Summer 1985: The original Kappa Luau was born…

The Original Kappa Luau originated in a brainstorming session at the frat house (730 Wailes) between Eugene Gilbert and Nelson Grillo, members of the Alpha Xi Chapter at Florida A&M University which sits upon “The Highest of Seven Hills” in Tallahassee, Florida in the summer of 1985.

THE ORIGINS AND IMPETUS FOR THE KAPPA LUAU – NO FICTION.

The Kappa Luau was and is a great thematic special event that was conceived with great intention to reach and have appeal to a broad audience, with the ability to reach many thousands and fund activities for Alpha Xi in the coming school year and beyond.

Unlike, the Playboy Jazz or the Black and White, which were and are great Alpha Xi centric Kappa upscale special events. That were typically held on the campus of FAMU at the Grand Ball Room (GBR). The GBR capacity for the Playboy Jazz or the Black and White was maxed at 400 or 500. The Playboy Jazz and the Black and White were THE TWO, premiere upscale special events at FAMU. Neither of these events however were designed for broad base appeal, high attendance or had the ability generate funds for Alpha Xi.

“The Kappa Luau was conceived with vigor, purpose, and intention. I remember being together with the Summer 85 brothers who executed a great marketing and promotions campaign for the inaugural KAPPA LUAU (Summer 85). That campaign penetrated the Tallahassee community and consisted of heavy radio, posters, flyers and a surgical distribution of leis.”

Eugene Gilbert, Co-Creator of Kappa Luau

A point of clarification: The first KAPPA LUAU in Summer 1985 was not shut down by the police. We partied until sunrise.  The KAPPA LUAU was conceived out of necessity (the mother of invention) to produce the largest attendance and money generating special event in the history of FAMU.  A special event that would have longevity and dominate by far, any and all other fraternity special events. .

I was a neo(phyte member of the fraternity) with a great idea. I called Nelson Grillo, and we met in the frat house(730 Wailes Street) in my room, room number 2. Nelson being a bonafide producer and promoter, loved the idea of a thematic special event from the minute I discussed it with him. We brainstormed for a little while, throwing out different names for what was to be, the Kappa Luau. And when I said Luau, Nelson leaped in the air, we gave each other a high five! We were so excited as Nelson said, Gene that’s it! That hot June summer day in room 2, at the frat house, the KAPPA LUAU was conceived.

Next step was potentially the hardest part: How does a new get approval to proceed from the Polemarch, The Summer Polemarch, while getting the support of the brothers?