If you've never been to Bahooka Restaurant in Rosemead, this is an excellent opportunity to check out one of Southern California's few remaining Polynesian palaces. Boasting of over 100 fishtanks, the dusty nautical decor harkens back to the ribs & grog steakhouses of the mid-century. Now a bit lackluster, it is still a fun excursion for any retrophile. Last time I hit up Bahooka there was over a two hour wait, so make reservations if you can!
VonFranco & Friends Tiki Farm Show
Saturday, July 10, 2004
7:30-11:30pm
Bahooka Restaurant
4501 N. Rosemead Blvd.
Rosemead, CA 91770
(626) 285-1241/285-7514
Free!
Von Franco & Friends Tiki Show
J.R. McNasty Productions presents, ìThe Von Franco & Friends Tiki Showî, Saturday, July 10th, 2004. The event will be held at the Bahooka Restaurant in Rosemead, California from 7:30pm-11:30pm.
The show will feature Tiki art by Von Franco, carvings by Crazy AL, bamboo creations by Bamboo Ben, and mugs from Tiki Farm. Each artist will be debuting new art and merchandise, including one-of-a-kind pieces, custom items celebrating the event and a special limited edition collaboration from all four artists. Bahooka signature drinks will be available in the events collectable Tiki Farm mug, and just addedÖ a Tiki slide show presentation by Doug Nason.
The Bahooka is one of the few remaining ìtikiî restaurants and is the perfect setting for this showcase of artists. No admission charge for the show. Call 626-285-1241 for dinner reservations (reservations highly recommended). Parking is free but limited space is available.
All hail the Tiki!!!!
About the artists:
Von Franco-- Von Franco got started with the influence of Von Dutch and Big Daddy Roth, but took it to a whole other level. He is considered a master of the pinstriping community, an amazing airbrush artist and a pioneer of the Kustom Kulture scene. While living in Hawaii in the early 70ís, he studied the art of Tikiís and the surf movement, an influence that is obvious in his Tiki paintings and products of today. Both Von Franco and his work have been seen in movies, television, books and countless magazines.
Crazy AL-- A native of the South West, Sculptor Crazy AL Evans got his tiki influence from a variety of sources. Kachina dolls, ìTrader Vicísî in downtown Scottsdale, trips to Hawaii, his fatherís Hawaiian shirts, and a Hawaii 5-0 habit all played a large part of his childhood. In 1990, during his education at Art Center Pasadena, AL started carving tiki necklaces for the ëOCí surf band ìThe Swinging Tikisî. The band dubbed him ìCrazy ALî for his on-stage and on-bar antics. In 1992, AL established his company ìCrazy ALís Bone Productionsî which brings you all of his ìManic Whittlingî recreated in affordable resin casts. Since 1997, his very unique and intricately carved large tikis have spread from Hawaii to New York City. Crazy AL also carves tikis live on-stage with his tropical themed band ìAPE!î
Bamboo Ben-- Bamboo Ben is one of the leading artists of tropical decor and bamboo work in Southern California today. His work echoes the passions of his Grandfather, Eli Hedley, who is known as the "original Beachcomber." Over the past decade, Bamboo Ben has been spotlighted in many print and film media including a feature article in Orange Coast Magazine. He has also generated an impressive clientele. From tiki bars for MGM Studios (Windtalkers' Production) to tropical pleasures for Hollywood producers, rockers, corporate heads to the largest coffee tycoon known to date; Bamboo Ben is always original. No art piece is alike. Located in Huntington Beach, Bamboo Ben creates in his studio weekly. The store door, operated by Mrs. Bamboo, opens to the public on Saturday and Sunday and displays Bamboo Ben's creations ranging from tiki bars to king size beds.
Tiki Farm-- In the Fall of 2000, Holden Westland, took up a lease on a 1,400 square foot industrial building. With about a dozen products in his line-up, he created ìTiki Farm, Incî, San Clemente CAís based tiki mug manufacturer. Tiki Farm is now in over 3,000 stores worldwide, has over 100 designs, and resides in a new 5,000+ square foot facility. Tiki Farm has dedicated itself to making the finest tiki mugs available to the public, showcasing new artists, and making future collectables. Honoring traditions of the past, Tiki Farm has created several replicas of historical mugs, all done with the same level of quality and attention to detail as the originals. Tiki Farm mugs can be found in restaurants, theme parks, nightclubs and are in many surf shops as well.
For more information contact J.R. McNasty Productions at: jrmcnastyproductions@yahoo.com