Three cheers for the red, white, and blue! My original cast of characters — Cass K. Bell, Gil A. Monster, Cory Caminos, Bun E. Rabbit, and Don Quayle — strikes up the band to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Band and dancers
One in a series of original illustrations inspired by Mid-Century Modern music and entertainment, this particular scene was loosely inspired by a clip from the 1961 B-movie “Twist All Night” starring Louis Prima. A twisting Prima sings his song “Continental Twist,” which is one of several twist-related songs he recorded on the album “Doin’ the Twist.” While these songs come across as more gimmicky (and underutilize his songwriting and performing talents better showcased in his swing and jazz tunes), he was enthusiastic about the dance craze that swept the world in the early 1960s.
Here’s the scene from the movie:
Desert Gang in Acapulco
Even though it’s still not officially summer, here in the desert it’s HOT! What better way to escape the heat than with a trip to the beach? This month my newest Desert Gang original illustration has Cass K. Bell, Gil A. Monster, and Otis Kennicott traveling south of the border. Come along for some sun, surf, and sand in Acapulco, the ultra-cool vacation destination of Hollywood stars and jet-setters in the 1950s and ’60s. Find a shady spot, pour yourself a cocktail, and let the tropical ocean breeze whoosh your cares away.
Happy Mother’s Day from the Desert Gang
Celebrating Earth Day with The Desert Gang
What are you doing for Earth Day? What can you do every day to be a little kinder to the planet? Here’s a little inspiration from the Desert Gang.
Tropical and Space Age at the Same Time
The above original illustrations are from my Mid-Century Modern Entertainment series. These particular designs were inspired by a scene from the 1964 movie “Campeón del Barrio” (Neighborhood Champion) starring Sonia Lopez. This popular Mexican singer of the 1960s was famous for her tropical-themed songs. Below is a clip of the floor show scene from the movie in which Ms. Lopez sings “Castigo” accompanied by fancifully costumed dancers that look both tropical and space age at the same time!
Happy St. Patrick’s Day from The Desert Gang
Even the desert has a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow, as the Desert Gang kicks up their heels to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.