The 2021 Feather Falls Tattoo Expo

miami ink star tommy montoya at feather falls

After the last year and a half without tattoo events, it was a breath of fresh air to be attending one, especially in California. Held on May 7 – 9, 2021, at Feather Falls Casino in Oroville, north of Sacramento, the expo was packed with spectators in the banquet hall—giving the impression that tattoo demand will continue strongly in the future.

At this same expo in 2019, we had conducted an exclusive interview with Tommy Montoya, who was present and headliner again. Other tattooists present were Butch Felix, Oak Morgan, Byron Rodriguez El Calavera, Bo 2 Thumbs, Flanders, and 40 others. The number of tattooers this year was reduced, but the organizer Chris Earl promises a massive upgrade for 2022 with American and international artists.

Above: One of the expo’s headliners: Tommy Montoya.
Oak Morgan tattooing at feather falls casino tattoo expo
Left: Sacramento tattooist Oak Morgan.
Spike Moore and wife Vandi, representing Working Class Tattoo Supply
Spike Moore and wife Vandi of Working Class tattoo supply.
shanelle, myexcansuckit
Honolulu’s Shanelle sporting the best mask of the day.
G butch felix tattooing client's arm at tattoo expo at feather falls casino, california
Tattooist Butch Felix working on a lettering piece for his client.
Tattoo legend tommy montoya at feather falls tattoo expo
Miami Ink’s Tommy Montoya inking a special portrait on arm.
inside the feather falls casino
A view from the banquet hall down into the casino.
Feather Falls tattoo expo organizer Chris Earl talking to members of Modesto's The Golden Rose tattoo shop
The expo’s organizer Chris Earl chatting with the Golden Rose crew.
right: tattooist Byron Rodriguez El Calavera at feather falls, oroville, california, tattoo convention

Tattooist Byron Rodriguez taking a break and appreciating the venue.

Spectators at the 5th annual feather falls tattoo expo
Spectators excited to be back at a tattoo event.
Photos © Scene360