Aug 10 2012
Doo Dah Retrospective Exhibition Opens Wednesday, August 15

Doo Dah Retrospective Exhibition Opens Wednesday, August 15

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Press Contact: Jeannette Bovard

626.798.6272 | 626.577.1660

 

DOO DAH is HISTORY!

FIRST MAJOR RETROSPECTIVE EXHIBITION ON PASADENA’S “OTHER” PARADE

OPENS AUGUST 15 AT PASADENA MUSEUM OF HISTORY

 

 

In a decided departure from traditional topics, Pasadena Museum of History will turn its attention this summer to the relatively recent – and somewhat controversial — history of a Pasadena tradition that is both cherished and reviled, depending on your point of view.  What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been: 35 Years of the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade opens Wednesday, August 15, 2012 in the Ralph M. Parsons Foundation Gallery and will run through January 13, 2013.

The colorful, fun-filled exhibition will celebrate the wacky and irreverent world of Doo Dah, reveal its origins, and explore the social significance of this counter-culture public spectacle.  Displays will include a photo wall of parade and crowd shots; vignettes of entries – including the BBQ & Hibachi Grill Team, the Synchronized Precision Marching Briefcase Drill Team, plus costumes and memorabilia of various Queens and music groups. There may be more; but, to quote Ann Erdman, Grand Marshal of the 2012 parade, “…this is Doo Dah after all, and one never knows…”

Why Doo Dah?

“Doo Dah has become an integral part of Pasadena’s social fabric,” observes PMH Executive Director Jeannette O’Malley.  “It joins the Tournament of Roses, the CalTech/JPL scientific community , art and architectural landmarks, cultural diversity, and the mythic “little old lady” speeding down Colorado Boulevard as defining components of the City for people around the world.”

Tom Coston, President of the nonprofit Light Bringer Project which sponsors the Parade, notes that Doo Dah has “spawned copycat parades elsewhere, including in Columbus, Ohio, and Ocean City, New Jersey.”

Having achieved fame and familiarity, Doo Dah has been critically reviewed – Reader’s Digest named it “America’s Best Parade” – and been subjected to scholarly analysis. Dr. Denise Lawrence, Director of the Center for Visual Anthropology at USC, asserted that the parade demonstrated the “rite of reversal” which anthropologists have found to occur in many societies, primitive and modern. These rites provide individuals with an opportunity to step outside their normal everyday social roles and relationships to engage in alternate forms of behavior. “Ultimately,” she concluded, “the Doo Dah and similar events give a community — both audience and participants — an opportunity to unite for one day in a celebration of diversity.”

Doo Dah Through the Years

“It may be hard for some to imagine that what was created in a hazy barroom 35 years ago could have grown into a social phenomenon,” notes Coston.

Beginning in 1978, the “occasional” Doo Dah parade changed dates, seasons, and locations in its characteristically casual – and some might say – disorganized way. The parade has always been controversial. Its detractors dismiss it as derivative, decry its in-your-face sexual and political humor, and are embarrassed to have it take place in a city such as Pasadena. Its supporters, who include former President Bill Clinton, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, comedian Jay Leno, and actor Tom Hanks, say, yes…, that’s the point. No theme, no rules. Just glorious creativity and raucous eccentricity.

Named after an obscure 1960s British rock band, Doo Dah is a people’s parade. Anyone can apply to be an entrant, and homemade conveyances and walking entries are encouraged. Tips for entrants include: arrive early. There is no marching order; you choose your place on a first come, first serve basis. Another tip: no throwing of marshmallows — they clog bicycle spokes!

And then there is the issue of the Doo Dah Queens.  The Queens of Doo Dah have no handlers.  They find their own way to personal appearances, keep their own schedules, and dance to the beat of their own drummers. Most are well past high school age — in fact there are no age, no gender, and no geographic restrictions for Doo Dah royalty. Their talents are as diverse as belly dancing with swords to operatic vocalizing. The very thought of conservative pre-chosen outfits and a beauty salon makeover is anathema to these champions of individual creativity.  Bring on the costumes!  Bring on the glitz and glitter of Big Top makeup!  Doo Dah royalty has more in common with Barnum & Bailey than the Red Carpet.

Doo Dah Details

What a Long Strange Trip It’s Been: 35 Years of the Pasadena Doo Dah Parade is curated by Light Bringer Project, owner and producer of the Parade, along with Doo Dah Officionados, Steve Vargas and Sue Behrens.

The exhibition will be on view from 12:00 to 5:00 pm Wednesdays through Sundays from August 15, 2012 through January 13, 2013 at Pasadena Museum of History, 470 W. Walnut St., Pasadena 91103.

Admission: $7 General; $6 Students & Seniors; Members & Children under 12 Free. Free admission every “Community Wednesday” to anyone who lives, works or is a student in any of the following local communities: Alhambra, Altadena, Arcadia, Bradbury, Duarte, Eagle Rock, El Sereno, Glendale, Highland Park, La Canada Flintridge, La Crescenta, Monrovia, Monterey Park, Pasadena, Rosemead, San Gabriel, San Marino, Sierra Madre, South Pasadena and Temple City. Please mention this offer and show some form of i.d. in the Museum Store.

Information: www.pasadenahistory.org; 626.577.1660, ext. 10.

 

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Jeannette Bovard
Media Consultant | Pasadena Museum of History
470 W. Walnut St., | Pasadena, CA 91103
626.798.6272 | 626.577.1660, ext. 10 | Fax: 626.577.1662
www.pasadenahistory.org

 

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