The 3rd Annual Palm Trees and Tattoos Convention and Retreat

Featuring B-Real From Cypress Hill
So Much More Than You Imagined

By Esther Sanchez

In 2014, businessmen and entrepreneurs, Sean Wood and Tony Francois, decided to throw a tattoo convention in Palm Springs and apparently it went pretty well. Well enough in fact that they successfully built enough momentum to possibly make it an annual event. Although anyone who knows me, knows that I respect and appreciate tattoo art and culture, to be perfectly honest I did not attend the first year because in my naive mind I thought, ‘What’s so fun about walking around and watching people get tattoos?’ Last year I did end up at the event to shoot for CV Weekly and I will be the first to admit how ridiculously wrong I was. In fact, I had the time of my life and cannot wait for this year’s convention to kick off. Yes, there were attendees being tattooed by highly-skilled artists from all over the U.S. and beyond. But that really is just the beginning.

Wood: “We have been really pleased as to the momentum that has built from one year to the next. We are really grateful for the success this event has become and were surprised when we realized that we completely sold out of artist booths with almost no promotion.”

When Wood speaks of artists, he isn’t just spewing PR nonsense in regards to quality. On the contrary, Woods’ virtually unlimited list of impressive connections has secured highly celebrated artists on the scene such as The UK’s Justin Burnout whose phenomenal work has not only earned him a prestigious place in the world of tattoo artists, but has also earned him tens of thousands of followers on social media and a really worth following on Instagram. Currently a resident of Nottingham England, J.B. is the owner of his own studio called Ghost House Collective. Justin Burnout: “I tattooed at Palm Trees and Tattoos last year and had the best time! I tattooed all weekend, judged the competitions and also ended up judging the bikini contest which was fun. I met some of the raddest people and all in all, it was one for the books!”

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I asked Justin Burnout what he was looking forward to this year, “Tattooing, catching up with everyone and having some drinks once the work is done. Also I’m bringing my brother out with me this year and that’s gonna be an added bonus for sure, he’s gonna love it!”

For those of you who are PTAT virgins, not looking to get any ink this weekend and therefore skeptical as to whether or not you could possibly have a good time at this convention, fret not. Good times will be had by all. While body-art is being created throughout the weekend….simultaneously, one of the best parties of the year is taking place into the night throughout the entire Hard Rock Hotel. Pool parties with DJ’s, the annual “Sullen Angels Model Search” contest, live music and amazing people-watching is some of what made last year awesome. With this year’s lineup including a group that does a stunt show on Harley’s and a show headlined by the legendary B-Real from Cypress Hill, I have no doubt that PTAT 2016 is going to be the stuff of legends.

No stranger to throwing a kickass party, Sean Wood has built part of his career through being an expert at showing people a good time. The San Francisco native lived in Seattle before taking a job in Vegas. Wood: “I was hired to manage Rain, the nightclub in Vegas and was transferred to “Rain in the Desert” which was built by the same company. Eventually I bought my way into a bar downtown, “Dales Lost Highway” and after that ran its course we opened up the tattoo shop.  I am now currently in San Diego and just opened an Authentic Serape store by the beach. I’m constantly in search of my own ‘pursuit of happiness.’ Lucky for me, I have a wife who allows me to do all of these crazy things.”

I asked Sean how a businessman like himself got involved in the world of tattoo culture. Wood: “I have been collecting tattoos since I was 17. My best friend Tony Francois and myself came together when the bar shut down and it just seemed like a natural fit. I have spent a good part of my adult life immersed in conventions, tattoo lifestyle/culture and all things relatable. Although not an artist myself, I saw an opportunity to help push something I really loved. Honestly, I get a TON of shit for not being an artist and being so heavily involved with the tattoo world. To that I say “Fuck ‘em!” I used to take it very personal when someone criticized me for that, but now I know there’s just no pleasing everyone.”

Wood continues: “The people that understand it is a team effort, my homeboys and my 50/50 business partner are all tattoo artists. I just happen to be particularly good at sharing their work and love all of them with all my heart. I have spent years inside of my own shop and countless others as well. Sometimes it takes an outside perspective to tell someone else’s story. That’s what I do for Palm Trees And Tattoos.”

You really don’t have to be anyone immersed in “the lifestyle,” shopping for body-art or allowed to eat at the edgey-kid’s table in order to have a great time this weekend at the Hard Rock Hotel. Anyone who likes good music, chill vibes and people-watching can have a great time and I encourage you all to check it out.

Wood:  “We’re constantly working to improve the guest experience at our event. Our main goal is to ensure everyone leaves with a smile and a story to tell…Hopefully with some fly new tattoo work as well.”

palmtreesandtattoos.com

instagram.com/justinburnouttattoos

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:

Friday 12-10 downstairs/Poolside

Sat 11-10 downstairs and 11-6 poolside

Sat night 10pm-2am B Real inside Bardot.

Sunday 11-7 downstairs.

Harley Stunt show Sunday 1pm (about 30 min long)

Ms. Palm Trees And Tattoos model search. Sunday 3pm downstairs.