To ring in the 2025 new year, James and his creative partner Kyle Neal held an immersive themed tiki experience. They transformed the venue into a tropical island called the Tiki Oasis where guests had arrived to celebrate. They also created a video series that would play every half-hour between the 60s exotica music and retro beach movie clips on the monitors. The concept was a parody show called Hootie’s Rockin NYE Countdown, hosted by Trader Dick Clark (played by James who also wrote, directed, and edited the featurettes). Much like his namesake, Trader Dick would update celebrants to what was happening on the island and interview tiki celebrities or introduce musical acts, eventually leading the midnight countdown. The kitschy videos mashed up their original content with stock clips of other new year’s parties, old movies, and island resort ads. Would Hootie the tiki god of Blowfish make an appearance for the big moment?
In addition to themed food, drinks, and the set decoration of the multiple themed rooms, guests could participate in a treasure hunt where they given a map and sent to scavenge the island for clues to a legendary treasure. Finishing the quest awarded the guest with a key to Captain Mischief’s treasure chest, which contained a novelty tiki mug so they could show off by drinking in style the rest of the evening. Kyle designed the cocktail program for the evening to feature classic tiki drinks, but able to be pre-batched for quick serving. The menu was inspired by the mystery and allure of Trader Vic and Don the Beachcomber’s presentation including a secret shot.