy behind the turntables, when Denepa is spinning, one thing is for sure: we won’t be able to stop moving our feet!
LAURENT RÉUS
(France/Portugal)
Laurent started DJing in Paris in the late 1990s and later became well known as an international dealer of 45rpm rarities under the name Revolver-Records. He currently lives in the south of Portugal, where he has organized the Deep Cliffs Soul Weekender every year since 2016, and has also spun at a long list of events all over Europe and the USA, like Le Beat Bespoke (UK), Berlin Beat Explosion (Germany), Lavarone Mod Weekender (Italy) and Emerald City Soul Weekender (USA), among others. With an impeccable selection of exotic R&B, latin garage, boogaloo and tropical sounds, there’s no doubt he’ll keep the dancefloor bouncing from the moment the needle hits the groove of the first record of his set!
ASTRO 138
(Los Angeles, CA)
Jesse Workman AKA Astro 138 became a vinyl addict from a young age when his father, who worked at a record factory, would bring him home 45s as gifts. As a teenager, he started DJing at friends’ house parties, later forming the Vinyl Record Association, a club of like-minded lovers of underground primitive rock’n’roll, and currently hosts the radio show of the same name on Radiocore.org. He has put on various parties in the Los Angeles area such as “Wailing at the Go Go” and “Hot Saki”, and also runs the annual LA Mods v. Rockers event that celebrates vintage music, motorcycles and scooters. Influenced by DJs from the 1950s and 60s like Mad Mike and the Mad Daddy, Astro will be bringing a wild selection of forgotten dancefloor gems to Mexotika – don’t miss the chance to witness this master in action!
FAYUKA RECORDS
(Ciudad Juárez)
From the Chihuahuan desert, right from the border itself, our favorite caveman César AKA Fayuka Records is responsible for the 60s parties and garage shows in Ciudad Juárez and El Paso, where he aims to dispel the idea that there’s no rock'n'roll in that part of the world.
Ha He’s spun records from Los Angeles to Pamplona and Logroño, and for this first edition of Mexotika Weekend, he intends to bring his box full of El Paso surf, Mexican-American soul, and of course, plenty of garaaage!
DANCE SHOWS
ESTUDIO DE DANZAS POLINESIAS MAUNAKEA
(La Paz)
Directed by teacher Diana Lara Reyes, Maunakea has been an independent dance school for more than 13 years. It has participated in many of La Paz’s most important events including the carnival, and has also represented the state of Baja California Sur in competitions in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Colima. The school has two different branches in La Paz and offers classes for children, teenagers and adults.
SEÑORITA SCARLETT
(Portugal/UK)
In love with the cinema, music, dance, art, fashion and aesthetics of the 1930s, 40s and 50s, Sara Vargas AKA Señorita Scarlett began organizing and dancing in burlesque and vaudeville revival events in her native Lisbon in 2007, putting on shows in all the old (now sadly defunct) cabaret clubs of the city. Based in London since 2014, she has performed at many top European festivals, including the Rhythm Riot (UK), Rockin’ Race (Spain), Screamin’ Festival (Spain) and Summer Jamboree (Italy), among others. She will present her vintage burlesque show in Mexico for the first time at Mexotika Weekend 2024!
SYMPOSIUMS
SVEN KIRSTEN
(Los Angeles, CA)
Urban archaeologist, Tiki historian and author of “The Book of Tiki”, “Tiki Modern”, “Tiki Pop”, “The Art of Tiki” and more, Sven has been collecting, documenting and defining the Polynesian Pop style that exploded in the United States and around the world in the mid-20th century. Sven had already confirmed his participation in Mexotika Weekend in Acapulco before Hurricane Otis changed our plans, and we’re very happy that he will now be joining us in La Paz.
For the first edition of Mexotika Weekend, Sven will share a visual feast of images from 1970s Tiki culture in Spain and Portugal. A side-genre of American Tiki, it developed into a style completely of its own, not only in Tiki mugs but also in Tiki Bar design.
MARTIN TUMMINO
(Argentina)
Tropical bartender, South America’s tiki guru and author of the first book about this cocktail style written totally in Spanish, “Tiki en Español”, Martin has dedicated over a decade and a half to promoting and developing exotic cocktail mixology in that part of the world. For the first time in Mexico, the global ambassador of Swizzle will come to Mexotika Weekend 2024 to present his new book “Tiki Mugs: Pociones Formidables” and delight us with some of his most exquisite tropical libations.
MATT WATSON
(UK/México)
One of the organizers of Mexotika Weekend and creator of La Cultura Tiki Fanzine, a DIY zine in Spanish dedicated to the “Polynesian Pop” movement of the past and present, Matt will take us on a journey through time, exploring the little-known history of Mexico’s tiki (and pre-tiki) bars, restaurants and hotels that began in the 1920s, reached its peak in the 1950s and 60s, and is experiencing a revival today. Through images, videos and a wealth of information gleaned from a deep investigation, including interviews with people involved with the places themselves, it will offer an excellent opportunity to discover the mysterious and majestic world of Mexican tiki.
And of course, at some point over the weekend, Matt will also be DJing from his collection of exotica, surf, mambo, jungle bop, voodoo slop and more sounds for swingin’ savages!
ALFREDO MARTÍNEZ
(Mexico City)
Mexican Rarities is a record label, archive, and distribution platform focused on Mexican music from various eras and genres. At Mexotika Weekend, the man behind the project, Alfredo Martínez, will take us on a journey through the rhythms and sounds of exotica and lounge music in Mexico, exploring how these genres arrived in the country in the 1950s and 60s, how they were received and adapted by local musicians to create a unique interpretation, and how they have influenced contemporary music. He’ll also guide us on a vinyl voyage with selections of iconic tracks that have defined these styles as well as some rare recordings that showcase the richness and diversity of exotica and lounge music in Mexico.
...and more to be announced...
ABOUT LA PAZ
Located near the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula (two hours from Los Cabos) between the cactus-covered desert and the turquoise waters of the Sea of Cortez, La Paz is known for its beautiful beaches, its iconic “malecón” (seafront promenade), its delicious seafood and its growing cultural and arts scene. Considered one of the safest* and most relaxed cities in Mexico, it will be the perfect place for the first Mexotika Weekend.
* In January 2024, the county of La Paz was placed fifth safest in Mexico (out of 2469) in the National Survey of Urban Public Security (https://www.elsudcaliforniano.com.mx/policiaca/la-paz-esta-entre-los-cinco-municipios-mas-seguros-del-pais-11308329.html)
HOW TO GET THERE
By air:
La Paz has its own airport (LAP)*. It mostly offers national routes, with direct flights of 1.5-2.5 hours from many important cities in Mexico such as Mexico City (both airports), Guadalajara, Monterrey and Tijuana (which could also be an option for our attendees coming from southern California). In July 2024, Alaska Airlines announced that it will open a direct route between Los Angeles and La Paz from Wednesday 20th November (just before Mexotika Weekend!), with two flights per week.
A little more than two hours south of La Paz is the Los Cabos/San José del Cabo International Airport (SJD), the largest airport in the region where many flights arrive from most major cities in Mexico, the United States and Canada. There are several taxi and bus services that can take you directly from the airport to La Paz.
* Make sure you don't buy your flight to LPZ (La Paz, Bolivia)!
By land:
It's possible to drive to La Paz from the Mexican border with the United States in the north of the Baja California peninsula. From Tijuana the drive takes around 18 hours, and from Mexicali it takes around 16. The roads are very safe, and it is a very popular road trip among tourists for its incredible views of the desert, the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean. In addition, there are many places along the peninsula where you can make a stop to divide the trip such as San Felipe, Guerrero Negro, Santa Rosalía, Mulege and Loreto. In order to avoid possible collisions with cattle, driving at night is not recommended.
By sea:
You can reach the port of Pichilingue in La Paz by ferry from Mazatlán (approximately 13 hours) and Topolobampo (approximately 8 hours), both across the Sea of Cortez in the state of Sinaloa on mainland Mexico. The two companies that offer this service are Baja Ferries and TMC (Transportación Maritima de California). Both offer the option of traveling with a vehicle at an additional cost.
OTHER ACTIVITIES AND PLACES OF INTEREST
The Malecón
La Paz's famous 3-mile long "malecón" (seafront promenade) offers panoramic views of the Bay of La Paz, with spectacular sunsets that paint the sky with vibrant colors. Along the way, you'll find many sculptures and monuments that reflect the rich culture and history of the region. The malecón is also lined with restaurants, cafés and stores that invite locals and tourists to enjoy the local gastronomy and buy handicrafts. You can play volleyball on the sand, rent a bike and ride on the cycle lane, watch the skateboarders at Parque Cuauhtémoc, or simply relax while you listen to the soft whisper of the waves and breathe in the sea air.
Beaches
La Paz county is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Mexico. Among the closest to downtown La Paz are Playa El Coromuel, Playa La Concha, Playa El Caimancito and Playa Barco Hundido, but we also recommend exploring those which are 15-40 minutes' drive outside the city, like Playa El Tesoro, Playa Pichilingue, Playa Balandra, Playa El Tecolote, Playa El Pulguero, Playa Muertitos and Playa El Saltito, where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Sea of Cortez in a tranquil, natural environment, with a backdrop of cactus-covered hills.
Museums
As the state capital of Baja California Sur, La Paz is the region's cultural hub and has various museums. The Regional Museum of Anthropology and History of Baja California Sur explains the story of the first inhabitants and their impressive cave paintings, the indigenous peoples who lived on the peninsula, the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century and the formation of what is today the state of Baja California Sur. The Museum of Art of Baja California Sur is in the historic building which was once the first seat of government of the state, and presents permanent and temporary exhibitions of modern and contemporary art. For nature fans, the Museum of the Whale and Sea Sciences is an excellent independent project dedicated to education about the region's marine megafauna, while the Serpentarium of La Paz is home to more than 150 species of reptiles, birds and other animals.
Isla Espíritu Santo
Located approximately 31 kilometers (19 miles) northeast of La Paz, Espiritu Santo Island is a natural jewel in the Sea of Cortez. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is known for its stunning landscapes of crystal-clear waters, unique rock formations and abundant marine life. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, hiking and wildlife watching, including sea lions and exotic birds. Guided boat tours can be taken from La Paz, which typically last between 5 and 8 hours and include snorkeling equipment, kayaks, meals, and experienced guides who provide information about the local flora and fauna. It is an unmissable experience for lovers of nature and adventure.
Whale Sharks
Every year between October and April, La Paz Bay is filled with whale sharks that migrate from the north to enjoy its warm waters and abundance of plankton. Visitors can get to know the world's largest fish species by taking a tour with a local marine biologist. These tours depart from the malecón and normally last 3 to 5 hours; They offer a unique experience to swim alongside these gentle giants. Demand is high, so it is advisable to book in advance. The dates of Mexotika Weekend coincide with the beginning of the high season for whale sharks in La Paz.
Todos Santos
Located about 80 kilometers (50 miles) southwest of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Todos Santos is a charming "pueblo mágico" ("magical town", an official recognition given by the Mexican government to historical towns of exceptional beauty) known for its vibrant arts scene and relaxed atmosphere. This destination offers a perfect blend of culture, history and natural beauty; visitors can enjoy its picturesque cobblestone streets, art galleries, craft shops and excellent restaurants offering local delicacies. What's more, nearby Playa Cerritos on the Pacific coast is an iconic location for the surfing community due to its excellent waves. Several buses leave from the malecón of La Paz each day and arrive in downtown Todos Santos in approximately 1.5-2 hours.
