Join writer and TV producer Domenic Priore & cultural historian Dan Konoske

“Los Angeles as Colossus: Opulent Grandeur prior to The Decline of Western Civilization” – Illustrated Presentation by Domenic Priore and Dan Konoske

Sure, local resident Ivy Rorschach of The Cramps got it right when she dubbed L.A. "Hell Town," but there was a time... well, several times, actually, when the place was being set up by idealists and Modernists as a Space Age version of Rome during the Empire, sans California boundaries that anyone could really see. Beginning with architects John and Donald Parkinson during the Art Deco years, then Welton Becket and Associates after World War II, there seemed to be a way that Los Angeles was SUPPOSED to look. Their work spearheaded thousands of other imaginative people to build previously-unknown realities that could be accommodated by great weather to create a new kind of city where there was far more than one center. Tiki begins in Hollywood with Don the Beachcomber; this is just one example of larger urban panorama visions dotting the entire landscape, from the mountains to the sea, to all of Southern California... before the '70s ruined everything.

Please join acclaimed writer and TV producer Domenic Priore (Riot on Sunset Strip, Pacific Ocean Park, Pop Surf Culture) and designer and cultural historican Dan Konoske for this fascinating illustrated presentation on Los Angeles architecture and culture!

Domenic Priore is a writer and television producer specializing in pop culture, sociology and music. He is the author of Riot on Sunset Strip: Rock 'n' Roll's Last Stand in Hollywood (foreword by Arthur Lee of Love), Pacific Ocean Park: The Rise and Fall of Los Angeles' Space Age Nautical Pleasure Pier (with Christopher Merritt, foreword by Brian Wilson), Shag: The Collected Works (introduction), Beatsville (with Martin Macintosh), Pop Surf Culture: Music, Design, Film and Fashion from the Bohemian Surf Boom (with Brian Chidester, forewords by Kathy Kohner aka Gidget and Billy Al Bengston) and Smile: The Story of Brian Wilson's Lost Masterpiece (forewords by Brian Wilson and Van Dyke Parks). As a result of that project, Domenic wrote the liner notes, sourced photographs and helped sequence the music for The Beach Boys: Smile Sessions box set (Capitol Records), which won the 2013 Grammy Award for Best Historical Album. He did the booklet inside Penelope Spheeris' documentary box set Decline of Western Civilization and was also the primary writer of the AMC documentaries Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The Early Years 1955-1970(narrated by Ringo Starr) and Hollywood Rocks the Movies: The 1970s (narrated by David Bowie). A Los Angeles native, Priore has returned to SoCal after living in New York City and San Francisco.

Documentary (and film) Domenic has been involved with research-wise (and sometimes on camera) include Helter Skelter: An American Myth (2020), Once Upon a Time in Hollywood (2019), Manson: Music from an Unsound Mind (2019), CSNY: Fifty By Four (2014), The Byrd Who Flew Alone: The Triumph and Tragedy of Gene Clark (2013), Sunset Strip (2012), Brian Wilson: Songwriter 1969-1982 (2012), Brian Wilson: Songwriter 1962-1969 (2010), Tales of the Rat Fink (2006), Beautiful Dreamer: Brian Wilson and the Story of Smile (2004), Mayor of the Sunset Strip (2003).

Dan Konoske's extensive background in design and construction instilled in him a keen understanding of how to balance functionality, aesthetics and brand identity for any project. Beyond the realm of retail spaces, Dan's passion for exploration extends to his love for tiki bars, seeking out the perfect blend of tropical-themed cocktails and ambience. This interest reflects his appreciation for immersive experiences and attention to detail. His penchant for hosting '60s-style events showcases his creativity and flair for bringing people together with live music, go-go dancers and liquid light shows. Dan and his partner Farrah Lynch transport their guests to another era, curating atmospheres that leave a lasting impression.