The Catalina Island Museum will welcome retro pop culture humorist and author Charles Phoenix to the stage of the historic Avalon Casino Theatre on Sunday, June 2. His Catalinaland performance will sweep the audience away on a time travel storytelling and retro slide show adventure exploring the island’s classic landmarks, legends and lore.
Charles is passionate about celebrating and paying tribute to our truly unique American culture. This is done through a comically narrated Kodachrome slide presentation. For two decades, he has been collecting personal slides showing travel, entertainment and lifestyles in the mid-20th century. The slides were found at thrift stores and estate sales. Some have even been donated to him.
On June 2—inside the iconic Casino’s spectacular 1929 Art Deco movie —visitors will be invited to experience the backstories and glories of the S.S. Avalon, glass bottom boat, flying fish, bird park, Catalina Pottery, vintage souvenirs, Casino, Wrigley family, the mysterious Catalina-shaped swimming pool, and much more.
According to Charles the event will feature, “History, fun, glories and stories, and everything else having to do with Catalina!”
Charles will also share his vintage guide to today’s Catalina sightseeing, shopping, dining, and where to find the island’s hidden treasures, time warps, and what not to miss as you discover Catalina as a great big theme park!
The performance is 2 p.m. in the Avalon Casino Theatre. It features two acts with an intermission. Festive dress is encouraged but not expected.
Aftershow cake and book signing party
All attendees are invited to meet Charles following the performance at the Catalina Island Museum for flying fish cake and punch. Copies of his latest book, Addicted to Americana, will be available for purchase.
About Charles Phoenix
Addicted to Americana, author, chef, and retro pop culture humorist Charles Phoenix celebrates classic and kitschy American life and style. He is known for his live comedy slide show performances, eye-popping “test kitchen” videos, and colorful coffee table books.
On TV, he is a judge for Food Network’s Cake Wars, and has appeared with Jay Leno, Martha Stewart, and Conan O’Brian. He is often heard on NPR.
Fans enjoy his clever spin and genuine reverence for Americana and trust his guide to attractions from coast to coast.
Early ticket purchases are highly encouraged. Tickets are $35 for members of the museum and $39 for non-members. Purchasing tickets is easy. Please call 310-510-2414, visit the museum in person, or online at CatalinaMuseum.org/catalinaland. Tickets will also be available at the door on the day of the event.
The Catalina Island Museum offers the best in art and history exhibitions, music and dance performances, lectures by guest speakers from all over the world, and the finest in silent, documentary and international film. Open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Day and Independence Day, the new Ada Blanche Wrigley Schreiner Building is located in the heart of Avalon at 217 Metropole Ave. For more information, the museum may be reached by phone at 310-510-2414 or at its website: CatalinaMuseum.org.
