Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/776310
26 nFebruary 2017n www.thunderpress.net THUNDER PRESS by Felicia Morgan VENTURA, CALIF., DEC. 11— What started out as a seaside swap meet and biker beach bash down at the Ventura shores a few decades ago has morphed into an annual festival of love and remembrance of a true biker brother who's gone on to ride those well-paved highways that lie beyond the pearly gates of the great beyond. For 13 years now, friends and fans have rolled out to show love and respect to the late biker artist, David Mann. David, whose depictions of the biker scene that he lived, painted and made famous through his monthly contributions as the prolifi c Easyriders lifestyle painter, was from Kansas City, Missouri, but relocated in order to be closer to the California publication. Gracing the rag's centerfold since 1973, Mann's lowbrow work captured the imagination of riders around the world as he shared the life he loved through his art. He was embraced as the talented, creative artist with the never-seen-before style who laid out the mystique of his chopped-out way of life in a medium we scooter trash could readily relate to and bikers around the globe tacked up his mag- nifi cent centerfolds on garage studs as they wrenched on their own rides. As is common for artists, Mann's popularity has continued to grow and his paintings are even more sought out since his passing, just one day after his 64th birthday in 2004. His unique works are now known to hang prestigiously framed in private collec- tions as well as in museums such as the Sturgis Motorcycle Museum and Hall of Fame in downtown Sturgis, South Dakota, and the Hall of Fame in Anamosa, Iowa, where Mann was inducted in 2004. For those who knew and loved him, this recognition doesn't surprise them a bit. Their only question to the rest of the world is, "What took you so long?" Every December since the Mann's passing, crowds have gathered to honor and respect the gifted artist's work while continuing the spirit of David's giving, generous nature by partying down by the seashore. The Ventura Fairgrounds is also where he and his beloved wife, Jacquie, tied the knot during the annual swap meet held by their dear friend Dave "Huggy Bear" Hansen in 1997. The union and David's passing are both celebrated these days as Huggy and his son Tory put on a killer art show, the usual swap meet, and a nonstop fl ow of stage activity that's kept on schedule by the always-effervescent Jennifer Santolucito. Families wan- dered the aisles shopping, scoping out the bikes and soaking up the Sunday sun and fun. The big hit of the beach party is the badass, and unique, bike show that sprawls across the lawn of Ventura's Seaside Fairgrounds and the 2016 iter- ation provided a great turnout spread across the lawn in the beautiful after- noon sun. Mother Nature managed to show David and his Mann fans due respect by kicking out some of that famous warm California coastal weather as palm trees gently swayed in greeting. Long and lean seemed to be the theme and kicked-out front ends, high sweeps and bars were everywhere. Builders showcased their talents by spiffi ng up their sleds for appreciative attendees to ogle, many chopped in the style of Mann himself. Extreme examples of the choppers like Mann's personal rigid Pan/Shovel that took on several changes over the course of his 25 years of riding it dominated the show and it's a good bet that Mann himself would have dug the whole motorcycle scene. With 19 classes competing for the very coveted custom-made trophies and awards, competition was pretty serious and judges had a hard time making their picks. Another aspect Mann would have appreciated is the fact that more than 50 artists come from all over the country to display their works and press fl esh with the Mann fans who appreciate the artist's efforts. David's paintings hang throughout the build- ing where a wide variety of mediums are represented, including ink slingers like Latisha Wood who stood ready to tatt up any customer who took a seat. Several artists cite David as their early inspiration and displayed tribute pieces to the Mann, like Raymond Martinez who did a great pencil sketch that caught our eye. We immediately 13TH ANNUAL DAVID MANN CHOPPERFEST If you build it they will come Lowbrow and lovin' the lifestyle Long and tall was the theme for the day. We're pretty sure David Mann would have appreci- ated the displays. Guitarists from the band One More From the Road exhibited killer skills and great teamwork as the two played each other's guitars as fans danced to the tunes Though Bruce and Harry chuckled their way through the process, the buddies took their job of judging the bobber class seriously. The team awarded 1st place to Ben Pecqueuer's 1958 Panhead.