Mondo Lounge I, 2004

The first Mondo Lounge was produced in Los Angeles, CA in Fall of 2004 by Mary-Margaret Stratton as a means to get together friends across many seemingly disparate niche communities who all shared a common thread of loving the class and quality of the bygone Rat Pack era. Mondo Lounge I was subtitled “Where Cocktail Cultures Collide.” The first logo was designed Mary-Margaret Stratton.

A variation with a multi-tasking Fez-wearing Lounge man was created by the artist Josh Agle aka SHAG. That image was imprinted on highly collectible shot glasses.

The postcard design was done by Tiki artist Sam Gambino.

And the online pinup face of the event was a photo by Winky Tiki of former Playboy Playmate, Holly Madison.

Daytime actitivites included a Los Angeles vintage car rally that included the participation of AM Media Sponsor Fabulous 570 KLAC, and FM Media Sponsor 88.5 KCSN Arts and Roots Radio, the Petersen Automotive Museum, Hollywood Heritage Museum, Hollywood Erotic Museum, American Cinemateque, Hollywood Wax Museum, Hollywood Museum at the Historic Max Factor Building, and the Los Angeles Conservancy Modern Committee.

The evening event was held at a historic Masonic Hall in the Los Feliz area of Hollywood. Presentations and educational exhibitions were done by notable author and entertainer, Charles Phoenix, as well as authors & historians Nathan Marsac, Eric Lynxwiler, Tony Merchell and Michael Palumbo.

Octaviao “Winky Tiki” Arizala brought out his best girls to participate in the Miss Mondo Lounge contest which was hosted by showman and impresario Maxwell deMille. Ribbons and awards were presented to all by Drag Queen Dyna Flo and DooDah Queen, Miss Cherry Capri. Miss Mondo was won by Pinup perfection, Matsumi Max!

 

Vendors on hand included: Tiki Todd Hackett, Ultrabettie, Capitol Ultralounge, Senor Amor La Brea Collection, Dionysus Records, Tiki Farm, Falling Cocos, Sneaky Tiki, Mister Swingarooney!, Soap Plant/La Luz, 8 Ball, Tiki Madness, Queen of Hearts, Mr. Swanky, and Allan Scura eyewear. Additional sponsorships, prizes and gifts were provided by the Caliente Tropics Resort, the Del Marcos Hotel, Atomic Ranch Magazine, Amazon Bar and Grill, the Dresden Room, Micelli’s Hollywood, Fitzu, Futurama, Hollywood Book and Poster, M Modern Gallery, Modernica, Museum of Neon Art, Modify Las Vegas, Sparklett’s Water, Star and Garter Magazine, Surrey Books, Swivel Industries, Tashcen Books, Tiki Ti and Capital Records Ultralounge Series.

Entertainment included sets by the Martini Kings, King Kukulele and C.B. Howlie, Lounge entertainer Buddy Worth, Count Smokula and special guest star Art Vargas and the Swank Set from Las Vegas. DJ’s included Lee Joseph of Dionysus Records, Senor Amor of Molotov Cocktail, Patrick Robinson, and Kat Griffin of Madly Cocktail. Arthur Murray provided dance lessons for swingers. And the evening was capped off with a special midnight screening of the indie movie Olive or Twist at the Vista theater.

A few hundred people attended the first event which planted the seeds for things to come.

Volunteers

An event like this is never possible without the help of a great community. In addition to all the sponsors, participants and vendors listed in this program, Mondo Lounge would like to extend additional thanks to the following people: Kristien Amer, Josh Agle, Naomi Alper, Gil Alvarado, Laura Behrman, Dave Berryman, Matt Hukilau Brown, Jim and Michelle Brown, Mark Davis, Baby Doe, Dave and Rebecca Fernandez, Danny Gallardo, Tim Glazner, Val and Cooper at Hint Mint, Nicholas Hironis, Jason Holmes, Jeff Dr. Z Hrzina, Casey Jones, Fred Johnson, Hanford Lemoore, Humuhumu, Steve Luschinger, Tim Lydeen, Rei Marquez, Eric Mellem, Peter and Mara Moody, Denny Moynahan, Nancy at the Bratstore, Chris Nichols, Robert Nudelman, Octavio, Natalie Pace, Les Perry, David Ponak, Mig Ponce, Meri Pritchett, Regent Hollywood Theaters, Peggy Rosoff, Stanley Scheff, Susan H. Schwartz, Senor, Billy Shire, Smokey, Stephanie at Swivel, Kent Sterling, Cary Stratton, Lisa Strouss, Steve Tepperman, Brett Thompson, Otto Von Stroheim, Nina Weiner, Holden Westland, Michelle Whiting, Maria Willman, Karen Wilson, And lastly, Bob Petersen and the Masonic Lodge members for being such great custodians of the wonderful lodge and for not painting over their historic Millard Sheets mural!