Pop-Up Tiki Bar in Kokomo
Downtown Kokomo hotspot The Coterie is known for its live entertainment, delicious burgers, signature drinks, trivia nights and uniqueness. With a reputation for “keeping Kokomo weird,” we love that The Coterie is consistently surprising its patrons with quirky events and a delightfully edgy brand.
Over the past few years, owner Kyle Gibson has teamed up with Kristin Boor, the creative force behind Bohemian Events & Entertainment, to deliver over-the-top themed experiences. Their collaborations have transformed The Coterie into a hub of unique and immersive events that keep the community anticipating what’s next, and the newest project was just unveiled.
From a limited time, the second floor of the Coterie, located at 107 W. Sycamore St., has been transformed into “The Forbidden Island,” an interactive tiki bar, complete with giant inflatable octopus tentacles and an array of tropical decorations. From skull-embedded walls to a pirate ship stage, tropical drinks and a life-sized volcano, no detail was overlooked.
The partnership between Gibson and Boor began in December 2022 with "Sleigh on Sycamore," a holiday-themed transformation of The Coterie into a festive winter wonderland. Every inch of the bar was wrapped in holiday cheer, setting a high standard for future events, including The Forbidden Island.
Boor's journey to event planning has been a lifelong passion.
“In a sense, I’ve been planning parties most of my life," she said. “Gathering people to make memories and celebrate milestones, surrounded by those we love, good food, and great music, has always been a passion of mine.”
After achieving success with her first business, Bohemian Tattoo Club, which she co-owns with her husband, Tim, Boor launched Bohemian Events & Entertainment in the winter of 2022. She said this venture was part of her five-year plan to pursue her dream of creating memorable events after raising her children.
The Boors’ longstanding friendship with Gibson has been pivotal in their collaborative journey.
“We’ve known Kyle for over 15 years,” Boor said. “After moving back from New York City to start the tattoo shop, we reconnected, and he supported us during the inception of our First Friday events.”
Their partnership grew stronger when Gibson asked Boor to redesign the first floor of The Coterie. This project marked the beginning of their creative synergy, leading to a series of increasingly ambitious collaborations. Boor says her approach to event planning starts with inspiration from her clients. She blends her creativity with thorough research and budgeting to deliver high-quality results within the constraints of Kokomo’s modest budgets.
“Kokomo is not a big city with unlimited budgets, but that doesn’t mean my clients shouldn’t have events that exceed their expectations," she emphasizes. Each event is carefully tailored to reflect the client's brand or personal story, ensuring a unique and meaningful experience.
Boor said her creative process is supported by a team of dedicated women. Madison Boucher and Ellery Bennet, her main team members, bring enthusiasm, hard work, and positivity to every project. Amanda Duncan, Boor’s go-to carpenter, contributes her theater background skills, while the women at The Coterie often work late hours to meet deadlines. Together, they helped bring Boor’s Coterie visions to life, creating magical experiences for visitors.
Looking to the future, Kristin is excited about the potential of Bohemian Events & Entertainment.
“We’re still a baby, only two years old, but I feel so fortunate to have worked with The Coterie, The Venue at Brookstone, the Downtown Association, the Public Arts Coalition, wonderful brides and grooms, and many other celebrations,” she said. “I just want to keep making beautiful memories for people.”
Gibson echoes Boor’s enthusiasm for their collaborations.
“The tiki bar has been a long time coming," he says. “Ever since I started working with Kristin, we talked about tiki bars and island-themed events. Seeing it come to fruition in such an amazing manner is unbelievable. It’s truly a walkable, touchable, tasteable work of art!”
Special thanks to The Coterie’s official event photographer, Jasmine Potts, for capturing the magic and giving us a sneak peek into this tropical wonderland.
To learn more about Bohemian Events & Entertainment, click here.
Photos Provided | Jasmine Potts
