Gasoline Cowboys!

I want to interrupt my Viva blogs to talk about a vendor that was vending at Booze Broads and Hotrods Saturday. Gasoline Cowboys is a company that contracts with Dehen, who have been consistently producing the highest quality wool motorcycle sweaters since 1920. These are not just reproductions, they are the real deal! Made on the same machines and cut to the same pattern that were produced from the 20s to the 40s. You can click the link above to look at the sweaters and club jackets that they sell.

The following is from their website:

Founded in 1920 by William P. Dehen, who made his mark by making hardy woolen sweaters for the American sports man. Today Dehen is still family owned, now well into it’s third generation. This is in no small part due to their obsession with quality and service.
The Gasoline Cowboy project originated from the desire to bring to the market Dehen’s unique Motorclothes and Raceware. Honoring the original designs for their simplicity and authenticity, these hand made products with trims and specialty embroideries are manufactured from the original Dehen designs of the 1930's and 40’s. This includes the shape and cut of the clothes which is often slimmer and closer fitting than the current contemporary cuts. This authenticity is what gives the Gasoline Cowboys range a different style and feel from mainstream modern clothing.

PRE “WILD ONES” FASHION

Club Sweater “Fort Sutter M.C.” circa 1940 courtesy of Rin Tanaka

Before WWII, Motorcycling was seen as a sport. The A.M.A. (American Motorcycle Association) sanctioned competition racing, hill climbs and recreational events such as the Gypsy tours. Many motorcycle clubs sprang up and each wore it’s own distinctive riding apparel, usually a colorful wool turtlezip sweater complete with decorative name and town embroidered on them. Likewise racers were sponsored by either the motorcycle manufacturer or by local dealers who would outfit their hero in tough sweaters for practical reasons of promotion and easy recognition on the track.
At this time the motorcycle manufacturers aimed their advertising at the outdoors man and the adventurer. The image they presented in their advertising always cast the motorcycling sport in it’s best light. The industry politely ignored the fact there were plenty of badly behaved young men blasting across the countryside raising hell and making as much racket as possible.
As war clouds gathered, racing and motorcycling in general was put on hiatus till hostilities ceased. When peace broke out in 1945, American servicemen were demobed. During the war, they had earned regular pay, but found little to spend it on. Once back home with wallets full of cash many of this generation bought motorcycles.

Club Sweater”Tri City MC” circa 1950 courtesy of Rin Tanaka

The A.M.A. also realized that the war had exposed many Americans to motorcycling; veterans came back with experiences of military Harley Davidsons, Indians and the more sporty British bikes. Also back home, shortages of metals and fuels had encouraged people to ride instead of drive. Eager to keep these new riders, the A.M.A. sanctioned competitions and organized Gypsy Tours with renewed enthusiasm.
Life in the Armed Services, however, was not a particularly good place to acquire social graces. Many felt bored with civilian life after the perilous war years and some chose to seek out other adrenalin junkies. This resulted in the forming of hundreds of small motorcycle clubs with names like the ‘Lucky 13’s’ the 'Top hatters', ‘Ramblers', and the ‘Bombers'. Members wore club sweaters; rode in formation not unlike the bomber squadrons and partied together.
However, these new motorcyclists drank harder, and were more rambunctious than the pre-war riders, this culminated in the infamous July 4th Hollister “riot” made infamous by Hollywood in the film "The Wild Ones”.
As Marlon Brando rode off into the sunset perched on his motorcycle wearing his leather jacket he changed the face of motorcycling forever. Whether his “Johnny” character was true to life or not, it mattered little as his portrayal of the brooding nomad, the outcast, was the perfect tonic for America's exploding youth culture. Motorcycling had always attracted larger than life characters but now it was linked intrinsically with outlaws and rebellion.

Club Sweater “Portland AMA” circa 1938 courtesy of Rin Tanaka

Slowly the motorcycle sweaters were put away as the GI’s grew older to be replaced by cutoff denim and buckskin worn by the younger Easy Rider generation and then later, the biker anti fashions of the 70’s and 80’s.
Throughout this time, Dehen never stopped making these high quality race sweaters which were always a special order item; custom pieces made specifically for individual clubs. At Gasoline Cowboys our mission is to bring this line of Dehens motor clothes to a wider audience with designs available individually as well as serving larger custom orders.
When choosing Gasoline Cowboys you are choosing a rare option – to buy hand made apparel, direct from an American heritage brand - Dehen of Portland.

My hope is that I can get one before my big trip to the UK. That will then require me to buy some motorcycle boots....poor me! 

Viva...Friday :-)

Friday, my task upon waking was to get to a branch of Bank of the West. The night before our departure, I had left my bank card in the cash machine! Yes, when I am getting ready for a fabulous party, I will become all sorts of absent-minded just thinking of the fun I will have. Luckily, there was a branch just shy of two miles away, so I zipped over to withdraw some cash so I would not be begging people to buy me diet cokes all weekend.

Friday day was uneventful to my recollection, except for the discussion I had with the infamous Felicia. Actually, I take that back. I had the good fortune of meeting Cat from The Vintage Housewife . She was a dear and you can click the link to view photos of our meeting. I saw Holly, aka Tempermental Broad who I have gotten to know better this last Vegas. She is adorable and I want to put her in my pocket and take home with me every time I see her.

I picked up a gold confetti lucite yo-yo I had won on ebay for $12 and had shipped to the hotel. It matched my jewelry perfectly so I went upstairs to change after feeling quite sad in the vendors area because I couldn't buy anything. I want to save all my pennies for my UK trip next month.

I decided that Friday would be my "Gold Lame" night.

I didn't really get any good pics and no pics of my yo-yo!

 The top is a Suzy Perette, the skirt I had made with vintage fabric and I carried my gold confetti lucite purse that has seen better days.

The first band I snapped photos of was a great band from the UK, Jesse and the Orbits. I met the lead singer, Natasha, the night before and just loved her. I met quite a few young Londoners and thought they were all adorable and very sweet.

When the band was finished playing, a nice couple approached me and told me they read my blog and that they had followed my band recommendations and had not been disappointed yet! That made me feel quite good to know someone was benefiting from something I wrote.

I missed a couple bands I wanted to see because I was dealing with the situation following the incident with Felicia. "Situation" and "incident" were words that Dorian, Jess, Kim and I used together quite frequently to discuss shenanigans that we witnessed or partook in that weekend. 

The next band up was the Sureshots. I saw them at the second US Rave and enjoyed them. The Bombshells had been negotiating to book them, but it had fallen through. 

Gary from the Sureshots

 Joe from the Sureshots

I went upstairs to change and spent the rest of the night, into the wee hours of the morning at the record hop in the Big Easy. The Big Easy's dance floor was superb. Nice, slick hard wood. Perfect for jiving. 

When I was going back to my room, I came across a guy passed out in the hall. He had fallen asleep, outside his room, a pile of money next to one hand and his room key in his other. I wish I had taken a photo, but I was more concerned that his money would be stolen. I tried to wake him, but he was not opening his eyes. I shoved his money and key in his breast pocket and went back to my room. Sunday I saw him in the hall and told him it was me that put his money in his pocket. He promised to buy me a drink. 

Continuation of Viva Blogs...Thursday Night!

I think I left off with Frankie's Tiki Room...here's another couple photos from Frankies:

With Teresa an a man I totally LOVE, Patrick

 I ran into my friends, Aaron and Mel

After Frankie's we went back to the hotel where I changed for the beginnings of the festivities! Thursday was my "Hawaiian" day, so I changed into a dress that I had to trade a LOT of vintage for. It is a strapless sarong, rayon, with a bolero, that I LOVE. I was thrilled that my friend Renee, who is a dealer was willing to do a trade. 

With Renee, who has the most fabulous wardrobe!

I didn't get any photos of bands...Lil' Mo and the Dynoflos opened the show to a packed ballroom and put on a FANTASTIC show. I also enjoyed Los Straightjackets, Hi Qs and Modern Don Juans. I did get a few photos of the Hi Qs with Matt on vocals.

Here are some random photos from the night with Jessica, Dorian, and also Alex Vargas and my friend Real

One last photo from the night with Dollie aka The Rockabilly Socialite

  I was up until at least 5:30, closing down the hops that night/morning. While I was sitting out a song at the hop, my dear friend from Germany hugged me from behind and spilled a whole glass of whiskey on my dress! I think it will be fine after a cleaning, I want to bring it to England with me when I go to the Rave. I love her and have known her almost 10 years, so I wasn't mad. She was being cute and drunk and bought me a coke because she felt bad. I hope to see her in the UK without a drink! hehe...

This Saturday! The 13th Booze Broads and Hotrods

This is the club I belong to, the Bombshell's annual party. We love to have it the week after Viva, and it is the perfect cure for the post Viva Blues. For more information about hotels and our show, please visit our website: The Bombshells

Viva....Thursday Afternoon

I had to get up early Thursday morning to pick up my good friend Tanya and her husband, Woody at the airport. While waiting in line for my coffee, I ran into Lisa Fremont Street and had the opportunity to see her beautiful new baby girl. I wish I had my camera with me so I could have snapped a photo. I know I have said this before, and I will say this again, most likely, but I greatly need to remember to capture moments if I am going to blog about them.

The day kind of rushed by, and since I had plans to meet a bunch of people at Frankies, I hung out by the bars a bit. Jess, Dorian and I went up to the Bowling Alley to obtain the bowling pin spill proof cups. I was really surprised and disappointed that there was no "boot" this year.

Since it was the middle of the afternoon, we had to hit up Sweetpea's "Hooch 'N' Smooch" where we ran into the Rockabilly Socialite

We made name tags for ourselves using our "Trucker" names. Dorian is "Ginger Fox," Jess is "White Minx" and I'm "Black Bootie."

Next, I met up with the Swedes, Woody and Tanya and we headed over to Frankies...got a lot of cheeky photos while we were there with the well hung Tiki...

My first post-Viva blog...Wednesday

I kind of wanted to knock out the whole weekend in one blog, but alas, horrible social blogger that I am, did not get pictures of myself on Friday and Saturday night! I got photos of bands, but I have to wait until someone who caught hold of me running from room to room actually tags me in a photo.

Dorian, Jess and I set out about 6 AM Wednesday morning, with the grandiose plan of attending Ronny Weiser's party in Vegas that afternoon. After pulling away from the gas station with the gas pump still in my gas tank, and breaking the hose, we were well on our way to the promised land. Our grandiose plan fell through, when by the time we got to Vegas, unpacked, etc...it was about an hour until I had to meet my dad for dinner. After a fattening, but delish dinner at Canal Street at the Orleans, we got decked out to go to the Wild Records Showcase.

Dorian and Jess had not eaten yet, so while they went to partake in sushi, I trolled the bar. I ran into a guy from Sweden that I met in LA a few years ago, Nick "Camtwister" of the A-Bomber's car club. He is one of the organizers of the A-Bomber's Old Style Weekender in Sweden. I invited him and his friend, Hans, to go to the Wild Party with us.

Nick and I at the Bar

The Show was down on Fremont Street in downtown Las Vegas. After wandering around, we found the joint. I saw my good buddy, Patrick there!

I didn't get any photos during the show but it was a great show. Saw so many people I know there, and had a nice long chat with my old buddy Matt, who used to play with Arsen Roulette. He's now playing with Texas Steve and I am really excited about it. 

Here is a photo of the Swedes on Fremont Street next to a big neon sign:

We got back to hotel about 2:30 or 3 and went to bed since we had been up since 5 AM.

I'll write more soon...

Friends, dogpiles and Lurex...OH MY!

Sorry I've not been blogging! After the Bombshell Bop and my birthday, I had to work at the shop, then at my day job, then prepare to go to Long Beach for the Rhythm Rocker. I am sorry I've neglected this!

I don't need to write about the Bombshell Bop and my birthday because Rachelle did an excellent job writing a review and about the show HERE.

Prior to the Rhythm Rocker, I knew that the line up would not be what was anticipated when the show was first announced. Most of the European bands had dropped off the bill, and the line up dwindled. As that was happening, I also knew that support for the weekender would fall, so I was more determined to go and support since California doesn't have weekenders.

Wednesday night, my buddy Raul drove down from the east bay so we could attend a record hop in Santa Cruz where we warmed up dancing with a few people and getting psyched for the weekend. We woke up early on Thursday, I took my son to school and did my packing. Yes, I waited until the last minute to pack! Shame on me, but since I was driving, I just laid my dresses on the back seat.

The drive down seemed to go quickly while we played the game "Anal Road Trip." You insert the word "anal" in front of the models of cars you see on the road, "Anal Explorer" "Anal Lancer" "Anal Wrangler" "Anal Probe," you get it. I think the guys over at Ford made up the game since Fords are the best for the Anal Road Trip game.

When we got to Long Beach we went over to my friend Lucky's house where Raul and I were staying. We went out to eat at the Pike on 4th Street right by Retro Row. Dinner was great, and Raul and I got dressed up to meet Jessica and Cosmic Keith at the Puka Bar where the pre-party was happening. We ran into tons of people we knew, and saw Nichole "Rockabilly Socialite." Basically a fun night of dancing, hanging out and shooting the shit with socal people I know.

Jess and I at the Puka Bar (photo by Cosmic Keith)

Raul and I woke up about 10 AM and I went out to get coffee and breakfast burritos and ate with Lucky and her boyfriend Manny. A very fat feeling me, then showered and got ready to go to 4th Street since I didn't want to head into Hollywood with Jessica and Keith. At Meow I found the most fabulous blue and silver Lurex cocktail dress. It was a little tight but I didn't care and I bought it anyway. I will skip to the evening...here's pics of me and various people. This is bad, but I realized that few of my friends took pics of the bands! Shame on us! 

Me in Lurex with Veronica

 Me in Lurex with Mel aka incendiary blonde

 Me, Dez from Chicago and Big Sandy

Dorian and I

 Here's a pic of Raul and Big Sandy

Jessica and Kim, my partners in crime 

 

After the show the after-parties started...we ended up in someone's room. There was lots of silliness and ass slapping. Jess and I were outside and decided to tackle Dorian, and it turned into a dogpile...Raul is brilliant and got pics:

Ashley and Eric using my new shoes from Olivera street as telephones

Dorian still loved me after the dogpile

 My buddy Tanoa got a bit intoxicated Friday night and his ass slapping got a little out of hand. Finally a Socal girl took it upon herself to correct his behavior and put him over her knee and spanked him properly!

Prior to going to the Rhythm Rocker, I had purchased a few things from a seller on ebay who told me she was going to vend the show. I had purchased a hawaiian circle skirt from her and she was planning on bringing it to the show. I was dancing on Friday night when a woman came up and asked if I was getting a skirt from someone vending and I said "yes." She told me that it was her and she recognized me from my measurements! 

Pricilla, ebay seller and I

Raul and I finally left the hotel around 4:30 AM. We woke up about noon, did the breakfast burrito thing again and got ready to go to the hotel. I brought my evening clothes with me so I could get ready in Jess' room. The weather was overcast and the tiki pool party was not well attended. I did run into Dorian and Arsen Roulette while I was strolling around. Arsen's new band Jailbreak was playing.

Here's a pic of all me with fellow bombshells and friends from the bay area

Saturday night was a lot of fun, watched the Rip 'Em Ups and I liked them. I saw them at Viva and liked them there, too. Sorry, no band photos, but here is a photo of me grabbing Dez's boobs

Chatting up Sean Law

 Dez and Jen from the League of International Party Girls (I'm in the league but was retarded and didn't bring my shirt)

 Sunday Raul woke me up to tell me we were meeting everyone at Roscoe's. I went along in overalls, no make up and a newsie cap, and it was just Raul, Kavah the photographer who was staying at Lucky's and his girlfriend, Eileen. Turns out there was a marathon and no one could get across town to meet us. I got Keith and Jessica an order of half chicken and gravy on the side with waffles. Keith was loving it when I finally got to the hotel with it. 

Sunday's bands were good. Jessica and I had met some car club guys from England on Saturday night. They came out on Sunday again. Whenever there are English people around, I will root them out and make them entertain me. Here is a pic of me with the guys from the Original's Hot Rod Club

Jess, Sean and I

DJ James, Jess and I

Well, that is my half ass review and recap of the weekend....this working full time is really cutting into my blogging! 

*Most photos are from Raul Castro and Jessica Brooks...I didn't even pull my camera out, bad social blogger that I am!