Folks Of Interest Punk Rod Todd - RIP -Greaserama Fans-show your support this year....

[39-2dr]

SOME THOUGHTS ON PUNKROD TODDfficeffice" />>>
On October 7 & 8, 2000 I attended an event in Wichita, Kansas called “High Octane Decadence IV” at the Go Away Garage presented by Dennis McPhail. It was primarily an art show with live music on Saturday night and a car show on Sunday. The art show was true Kustom Kulture. I spent time watching a swarm of Japanese pin-stripers work on a car in the gallery area. I witnessed a burnout contest on Sunday that was won by a motorcycle. The car show was attended by folks from Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Missouri and of course Kansas. The artists in attendance constructed all the trophies and picked the winners. It was an eye-opening event. All the artists did well at the show. The Kustom Kulture concept worked. I had known Dennis for about 20 years at this point; I owned quite a bit of his poster art as well as his t-shirts. I spoke to him after the show and encouraged him to do another the next year; but there were several problems. The Go Away Garage was too small to handle the music crowd on Saturday night and there wasn’t another place to move it to. The bigger problem was that Dennis was getting very busy with his art. >>
I ran into Todd at this show. We walked together and talked about the possibility of a similar type of show in the Kansas City area. We both left the show truly inspired. I knew I wanted to find events that were not the typical cookie cutter shows. Todd saw the type of show that he wanted to do in K.C. I was contacted by Straykat Mickey last night; saying he was there as well. He said that we briefly met there. I’m sure this show inspired him as well. In 2003 I drove to Austin for the Lonestar Roundup. I saw Mickey there and went to Dewey the next month for the SK 500. I was hooked on both shows. Dennis McPhail does an art show in Austin during that show and designs some of the Roundup posters. When Mickey was considering doing the Starliner show in Wichita, I encouraged him to contact Dennis. Dennis has come to the last two Starliner shows>>
In 2001, Todd contacted me with some Greaserama info. The show was going to be at the El Torreon on Labor Day weekend. I was familiar with the site. 30 years before I was involved with a music venue housed there called Cowtown Ballroom. I contacted some old hotrod friends from D’Dudes, Missouri Roadrats and some KCTA folks about the show. We met there about 9 am on Saturday. There was no sign of a show. I convinced my friends to stick around. About 11am or so the Los Punkrods arrived; some from inside the building. There was quickly a connection of generations; my buddies commented that the Punkrods reminded them of themselves 20 years ago. At the end of the first day my friends left for a cruise night; vowing to bring back some more cars the next day. Indeed there were more cars on Sunday. Sonny Rogers won the top prize for his bitchin’ 32 Ford highboy sedan. He won the jaw dropper award; a caddy hubcap with a skull that had a jaw on a hinge with crossed wrenches. Sonny had worked for car show promoter Ray Farhner in the early days. Sonny told me that he had a garage full of trophies; but this one meant more to him than all of the others combined. My buddies have been to every Greaserama since; a no-miss show rain or shine. >>
I’ve seen this show grow every year. Even when Goodguys scheduled a show the same weekend; it meant nothing. In fact it helped the show. Folks still come from the Speedway to get pinstriped; no stripers at the Speedway. I’ve seen the Punkrods grow in numbers and attract a large number of volunteers to help with the show. Earlier this year the club spent time at Todd’s house helping to maintain it. They have always had my respect. Todd created something special – I will miss him but not forget him. RIP>>

[PUNK RODDER]

Some great thoughts and stories of Todd and I thank you all. Those of you that knew Todd personally will know that there is no one that compares to his magical personality and superior wealth of knowledge.
We invite all that can attend to be part of our procession which will be on July 1st starting at the Boulevard Drive In at 11 am heading to Oak Hill cemetery in Lawrence, KS for Todd's final resting place.
The man did create a show that is like no other in the country. GREASERAMA-The Midwest's only Punk Rock Car Show, which this Labor Day will celebrate its 12th year.
I hope that we will see some of you next weekend on Sunday and even more of you over Labor Day Weekend.

ERIC
los PUNK RODS

[mongo51]

Wish i could come on the 1st but work calls that day. Ill be at the show in sept. hope to see some punk rods at salina to get entered. Not going to be the same not seeing todd welcoming everyone at the gate. Im brining a first timer to the show and he is super exited about coming.

[Trix Saum]

Punk Rod Todd's memorial cruise is this Sunday. People wanting to ride in the procession need to be at the Boulevard Drive-in no later than 10:50 as we will be leaving at 11:00 sharp. Drive in address is 1051 Merriam Ln. Kansas City, KS. Do not actually enter the drive in theatre area. Do not go past the TICKET BOOTH. You will find yourself in the middle of a swap meet. And you will be upset because you paid $5 to enter said swap meet. A line will form down the Main entrance past the theatre marquis on the far east side of drive with cars facing the entrance which is now your exit. When we leave we will have someone who will signal the cars to follow into the procession as we will be turning away from the drive in rather than driving by. I will have someone at the top of the hill, the entrance/exit point, to help coordinate this. I am asking that all customs, hot rods and custom bikes show up early enough to form head of line. After 10:30 you will just have to fall in line as you arrive. Square cars are all welcome in procession. Everyone is welcome in the procession. Los Punk Rods will form line at the Karnahan residence.

Route:
We will have an escort so just follow the car in front of you. For people who want to fall in at any place on this route you are welcome to. So......if you know someone who can't be there at the time we leave or if Lawrence people want to drop in as we arrive in Lawrence that is great.
We will leave the Karnahan residence and drive a block up to Merriam Ln. Will drive down Merriam Ln. to the I-35 on ramp. From there we will go I-35 South to I-435 West, K-10 on into Lawrence. We will head North on Mass. St. in Lawrence to 15th St. Take a right (East) on 15th and drive to Elmwood and go Left (North) to the Oak Hill cemetery entrance. We will have procession escorts to help with a nice flow for our ride. The escorts will control the speed and keep it around 55 to 60mph as some of the rides won't make it at 70 mph the whole way. What's the hurry anyway.
Graveside Service:
Should start around noon. Will be about a half hour to 40 minutes long. This is a graveside service so seating is limited to Todd's family and the elderly. The rest of us will have to stand. Or sit on the ground.

Memorial Potluck:
This will take place right after the graveside service at Burcham Park, 200 Indiana St. Lawrence, KS 66044. It is vegetarian only. No meat dishes. Besides that bring whatever you like to share. We have the shelter until the park closes.

Flowers:
Rather than flowers please make a donation to the Karnahan fund with check made payable to Leslie Karnahan and mail to P.O. Box 2614, Shawnee Mission, KS 66201 or via paypal. The paypal donation can be made at www.lospunkrods.com.

Kids are welcome.

Thank you all for your support over the last couple of weeks. Let's make this the biggest procession you have ever seen. Let's represent Todd!

[coolstuff]

BUMP to the TOP

[newguy]

This is very sad to hear Todd was a great guy. Always had a kind word and very upbeat.
I hope his family will find comfort soon. And knows how much Todd was loved.

[sololobo]

We hope the memorial cruz went well. We regret not being represented at the event. Rob Lee had it in site but blew the Hot Rod Lincoln, el-ka-blammo- on the way back from
Des Moines on Sat. We had a conflict with a fund raiser for our drummer pal "Ringo"/Mike Maquire. It was a successful event raisng some strong bucks to help the family replace a ton of personal goods lost in the fire at his home recently. We were certainly there in spirit with the Punk Rod familia as we all held Todd in high esteem and feel fortunate to have been touched by him in our lifes. We had a very special treat at Ringo's event with the great Joe Cabral of the Iquanas/Kontinentals car club, coming in with the sax blazing. Cool!~sololobo~

[xderelict]

What Larry said. Plus I owe you guys one,I ment to send something down with Rob Lee but that kind of blew up today. I'll get it taken care of ....Hope everything went well. We'll be seeing you guys at Greasarama if not sooner. Have strength, prayers. Later..... Dick

[sodbuster]

Godspeed.......





Sorry for the video, but setting an iPhone on a car doesn't shoot the best on it's own & chasing those 'Punk Rods' trying to catch them.

It was nice to see that K-10 was "shut down" with the average man giving respect to the cars driving Todd to his resting place.

Chris

[sodbuster]

Peace in the Valley.

Godspeed to a car friend of mine........

[Lone Star Mopar]

Rest in Peace..

[sololobo]

Thanx sodbuster, your videos allowed a good crying alone with just the thoughts of my friend Todd. I can see much clearly now. ~sololobo~

[383deuce]

I am with sololobo...Thank's sodbuster! If that don't bring a tear to you eye you never knew Todd. Sure would have liked to have been there.

[sodbuster]

I have shots of ALL the cars from the memorial & PR Todd stopped traffic twice. The first was leaving the Blvd & then K-10 on his way to his resting place. It made my eyes smile & he had a TON of buddies that supported him....godspeed to a genuine 'punk rock' hotrod/kustom guy.


Sent from my iPhone using TJJ.

[timebombkustoms]

RIP TODD,YOU WILL BE MISSED!...one memory I have of greaserama is a few years ago I thought it would be a good idea to attend a biker rally thats the same weekend,I thought it would work out better because it was closer and more days(gas was well over 4.00 a gallon at that time) by day two of five I knew it was a bad idea.It was literally the day before greaserama and I called both Todd and John Wells and told them what was up and I remember Todd saying on the phone "yeah we need to get you out of there kid,pack your booth up and come to Kansas,we will make room for you just pay when you get here".We had the booth packed up in 20 min,drove straight from Ohio,stopped in indiana at my house to pick up tents and drove straight to greaserama.We were welcome with open arms and Todd came by to make sure I made it okay.He was a true class act and I am thankful to have known him.

[PUNK RODDER]

It was a wonderful day. It was so great to see the support, respect and showing of Rods for Todd's procession. He will greatly be missed, but will be remembered by all. We, the PUNK RODS are looking forward to seeing all of you at this year's GREASERAMA. Leslie, Todd's wife, told me that she may not be able to handle going to GREASERAMA this year, which is totally understandable. As many of you know, we give back much of our proceeds to the patrons of the community that really need it through charity donations to Non profit organizations.
Well in this situation, Leslie is the one that needs the support. We will be having art auctions during the Pre Party at the Record Bar and also during the show. This is our way of extending a helpful hand to Leslie and her loss of a wonderful man, PUNK ROD TODD. I hope that if you have ever been touched by Todd or just experienced his creation GREASERAMA, you will find it in your hearts to help us help Leslie this year. She was known by many and many had no idea who she was because she was the foundation that helped Todd make his vision come true and never ever shined in the spotlight.

Once again from all of our C.C. we thank you and now it is on to carry through Todd's vision with the biggest and best yet.....GREASERAMA #12!!!

[Trix Saum]

Call for artwork! We're putting together a benefit art auction to help Leslie, and planning to hold it during the Greaserama Pre-Registration party on Friday, August 31st at the Record Bar. Artwork should have a low-brow aesthetic: monsters, custom culture, hot rods, pin-striping, tattoos, pin-ups, etc. If you have a piece (or two!) you'd like to donate, contact Amy Reyes @ spookycat50@hotmail.com. I think this will be a great opportunity to help out a good friend.Thank you! Trix

[raven]

Oh dear, I just found this thread.
Too late.
Todd was a stand-up guy, one you could truly count on as a true friend, even in troubled times. They don't make them like him anymore.
I wish I could have been there for the memorial.
r

[Abomination]

Oh, man - ditto, raven.

Todd was a great guy. I can't even believe I just read this

~Jason