Tattoo Artists // Burlesque // Pin-up Models // Live Music // Comedy // DJ's // Artwork on display // Area Tours // Movie Screening & more...
ABOUT THE EVENT
The Sailor Jerry Festival is an Annual Event celebrating the life, interests, and incredible talents of Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins... or Norman Keith Collins, NKC, Old Ironsides, etc.
This festival aims to respectfully honor his life, career, and global influence... right where the legendary man spent so much of his time... Oahu's Chinatown District.
Conceived in 2013, it formally launched on June 12th, 2015 and will take place again each year in mid-June. It features live music, local artists, and many of the things associated with tattoo culture... past and present. It was even responsible for re-connecting some members of his family tree. The festival was first tentatively titled "The Old Ironsides Music Festival"... which was in reference to Sailor Jerry's moniker on his radio show in Hawaii, as well as Jerry's appreciation for music as a sax player. Since the event will always be about more than just music; however, the name was changed.
Remember now, these are some of his former stomping grounds.
Respect that. Respect him. Let's celebrate what he did here.
Yes, we do set aside funds for donation to the Collins family. While there is now a beverage, our event aims to celebrate the legendary person and his ties to Hawaii.
Mahalo for your interest and support.
Endorsed by the Collins family and quality tattooers worldwide.
"Dad would never have believed how much people love and respect his art... then again, he knew how good he was... he just didn't know that other people knew..." M.Collins (2015)
Costs:
One wristband provides access
to all the venues (space available)
Ages:
Some activities are open to
ALL AGES (and family friendly) while other activities must be
restricted to 18+ or 21+ ages.
(visit the venues tab for details)
Note: Capacities are limited. We cannot guarantee admission
to every venue for all activites so please try to plan ahead.
ACTIVITIES:
While we try to offer every activity every year, it isn't always possible. Here's a little bit about what we've offered to date...
Be sure to check and re-check our social media pages for some flyers and the most up-to-date information!
Live Music & DJ's -- Each year we gather together a wide variety of musicians (and genres) from across Hawaii and from out of town as well. Multiple venues feature live music simultaneously, with staggered start times, so get out and get out there and find a new favorite!
Art Show -- Most years we have a large art display featuring Sailor Jerry inspired art by local thru international tattoo artists.
Pinup Beauty Bar -- Early in the evening, ladies can come and get a 15 minute styling and makeup application. Like a mini-makeover. Donation based.
Comedy Showcase -- Each year we have had standup comics on the team, and sometimes improv comedy too.
Tattoo Specials -- The shops in Chinatown offer a variety of specials, and they offer early and extended hours so come check em out.
Burlesque -- We've got a lot of talented performers in the islands and this portion of the evening is no exception. Come see their routines.
Pinup Pageant -- This is a themed activity that is open to audience members (registration required). Compete for cash and prizes.
Contests -- When possible we've had contest of some kind. Such as a surfboard or twice it was possible to win a Harley-Davidson
Movie Screenings -- There is a Sailor Jerry documentary ('Hori Smoku') that was very well made and we have screenings. A free admission option.
Photo Wall -- This is one of those old-fashioned murals with a couple of face cutouts for you and a friend to make (and share?) memories.
Food & Drink Specials -- It's a long event... be sure to check out some of our partners that offer food and drink specials.
Vendor Booths -- We make space for small businesses interested in setting up a pop-up shop at no cost. Stop by and offer some support.
Infrequent Activities:
Fashion Show -- Most, but not all years we have partnered with a designer for a runway activity. A couple times it featured SJ drawings brought to life!
Skate Demo -- From time to time we've teamed up with a group that brings down some obstacles and puts on a show of skills.
Neighborhood History Tours -- This was a fun addition but the tour guide moved away during the Covid lockdown. Would love to bring it back one day.
Drag Show -- For a few years, we curated an early show and then our portion of the evening bled into an existing late night drag show.
Have an idea? Feel like we're missing something?
We are open to adding new options for the event. Let us know what suggestions you have.
A small handful of early Testimonials from the event:
"Wanna give a huge shout out to Jason Miller (and crew)! He always does such a great job with anything he does, but he continuously knocks it out of the park for the
Sailor Jerry Festival! Thanks for honoring my Grandpa’s legacy this way bro! 🤘" --- C.H. / Facebook, 6/16/2019 [ Sailor Jerry's grandson ]
2016:
" Awesome night...what an undertaking it must have been...great job! On Dad's behalf... many mahalos for the salute! " {M.Collins, daughter}
" Great vision and execution... congrats on another epic festival! "
" We had a great time listening to the different bands and watching the shows!!! "
" Thank you for putting on such a fun weekend, I haven't had that much fun in a minute. "
2015:
" So many activities and great bands. "
" The most fun I've had in months.... Period. "
" I'm having soooo much fun!!!!! Music, dancing, good eats n great company, super friendly crowd. "
" 38 yrs old and asked to dance by some kid, surprised by the courteous behavior of these youngsters! "
" It was a lot of fun... The most fun I've had in Chinatown for a long time. "
Please visit the other tabs/pages for even more information.
