Have you heard of Charles Phoenix? He is known as the “Ambassador of Americana” and is a master storyteller and entertainer. Charles takes great pride in sharing his love of Americana, especially Southern California, and all things vintage and retro. A couple of years ago, I first learned about Charles Phoenix after a friend went on his Walking Tour of L.A. and posted about it on FaceBook. After hearing about this tour, I was hooked and now follow Charles Phoenix on FaceBook, Instagram, and Twitter.

In March 2015, my husband and I attended Dapper Days at Disneyland and I had the opportunity to meet Charles Phoenix. He mentioned he was doing another Walking Tour of L.A. later that month, and I decided that was what I wanted to do to celebrate my birthday. After the Walking Tour in March 2015, I have been wanting to attend one of Charles Phoenix’s slide shows, but it hasn’t worked out…until now!

Does Charles Phoenix ever take his Mickey ears off? Krista met Charles at Disneyland’s Dapper Day in March 2015. Later that month we went on Charles Phoenix’s L.A. Tour as part of Krista’s birthday celebration. Photo credits: Lloyd.

On Friday, April 21, 2017 at 8:30 p.m., Metro Art will present a free live slide show “Charles Phoenix: Southern Californialand” at Union Station in Los Angeles. The historic venue of Union Station is a perfect location for Charles Phoenix to share his collection of treasured vintage Kodachrome slides.

“Charles Phoenix: Southern Californialand” is described as a fun-filled whirlwind slide show adventure exploring SoCal’s undiscovered, underrated, and misunderstood mid-century architectural gems – past and present. With his trademark enthusiasm, eye for odd-ball detail, and keen expertise, Charles roasts and toasts suburban style, space-age drive-ins, coffee shops, bowling alleys, shopping centers, extreme homes, fast food restaurants, theme parks, and much more – all in glorious color! Per the Charles Phoenix official website, be prepared for your local pride to swell!

Photo Courtesy of Charles Phoenix

If you would like to attend, here are the important details:

• Friday, April 21, 2017 at 8:30 p.m.
• Los Angeles Union Station
• Admission is free – no tickets or reservations for this show. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Doors will open at 8:00 p.m.
• Festive dress is encouraged…but not expected.
• Go Metro to Union Station, if possible. Directions and parking information can be found here.
• More information about this event may be obtained at the Union Station website or on the Charles Phoenix site.

Union Station, Los Angeles, California | Photo Courtesy of Union Station

About Union Station

Built in 1939, Union Station is the largest railroad passenger terminal in the Western United States. Placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, the station’s signature Mission-Moderne style makes it one of Los Angeles’ architectural gems. Today the station has evolved into a vibrant transportation center serving 75,000 passengers daily. Union Station is currently in the first phase of a Master Plan that will enable it to better handle the growing number of transit riders, accommodate high-speed rail, and serve as one of L.A.’s premier public spaces while protecting the historic core of the station. Read more about Union Station here.

About Metro Art

Metro Art Presents showcases free arts and cultural programs at historic Union Station. Produced by Metro Art, the diverse, all-ages programming is designed to creatively activate the landmark station, engage the Los Angeles community, and attract new riders. Follow Metro Art on FaceBook here.

The Donut Hole in La Puente, California. | Photo Courtesy of Charles Phoenix

About Charles Phoenix

A native of Southern California, Charles Phoenix is a showman, tour guide, food crafter, and author known for his live comedy slide show performances, madcap Test Kitchen videos, “field trip” adventure tours, and colorful coffee table books – all celebrating classic and kitschy American life and style. On TV, Charles Phoenix has been a judge on Food Network’s “Cake Wars: Christmas” and has appeared on numerous shows, including “Storage Wars,” “Conan,” “Queen Latifah,” and “Martha Stewart.” He is often heard on National Public Radio and is known as the “King of Retro” and the “Kodachrome King” by L.A. area publications. Read more about Charles Phoenix here.

If you can attend this “Charles Phoenix: Southern Californialand” slide show, maybe I’ll see you there! We will be driving up from San Diego to attend and I am looking forward to it! If not, be sure to follow Charles Phoenix via social media and his website to receive announcements about upcoming events.

Do you remember when Kodachrome Color Slides were all the rage? Did your family take photos on Kodachrome Slides? Looking forward to hearing about some of your cherished family photographic memories in the comments.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I have received two reserved seats to the free show mentioned above with the understanding that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”