TwentyWonder | Past Talent

Past Lineups

Relive your favorite TwentyWonder events by looking back at our past performers and attractions. You can also check out the gallery of Friends of TwentyWonder who have lent us their support over the years. If you want to keep up to date on all the latest TwentyWonder news, we’ve got a Facebook page and a Twitter feed—because we’re modern like that.

DSALA

Down Syndrome Charity

“Los Angeles”

The Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA) is an affiliate of the National Down Syndrome Society and the National Down Syndrome Congress. It is a non-profit organization that has been providing services to individuals with Down syndrome and their families since 1976. All proceeds from TwentyWonder benefit DSALA to help fuel its many enrichment programs throughout LA, including: outreach to LA hospitals, activities like yoga, basketball camp, hip-hop classes, reading classes, and monthly seminars on subjects ranging from in-home supportive services to conservatorship and parent-to-parent peer training.

Trisomy 21

Los Angeles Derby Dolls

Roller Derby

“Historic Filipinotown”

Since the Derby Dolls’ start on a Little Tokyo rooftop in 2003, they have grown to become a treasured part of Los Angeles culture. Their style of banked-track roller derby is a high-speed, full-contact sport fueled by a belief in the strength of women, volunteerism, and a DIY attitude. The Derby Dolls invest heavily in their community, partnering with numerous groups including Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Aids Project Los Angeles, and After-School All-Stars. In 2011, TwentyWonder was invited to the Doll Factory by league co-founder Demolicious, and since then the Derby Dolls have made themselves an invaluable part of TwentyWonder.

Carnival

Lucha VaVOOM

Mexican Masked Wrestling

“The Mayan Theater”

“I’d like to take it to England,” says Lucha fan Eric Idle, of Monty Python. “There’s no show that’s funnier, sillier, or more entertaining than this one.”

Lucha was a crowd favorite at TwentyWonder from 2012–2014. This high octane dose of Mexican masked wrestling comes with a blast of burlesque and a splash of comedy. Their show tours the country, performing in Chicago, Jersey, Long Beach, and Vegas, but their home venue is downtown at the Mayan.

Carnival

66 Batmobile

Vintage Replica

“Tom Woodruff”

Nanananananana Nanananananana...BATMAN! Tom Woodruff is at the top of the Hollywood special effects world. He trained under legend Stan Winston before co-founding the oscar-winning effects studio ADI. This Friend of TwentyWonder worked on movies like Terminator, Aliens, Starship Troopers, Death Becomes Her, Cast Away, and Ender’s Game. For 2014 he brought one of his most popular creations to TwentyWonder, a fully functioning replica of the 1966 Batmobile. Among batmobile aficionados (it’s a thing!), Woodruff’s is considered one the best ever made. Adam West himself has driven it and told Tom it is his favorite. It’s a gorgeous product of a master craftsman. And we can attest that the afterburner is fully functional!

Makers

2 Headed Dog

Comedy Troupe

“Clowntown City Limits”

In case you get TwentyWonder’s various performers mixed up, let’s review real quick: There’s the trio from Cirque-a-Palooza—so obviously Two Bit Circus is not at all related to the two members of four-member comedy troupe 2 Headed Dog, Mark Fite and Jim Turner, who brought their infamous Sashay Gigante act to TwentyWonder 2011 and appeared again at TwentyWonder 2013 and 2014. Glad we cleared that all up.

Comedy

Dennis Aiken

Puppeteer

“Bay Area Maker Faire”

Ever wonder what Pinocchio would look like if he had a growth spurt—and was a cyborg? Well thanks to Dennis, you don’t have ponder that anymore—and let’s assume you’ve pondered it—because Dennis went ahead and built a like-size puppet/robot suit out of life-size wood. The son of two puppeteers, Aiken credits his creation to, “Some basic tools and a little imagination." The Maker Faire woodworker brought his no strings attached Marionette to TwentyWonder 2014 for all to encounter! (Good thing Dr. Richard Kaae didn't bring termites!)

Carnival

Dave Alvin

Guitarist/Songwriter

“The Blasters, X”

Rolling Stone dubbed him, “an underrecognized guitar hero.” This grammy-award winner was a founding member and principal songwriter for The Blasters. Dave also played in X alongside famous punk vocalist Exene Cervenka. He has also released thirteen solo albums and been featured on numerous soundtracks—he’s best known for the Blasters hit “So Long Baby Goodbye”. We’re proud to count Dave Alvin as a Friend of TwentyWonder. On top of his already generous support, he performed at TwentyWonder 2012 alongside comedian Andy Kindler.

Friends

Ed Asner

Actor

“Up, Mary Tyler Moore Show”

We’re gonna need a bigger bio. Beloved for playing Mr. Grant in The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Ed Asner has over 300 onscreen and voice credits. This habitual Emmy winner has also championed the cause of labor in Hollywood, serving two terms as president of the Screen Actors Guild. It’s no wonder that The Tonight Show with Jay Leno featured a recurring segment called “Does This Impress Ed Asner?”. At TwentyWonder 2011, he read selections from Doctor Seuss to intimate klatches of a dozen or so. Ed, in his inimitable style, demanded the audience repeat everything back to him, at one point exhorting them to, “Get pissed off!”

Comedy

Astrophysicists from Caltech

Deep Space Paparazzi

“Infrared Telescopes”

Jeff Rich and Tim Goodsall have expertise in astrophysics, astronomy, and telescopes. For TwentyWonder 2014 they showed up with their infrared (IR) camera to demonstrate the kinds of light that our eyes cannot perceive but that astronomers and other scientists rely on to learn about the Universe. Several space telescopes use IR light to investigate hidden properties of asteroids, newly born stars in the Milky Way, and distant merging galaxies. Visitors stopped by their exhibit in droves to glimpse the wonders of our cosmos.

Science

The Atamian Collection

Naturalist Display

“TwentyWonder Exclusive”

One of the best parts of the TwentyWonder experience is that in the midst of masked wrestling, raunchy comedy, and Derby Dolls, you can suddenly find yourself in front of a sublime exhibit of scientific curiosity. TwentyWonder 2010 featured a display of Lepidoptera—butterflies and moths—from naturalist Eddy Atamian. It was a captivating experience of color, beauty, and evolutionary wonder.

Science

Peter Abrahamson

Robot Builder

“Hellboy 2”

Peter crafts spooky, fantastical, or sometimes just plain weird special effects for movies like Hellboy, Stargate, and Men in Black. He has worked for a string of prestigious special effects houses including Jim Henson’s Creature Shop and Amalgamated Dynamics, Inc—co-founded by TwentyWonder 2011’s Batmobile maker Tom Woodruff. Peter helped Mark Thorpe pioneer the world of modern robotic competition at Superball 3—TwentyWonder’s spiritual predecessor—before going global with the BBC show Robot Wars. For TwentyWonder 2010, he got together with wünderkind Eric Gradman for some innovative work in the Sockie Okie area.

Makers

Axis of Awesome

Rock Parody

“Cry Yourself a River”

Australia’s most awesome comedy band! They’ve blown away audiences across their home country and around the world with a mixture of original comedy songs and pop parodies. In addition to their epic show in the Doll Factory, they’ve played some minor venues like the Sydney Opera House. This trio includes lead vocalist Jordan Raskopoulos, keyboard player / backup vocalist Benny Davis, and guitarist / “way way backup vocalist” Lee Naimo. If you haven’t heard their Four Chord Song before, rush over to YouTube for a couple minutes of joy.

Music

Trace Beaulieu

Actor

“Mystery Science Theater 3000”

Trace is best known for his role as Mystery Science Theater 3000’s mad scientist Dr. Clayton Forrester, who imprisoned his fellow Friends of TwentyWonder Joel Hodgson, Josh Weinstein, and Frank Conniff in the orbiting Satellite of Love. Trace was also the voice of MST3K’s Crow T. Robot and made regular appearances as the high school biology teacher in the acclaimed Judd Apatow series Freaks and Geeks. Trace later reunited with MST3K team members to form the bad movie riffing project Cinematic Titanic, which was a part of TwentyWonder 2010.

Comedy

Jerry Beck

Animation Historian

“Loonie Tunes and Merrie Melodies”

Jerry Beck began his career as a research assistant to Leonard Maltin and has gone on to become a world famous animation historian and teacher. He has penned ten books, published numerous articles, and runs the website Cartoon Research, which is devoted to animation’s past, present, and future. Jerry’s work celebrates classic cartoons from all over the world. He brought his encyclopedic knowledge and infectious passion—along with some truly wild cartoons—to TwentyWonder 2011, and everyone who heard him walked away with a new appreciation and enthusiasm for an art form we all grew up on.

Art

Krystal Bell

Circus Performer

“Cirque Berzerk”

Krystal is a circus and performance artist who has worked with the dark and extraordinary Los Angeles troupe Cirque Berzerk. Krystal also created the Wandering Marionettes, an LA-based dance, circus, and performance art troupe blending circus-freak and Goth-punk aesthetics with hip-hop moves and attitude. During TwentyWonder 2011 she was one of our roving performers. When Krystal is not doing circus, she works as a professional illustrator.

Carnival

Arthur Benjamin

Mathemagician

“Harvey Mudd College”

At TwentyWonder 2012, mathematician Arthur Benjamin wowed audiences with mind-boggling presentations of lightning-fast calculations that have been dubbed “Mathemagics”. During his career, Arthur has served as chair of the mathematics department at Harvey Mudd College and has been published extensively in the field of combinatorics—we assume it has to do with farm equipment. In addition to his amazing calculation abilities and professional achievements, he has advocated that students should be given a mathematics education that goes beyond calculation to the inspiration that can be found in the study of mathematics.

Science

Tim Biskup

Artist

“Ego Killers”

Playful, vibrant, and captivating. The artwork of Tim Biskup captures the spirit of TwentyWonder. Tim has involved himself with our Carnival of the Mind in numerous ways. In 2012 he partnered with Tierra Del Sol to help their artists with Down Syndrome create pieces for display at TwentyWonder. His project Ego Killers was at TwentyWonders 2012 and 2013. He even designed the logo at the top of this page. We’ve been blessed to have this extraordinary artist’s support through the years and look forward to working with him again in the future.

At TwentyWonder 2014, fans were invited to find their way to win one of five prints donated by Tim (valued at $200–$400 per print).

Art

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Alternative Rock

“Specter at the Feast”

World wide warlords of rock and blues who just happen to be supporters of the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles! This band was founded in the late 90s after guitarist Peter Hayes left The Brian Jonestown Massacre to join up with bassist Robert Levon Been. The band began in San Francisco and later moved to Los Angeles. Since then they’ve traveled the world, including a stop at the Doll Factory for an insane set at TwentyWonder 2011. Note: fans of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are strongly advised to spread your love like a fever.

Music

Dolores Bozovic, PhD

Biophysicist

“UCLA”

Dolores Bozovic is an associate professor of physics and astronomy at UCLA and a member of the California NanoSystems Institute. At TwentyWonder 2011 she presented her research into the the interface between physics and auditory neuroscience. The ultimate goal of her field is the understanding the basic processes of hearing. Her laboratory studies the motility of nanometer-scale auditory hair cells, the mechanism that turns sounds coming into your ear into electrical signals going out to your brain—you may know those cells better as the ones that make your head ring after listening to Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.

Science

Born to Act Players

Drama Troupe

“Horseshoe Theatre Valley College”

This company began as just two friends with Down syndrome who loved acting. Luckily, one friend’s mother worked as an acting coach and the other mother worked as a talent manager. Soon, a handful of young people with Down syndrome began meeting weekly to memorize lines and play theater games. Led by the fearless Mary Rings, the Born to Act Players have evolved into a troupe that works hard to break down societal barriers in the world of entertainment. At TwentyWonder 2013 they sang a beautiful rendition of “Hallelujah” to honor Sam Simon, a long-time supporter of TwentyWonder.

Trisomy 21

Jamie Brewer

Actor

“American Horror Story”

Jamie has onscreen credits that include a regular role opposite Oscar-winner Jessica Lange on the TV show American Horror Story. Before coming to Los Angeles, Jamie was appointed to the State of Texas ARC board and elected as its treasurer. She personally lobbied Texas state legislators during a successful effort to end the use the “r-word” in Texas legislation. She is active in many advocacy groups including TwentyWonder’s beneficiary, the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA).

We were proud to have this veteran TwentyWonderer lead the 2014 crowd in the Pledge of Allegiance before the Los Angeles Derby Dolls’ bout.

Trisomy 21

Laura Brody

Costume Creator

“Black Eyed Peas”

Laura Brody is a costume creator by trade and a functional artist by design and desire. Her Edwardian, cyborg wheelchair “Driven” was included in Dr. Grymm’s 1000 Steampunk Creations. Her one-off creations have been featured on the Super Bowl halftime show, on tour with the Black Eyed Peas, and “on Rihanna’s bottom.” Laura Brody is the type of DIY artist we love having in the TwentyWonder community. In 2011 she invited TwentyWonderers to take part in a live performance draping in which she stapled people into on-the-spot, custom garments made from re-purposed fabrics and trinkets.

Makers

Blaine Capatch and Else Duff

Derby Announcers

“LA Derby Dolls”

This knowledgeable and comedic yin-and-yang team announces for the Lucha VaVOOM! You can catch Blaine weekly as host of the comedy show “What’s Up Tiger Lily?” at the Hollywood Studio Bar & Grill on Sunset. Else “Evil E” Duff began as a skater for the Tru$t Fund Terror$ squad before she moved up to the announcer’s booth and took over hosting duties for the post-bout show After the Whistle.

Comedy

Brown Paper LA

Catering

“VIP Lounge Only”

This year we are pleased to include Brown Paper LA alongside Kogi BBQ in our VIP Lounge. Brown Paper LA is owned and operated by Chris Register. He has been in the southern California food industry for almost a decade. A culinary tinkerer, Chris is constantly scouring local markets and obscure specialty shops for unique flavors and spices to add to his newest creations. If you had a VIP pass in 2014, you to swing by for some fantastic eats!

Carnival

Exene Cervenka

Singer-Songwriter

“X, The Knitters”

Exene is most famous as the co-lead vocalist of Los Angeles punk band X and the rockabilly band The Knitters, alongside fellow Friend of TwentyWonder Dave Alvin. Her artistic accomplishments include authoring several books and work as a mixed media artist. For TwentyWonder 2012, she provided artwork and was part of an incredible trio of main stage acts that also included Axis of Awesome and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club. Her rousing version of Woodie Guthrie’s “This Land is Your Land” was one of the highlights of that night.

Music

Joey Cheezhee

Rollerblading Lounge Singer

“Up With Joey”

The Los Angeles Derby Dolls weren't the only ones on skates at TwentyWonder 2014. Joey Cheezhee—no relation to the fast-food mayor sued by H.R. Pufnstuf—has made a career of crooning while careening through audiences on golden rollerblades. He made a name for himself in the mid-90s LA scene at Kelbo’s Coco-Bowl before leaving for Melbourne. But this comedic performance artist came back for TwentyWonder with a space age punk-soul-lounge revue.

Music

ChromosDome

Art Installation

“Burning Man”

In 2012, TwentyWonder committee member Jason Decker happened to be building a thirty-two foot diameter geodesic dome in preparation for Burning Man. Just our luck, because we happened to need a Buckminster Fuller structure to display cool facts about trisomy twenty-one (Down syndrome). The ChromosDome allowed people to encounter trisomy twenty-one as just another aspect of humanity, integral to our community as the many incredible and valuable aspects of humanity present at each TwentyWonder.

Trisomy 21

Cinematic Titanic

Movie Riffers

“The Oozing Skull”

Cinematic Titanic is a live riff show in which some of our hometown industry’s most infamous products get the skewering they deserve. If this idea sounds familiar to fans of Mystery Science Theater 3000, that’s probably because Cinematic Titanic is performed by the creators of MST3K! In 2010, Satellite of Love veterans Joel Hodgson, Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Josh Weinstein and Mary Jo Pehl dropped in on TwentyWonder to do what they do better than anyone. Sadly, Cinematic Titanic has recently reached the end of its journey, as Titanics so often do, but the MST3K gang has promised to go on riffing far in to…THE FUTURE!

Comedy

Cirque-a-Palooza

Circus Troupe

“Pasadena Playhouse”

Created and directed by Cirque du Soleil veteran Stefan Haves, Cirque-a-Palooza came to TwentyWonder 2013 straight from a stint at the Pasadena Playhouse summer festival. They brought a cavalcade of comical street performers to light up the Doll Factory throughout the evening. Creative physical performance, circus skills, and variety acts were offered up by the artists of Cirque-a-Palooza. Among those artists was the very popular Jennifer Jonassen, aka Bubble Lady.

Carnival

Acts from Cirque Berzerk

Circus Troupe

“Burning Man”

TwentyWonder 2012 goers enjoyed rubbing shoulders and stilts with some of Cirque Berzerk’s strange and captivating characters. Co-founded by Suzanne Bernel at Burning Man in 2005, Cirque Berzerk evokes a mystical, dark adventure of theater, art, music, dance, and acrobatics. Berzerk combines acrobatics with what LA Weekly describes as a “post-rave, post-goth sensibility” to create a dark, sexy environment. Embrace your inner creepy clown!

Several acts from Cirque Berzerk joined us again in 2014’s Way 2 Much Cirque Pavilion, including Brady Spindel on stilts, the extraordinary aerialists Womack and Bowman, and umbrella aerialist Tavi.

Carnival

Alex Cohen

Radio Host

“All Things Considered, KPCC”

Alex, a.k.a. Axles of Evil, and fellow skater Jenny “Kasey Bomber” Barbee co-authored Down and Derby: The Insider’s Guide to Roller Derby. Alex skated with 2008 season champs the Tough Cookies. She was also the choreographer and trainer for Whip It! star Ellen Page, who called Alex one of, “The most sincere, awesome, kick-ass women I’ve ever met.” Beyond Derby life, Alex has worked for the Writer’s Guild of America and as a journalist for NPR, hosting KPCC’s All Things Considered.

Friends

Frank Conniff

Actor

“Mystery Science Theater 3000”

Frank is a writer/director best known for his work on the cult hit Mystery Science Theatre 3000—alongside Friends of TwentyWonder Joel Hodgson, Josh Weinstein, and Trace Beaulieu. After MST3K he worked as a story editor on ABC’s hit Sabrina, the Teenage Witch and served as showrunner for Nickelodean’s critically acclaimed show Invader Zim. Frank later reunited with several MST3K alums for the bad-movie riffing project Cinematic Titanic, which was brought to the Doll Factory’s Chill Room during TwentyWonder 2010.

Comedy

Crash Space

Hacker Collective

“Culver City”

LA-based Crashspace has been bringing together hackers, programmers, builders, makers, and artists to their Culver City home since 2009. They describe themselves as, “People who generally like to break things and see what new things we can build with the pieces.” They brought those new things to TwentyWonder 2011 and 2013. Among the highlights was MakerBot, an example of the 3-D printing revolution occuring in manufacturing. Crashspace also invites community members as young as seven to learn computer coding. Their DIY outlook is the kind of attitude that TwentyWonder embraces.

Makers

Creature Features

Hollywood Memorabilia

“Burbank”

In 1977, Taylor White founded Creature Features to meet the merchandising demands of the 1970s blockbusters like Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind. His Burbank shop grew into the film & TV industry’s most comprehensive resources of memorabilia and attracted visitors from around the world to see its science fiction, fantasy, and horror collection. This Southern California native’s ventures include work as a make-up artist, founding a record label, and writing for genre publications like Cinefantastique.

Art

Dengue Fever

Psychedelic Cambodian Pop

“Escape from Dragon House”

Usually, a bug bite doesn’t cause extraordinary changes in your life—except Peter Parker, obviously. But when Ethan Holtzman’s friend caught the aforementioned disease on a trip to Cambodia, he decided to turn those lemons into a band. Dengue Fever’s music is a hypnotic amalgam of 60s Cambodian pop, psychedelic rock, and Khmer lyrics. Their gifted lead vocalist Chhom Nimol sings in fluent Khmer, adding an international flair to their compelling stage presence. Check out this live performance of “Uku” at the Troubador to see why audiences everywhere are catching...their act.

Music

Drag-u-la

Kustom Vehicle

“Munsters”

Beau Boeckmann and Galpin Auto Sports brought this morbid, beautiful motorcar to TwentyWonder 2012. DRAG-U-LA, not to be confused with the Rob Zombie song inspired by it—Fun fact though: Rob Zombie was a P.A. On Friend of TwentyWonder Paul Reubens’ hit show Pee Wee’s Playhouse; but now back your previously scheduled sentence—DRAG-U-LA was made popular in the 1960s television show The Munsters. It was designed by Tom Daniel for George Barris, who was also involved in creating the 1966 Batmobile. In Munster TV lore, Grandpa Munster built this 350HP V-8 monster to win back the Munster Koach, which Herman lost while drag racing in the episode “Hot Rod Herman”. Born: 1367. Died: ?

Makers

Ego Killers

Artists

“Lowbrow Movement”

Lowbrow art was born outside the mainstream art world in Southern California and between the pages of Juxtapoz magazine and grew to become a dominant aesthetic within today’s global art world. It drew its inspiration from street culture, Kustom hot rods, and a solid sense of humor.

The Ego Killers—Tim Biskup, Andy Bialk, Kali Fontecchio, and Miles Thompson—returned for TwentyWonder 2014 to offer their traditionally excruciating offer: a mean caricature for $20 or a nice one for $40. Which is more important to you? Your wallet or your ego?

Art

FriendsWithYou

Art Installations

“Rainbow City NYC”

Excuse the inflated language, but it’s hard not to embellish on the stupendous soft sculpture installations of FriendsWithYou. Founded in 2002, Samuel Borkson and Arturo Sandoval III’s art collective strives to create bold, playful works that spread their mission statement, “Magic, Luck, and Friendship.” Their open collaborative spirit has earned them praise from like-minded dreamers such as Pharrell Williams and Friend of TwentyWonder Shepard Fairey. We were thrilled when they brought their inflatable wonders to the floor TwentyWonder 2014.

Art

The Gentlemen Callers of LA

Electroswing DJs

“The Mutaytor”

The Gentlemen Callers of Los Angeles is the latest project from the LA-based production team of Atom Smith & Buck Down. The duo is most famous for their decade long stint as the writers, arrangers and producers of the twenty-piece electro-funk circus The Mutaytor. Atom and Buck have also performed or produced as The Dub Pscience Laboratory and Gorillionaire. Check out their sound, featured in the Way 2 Much Cirque Pavilion at TwentyWonder 2014.

Music

Golden Road Brewing

Craft Beers

“Los Angeles”

Brewed and canned in LA! Under the auspices of founder Tony Yanow, Golden Road has grown to become our town’s premiere craft beer producer. Among their many accomplishments, they curated Coachella’s craft Beer Barn and Beer Gardens in 2014—though we claim 10 hip points for serving Golden Road back in ye olde 2013! TwentyWonder is happy and proud that Golden Road is our official beer vendor and sponsor.

Carnival

Eric Gradman

Maker

“Two Bit Circus”

Eric Gradman mixes technology and artistic ambition with a DIY mentality that makes him a perfect addition to the TwentyWonder community. He was a member of Cirque Berzerk, a co-founder of Two Bit Circus, STEAM carnival, and Syyn Labs, the people behind in the video for This Too Shall Pass. This red mohawked wünderkind kicked off the TwentyWonder 2013 Derby Doll doubt with a stirring whistle of the Star Spangled Banner.

Makers

Helder Guimaraes

Magician

“World Champion of Magic”

In 2006, at the age of 23, Helder Guimarães became the youngest ever World Champion of Card Magic. He was awarded the title after his performance in a triennial competition, which left both the judging panel and over a thousand other performers utterly baffled. Since then, using his background in acting and theater, he created and performed his one-man shows all over the world. Check out his TED talk for a glimpse of this incredible talent we had the luck to witness at TwentyWonder 2014.

Carnival

Art by Shepard Fairey

Artist

“Obey”

Obey! Shepard Fairey made his name by plastering Providence, Rhode Island, with stickers proclaiming that “Andre the Giant has a Posse”, which he later adapted into the ubiquitous “Obey” graphic. Shepard also did the Obama “Hope” poster and album covers for Led Zeppelin, Smashing Pumpkins, and LA’s Flogging Molly. He lives in LA and has been featured many times in Juxtapoz—a magazine centered on the Lowbrow art community. Shepard generously donated a signed, limited edition “Obey” print for the TwentyWonder 2012 raffle.

Art

Signed Foo Fighters Guitar

Alternative Rock

“Waking Light”

Formed by former Nirvana drummer Dave Grohl, the Foo Fighters have been rock stalwarts for two decades. Following the release of their Waking Light album in 2012, the Foo Fighters showed their generosity towards TwentyWonder. The band members signed a Fender guitar that was auctioned to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles, the beneficiary of all TwentyWonder proceeds. In addition to the auctioned guitar, Grohl showed his sense of humor by putting up, “The contents of my glove compartment,” as a TwentyWonder raffle item. We’re not sure if that included the registration for the car.

Auction and Raffle Items

Gregg Fleishman

Artist

“Otic Oasis”

Maker supreme. Gregg’s creations include everything from funky chairs collected by the Museum of Modern Art in New York to Burning Man 2013’s Temple of Whollyness. That year, he previewed his Burning Man installation Otic Oasis in the Doll Factory at TwentyWonder. His residence and studio have been located in Culver City for the past fifty years where he works as a designer and architect.

Makers

Funny or Die

Comedy Channel

“HBO's Funny or Die Presents”

Funny or Die (FOD) is a comedy video website founded by Will Ferrell and Adam McKay. It keeps its content sharp by subjecting every video to a brutal “Funny” or “Die” vote by each viewer. Since its beginning in 2007, FOD has grown to become a recognized and influential brand in comedy. It has attracted contributions from all over the industry, including from Friend of TwentyWonder Judd Apatow. At TwentyWonder 2010 and 2011, FOD’s creative grand poobah Andrew Steele provided an exclusive sampling of FOD material for the TwentyWonder crowd’s enjoyment.

Comedy

Golden Ticket Booth

Raffle

“TwentyWonderbars”

Guests in 2014 were invited to find Willy Wonka and buy a chocolate Wonderbar for their chance to win a golden ticket. Golden Ticket Wonderbar winners got to choose one of five prints from Lowbrow artist Tim Biskup (valued at $200–$400). Also, one of the TwentyWonderbars sold by Willy Wonka contained a platinum ticket. The Platinum Ticket Wonderbar winner recieved tickets to Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at the Hollywood Bowl, ringside seats to a Lucha VaVOOM show, and four Los Angeles Derby Dolls VIP tickets.

Proceeds from TwentyWonderbar sales went to our beneficiary, the DSALA.

Carnival

Peter Hayes

Guitarist

“Black Rebel Motorcycle Club”

Friend of TwentyWonder Peter Hayes co-founded the band Black Rebel Motorcycle Club in the late 90s after leaving The Brian Jonestown Massacre. The band started in San Francisco before setting up shop in Los Angeles. Since then they’ve traveled the world, including a stop at the Doll Factory for a insane set at TwentyWonder 2011. Peter and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club support many causes and we’re happy to be counted among them. Note: all fans of Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are strongly advised to spread your love like a fever.

Music

Heino!

Parody Personality

“Red Lion Tavern”

Heino is a German mashup of Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, and William Shatner whose popularity is as inexplicable as a three-night bender in Berlin. Heino! is a Heino parody act that roamed TwentyWonder 2012 interviewing crowd members for a fake radio show. The man behind the parody is Marc Hickox, a Second City alum who may be known to TwentyWonder fans as Lucha VaVOOM’s ringside announcer Rico Agave. You can catch Heino! regularly at Silver Lake’s Red Lion Tavern. Should you make it a point to catch this act at the earliest opportunity? JaWOHL!

Comedy

Historic Filipinotown

Neighborhood Representatives

“Los Angeles”

Husband and wife team David Rockello and Erlinda Lim have been deeply involved in local politics over the last decade. Between them, they have served on the neighborhood councils of Greater Echo Park Elysian, Rampart Village, and Historic Fillipinotown. They have been especially passionate in the push for greater recognition of Filipino immigrants’ contributions to LA culture. Historic Fillipinotown brackets the 101 from Glendale blvd to Hoover and includes in its boundaries the Derby Doll Factory, home of TwentyWonder since 2011.

2012

Joel Hodgson

Creator

“Mystery Science Theater 3000”

Famous for the Comedy Central hit Mystery Science Theater 3000, Joel Hodgson contributed to comedy powerhouses like Saturday Night Live and Letterman. Joel’s involvement with TwentyWonder goes back to its roots in the quasi-annual Superball parties. When Superball was transformed into TwentyWonder by its founder and curator Jim Hodgson—they’re brothers—Joel generously lent his talents in support. He has contributed to every TwentyWonders, bringing material from Cinematic Titanic and his solo project Riffing Myself. Joel has been an invaluable Friend of TwentyWonder.

Comedy

Mad Lib-erties

Constitutional Comedy

“Presidential Suite”

Performer and writer Matt Hoffman is a longtime Superballer who has been contributing to the TwentyWonder cause since its inception. Whether he’s been assisting a Ring-Tossing Steve-O or emceeing the midway, he can usually spotted somewhere in the TwentyWonder crowd. Aside from helping us out, the accomplished Hoffman wrote the feature What the Bleep Do We Know? as well as the musical “Presidential Suite” which premiered last Fall. This year, Hoffman will be channeling his inner Jefferson as he reprises his presidential persona for the masses.

Comedy

Planetary Scientists from iPLEX

UCLA

“NASA's Dawn Mission”

TwentyWonder 2013 hosted what we’re fairly certain was a summer festival first, live comet production. NASA astrophysicist Carrrie Nugent, with UCLA’s Ivy Curren, and Caltech’s Alexandra Lockwood, set up a unique science exhibit on the floor of the Doll Factory. Visitors were first treated to commentary on solar system bodies by these three experts on the geology of planetary formation. Then these PhDs demonstrated the process of a comet’s formation using its primary components—dirt, water, and dry ice. TwentyWonderers were invited to see and touch these simulated heavenly bodies (with gloved hands). We were glad to welcome iPLEX, and it's fairly awesome portable planetarium to TwentyWonder 2014.

2014

Jackshit

Country Western Power Trio

“Welcome Nugget”

Bandmates Val McCallum, Pete Thomas, and Davey Faragher form the hillybilly power trio known as Jackshit. They have performed with Bonnie Raitt, John Hyatt, Buddy Guy, Elvis Costello, and a zillion more. Val, Pete, and Davey each have successful solo projects, but when they get together under the Jackshit moniker they’ve been described by Los Angeles Magazine as the best bar band in LA. In 2003, Pete was inducted into the prestigious Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. In an article for the Guardian, Tom Waits described Pete as, “Still one of the best drummers alive.” At TwentyWonder 2012, Jackshit gave a fantastic performance on the main stage of the Doll Factory.

Music

Jennifer Jonassen

Bubble Lady

“Cirque-a-palooza”

This year we are pleased to welcome back Jennifer Jonassen, a specialist in crowd interactions. TwentyWonderers could interact with her delightful character, Bubble Lady, as she roved throughout the Doll Factory at TwentyWonder 2013 and 2014. Jennifer has made it her mission to spread positive body image through performance, writing, and modeling. For her efforts, she was nominated for a Nourishing Body Image award.

Carnival

Jose O'Malley's

Food and Karaoke Truck

“American/Mexican Cuisine”

Sisters Mary and Cathy O’Malley are food experts—they’ve been eating all their lives. These Chicago natives, along with their friend Aracely, found a way to combine food, comedy, hula hooping, karaoke, and themed events into an LA food truck that’s pretty much TwentyWonder on wheels. So it’s no wonder—pun!—that the've returned time and again to the Doll Factory to serve up Chicago hot dogs, burgers, Southside chili, tacos, and the Original Delicious Brownie on a Stick. “Now Get Over Here and Eat!!!”

Carnival

JP Incorporated

Motivation Speaker

“Pleaseeasaur”

JP Hasson is best known for his music/comedy acts, but his talents and projects cover a huge range. He’s worked with bands like Soundgarden and The Dead Milkmen, as well as the animation team behind Sealab 2012 and Archer. In 2011 Hasson, touring under the name JP Incorporated, brought his show to TwentyWonder. JP Incorporated is likely headed to your city soon to give a live presentation on the benefits of adding the J.P. Inc. network to your cable subscription! And don’t forget their slogan: JP Incorporated “We’ve been in business for years.”

Comedy

Dr. Richard Kaae

Insect Ambassador

“Cal Poly Dept of Plant Science”

Richard Kaae has more than 40 years’ experience in entomology. He is the patriarch of a three-generation, insect-loving family. During his 30+ years teaching at Cal Poly, Richard developed the most popular course offered at the university, Insects and Civilization, which has an annual enrollment of 2,000 students. TwentyWonder 2011 and 2014 visitors were invited to see his Madagascar Hissing Roaches, squirm at the sight of tarantulas, and get their hands literally on a praying mantis!

Science

Lynda Kay

Lounge Singer

“Dream My Darling”

At TwentyWonder 2011, Lynda Kay kept the Chill Room warm with a sampling of her incredible voice, which was described by Fred Willard as “Maple syrup and black velvet, just gorgeous!” Find a way to catch this crooner with her 60s style—including beehive hairdo—and you’ll leave as impressed as the critics from Variety and LA Weekly. Fun Fact: In addition to her live shows, which you should find a way to see, you can see her in a guest appearance on the FX hit Justified, in the episode “Watching the Detectives.”

Music

Andy Kindler

Comedian

“Bob's Burgers”

Andy is known for regular appearances on The Daily Show, Letterman, and Everybody Loves Raymond. He is also known for his annual, and typically controversial, state-of-the-industry address at Montreal’s “Just For Laughs” comedy festival. At TwentyWonder 2012 he took the stage for Dave Alvin. If you missed them, you probably missed your only opportunity to hear a performance of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” involving a wooden train whistle.

Comedy

The Moth's Vikki Kelleher

Live Storytelling

“Tell Him It's OK To Go”

Long ago (1997), in a far-away land (New York) a group gathered on their friend Wanda’s porch to share spellbinding tales. There was a hole in the screen which let in moths that were attracted to the light, and the group started calling themselves The Moths. Their first event was held in a living room, but word about their gripping, live storytelling quickly spread around the country. LA resident and Moth storyteller Vikki Kelleher joined us for our 2014 event to share the MOTH phenomenon with TwentyWonderers.

Art

Cleo King

Actress/Singer

“Mike & Molly”

Cleo King is known for her parts in hit comedies like The Hangover, It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, and Mike & Molly—alongside Friends of TwentyWonder Billy Gardell and Reno Wilson. She has also appeared in numerous dramatic hits including Lost, HBO’s acclaimed Deadwood, and FX’s Sons of Anarchy. But for TwentyWonder 2014 she showed off another of her many talents when she belted out the Star-spangled Banner before the Los Angeles Derby Dolls bout.

Music

Mac King

Magician

“Harrah's Las Vegas”

Deceptively sophisticated comic magician Mac King came to TwentyWonder via Harrah’s Las Vegas where he hosted the Mac King Comedy Magic Show. In his early years, Mac and legendary magician Lance Burton performed shows together. Mac is considered one of the finest comedic magicians in the world. The Magic Castle even awarded him the coveted title Magician of the Year. He donated his incredible talents to TwentyWonder 2013, wowing the audience in the Chill Room.

Carnival

Kids of Widney High

Pop

“Act Your Age”

Widney High is a special education magnet school in the LAUSD. The band Kids of Widney High is composed of a group of Widney High students that write and perform original songs. Membership rotates as students come and go from Widney. Since its 1988 inception as a song writing class, the band has performed all around LA. It was even featured in the 2005 film The Ringer. In 2010 and 2012, Kids of Widney High played TwentyWonder and showed the crowd that every member of our community can contribute to the Carnival of the Mind.

Trisomy 21

Andy Kindler and Dave Alvin

Music Comedy

“TwentyWonder Exclusive”

Dave Alvin is a co-founder and principal songwriter for The Blasters, a critically successful band that has grown a large base of devoted fans. If you’re not among them yet, check out their most popular track “So Long Baby, Goodbye”—you’ll probably recognize it from one of the many soundtracks it’s on. Andy Kindler is a comic known for regular appearances on Letterman and The Daily Show. TwentyWonder 2012 brought this unlikely pair together on the TwentyWonder main stage for a one-off treat. If you missed it, you probably missed your only opportunity to hear a performance of Jefferson Airplane’s “White Rabbit” involving a wooden train whistle.

Music

David Koechner

Comedian

“Anchorman”

Prolific comedian Superball parties. He has praised TwentyWonder as, “The most eclectic fundraiser in the country.” At TwentyWonder 2013, he performed songs from his Gerald T-Bones Tibbons repertoire on the main stage of the Doll Factory. T-Bones sang stories about his troubled domestic life, which included some dubious claims about his daddy’s lunar exploits.

Comedy

Kogi

VIP Only Food Truck

“Korean Mexican Fusion”

No Los Angeles food truck foodie’s life is complete until they’ve tried the granddaddy of them all. Kogi’s chef Roy Choi was the first food truck chef to be named to Food and Wine’s prestigious list of Best New Chefs. His brilliant dishes launched Kogi into the food truck stratosphere (it’s right between the ionosphere and the mesosphere, we checked with David Saltzberg). For 2014, TwentyWonder VIPs got to have a taste of the truck that put the Korean Mexican taco on the map.

Carnival

Ernie Kovacs Display

Pioneering TV Comedian

“The Ernie Kovacs Show”

Ernie Kovacs was one of TV’s most original wits. He was a true auteur broadcasting in the 1950s, and his work influenced many iconic shows that followed. The estates of Ernie Kovacs and Edie Adams, his wife, were twice generous to TwentyWonder 2013. They brought in a display of Kovacs material and donated a signed copy of Kovacs’ novel Zoomar. In that 1957 novel, Kovacs pointed the Zoomar lens—the lens that brought things up close—on the world of television.

Auction and Raffle Items

The Lampshades

Lounge Act

“iO West Theater”

For 10 years The Lampshades have been building up their reputation as the funniest lounge act in Hollywood. The Lampshades are the brainchild of two Second City alums, Kate Flannery and Scot Robinson. Kate Flannery is best known for her nine-season stint as Meredith on NBC’s The Office. The other half of this duo, Scot Robinson, is a respected comedian with credits that include Anchorman:The Legend of Ron Burgundy. The Lampshades’ music is composed by David Adler, a Chicago-based musician. At TwentyWonder 2013 and 2014 they took over the Chill Room for some of the funniest moments of those nights.

Comedy

Art by Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt

Artist

“Whitney Biennial”

“My work is knick-knacks, and whatever it is as art, it is.” Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt is an extraordinary American artist. Based in New York, his pieces have been displayed at MoMA and museums throughout the country. He was invited by Barrack and Michelle Obama to the White House to be honored as a veteran of the the Stonewall Riots. A piece by Thomas was featured at TwentyWonder 2014.

Art

The League of S.T.E.A.M.

Steampunk Monster Hunters

“Adventures of the League of STEAM”

The League is a caravan of scientific adventurers, monster hunters, and keepers of Victorian era stories and relics. Roving through the TwentyWonder 2011 crowd, The League of S.T.E.A.M. provided just the right kind of weird to our carnival of the mind. They were equipped with meticulously designed, detailed, and fully functional net guns, as well as extendable punch-fists, and electro-shock pads. This steampunk troop, and their zombie manservants, took TwentyWonderers back to a time of scientific adventure, to a common ground between the paranormal and the Pythagorean.

Carnival

Taylor Lura

Entomologist

“UC Riverside”

Taylor grew up around bugs with her grandfather, a UC Riverside entomologist who famously created the University’s most popular course, Insects and Civilization. Taylor has followed in her grandfather’s footsteps, doing a PhD across the pond at Lancaster University studying, “Those finicky little Phlebotomine sandflies and their immune system.” For TwentyWonders 2010, she presented a display of entomological specimens. It drew so much attention that she was reprised in 2011 with the help of her entomologically inclined grandparents. We are grateful for her support and happy to call her a Friend of TwentyWonder.

Science

Mandoline Grill

Food Truck

“Vietnamese (Vegan friendly)”

Mong Skillman launched the Mandoline Grill back in February 2010, and her food truck is now a magnet for foodies seeking fresh, tasty, vegan and carnivore-friendly bánh mí sandwiches, tacos, and noodle bowls. Mong learned to cook by watching her mother, who owned a Vietnamese restaurant in Honolulu’s Chinatown. Mandoline Grill has been a featured food truck at TwentyWonder from 2012–2014.

Carnival

The Metamorphosis Project

Kinetic Sculpture

“Coachella”

The Metamorphosis Project is an interactive kinetic sculpture dreamt up by artist Alex Andre. To participate, two people stand on either side of a wheel made of alternating wedges of mirror and glass that, when revolving fast enough, causes the faces of the two participants to blend into one image. The Metamorphosis Project wowed participants at TwentyWonder 2013 and included at several major summer festivals including Coachella and Austin City Limits.

Art

Chris Mirabel

Marine Biologist

“California Science Center”

Known to many as the Los Angeles Derby Dolls referee “Oliver Clothesoff”, Chris Mirabel is also a marine biologist. He works at the California Science Center in Exposition Park doing research on applied behavior analysis. And if “Derby Doll reffing marine biologist” isn’t cool enough already, here’s the kicker: Chris does his research on sharks! He wasn’t able to bring his subjects to TwentyWonder 2012, unfortunately—or possibly fortunately, an accidental shark attack in Echo Park might have solidified TwentyWonder’s reputation as LA’s oddest summer festival, but I think we’d have a tougher time getting a permit.

Science

Molnari Gyrocycle

Experimental Vehicle

“Maker Faire”

What would a carnival of the mind be without a rocket scientist! Among his many exploits, Deszö collaborated with famed innovator Peter Diamandis’ space-tourism project and served as a judge for the famous X-Prize. This LA-based designer brought a beta version of his G2 flying motorcycle to TwentyWonder 2013. The Gyrocycle used a motorcycle engine for propulsion and rotor blades for lift, allowing it to operate as a motorcycle or take off as a gyrocopter!

Makers

MonstroCity

Happening

“TwentyWonder Exclusive”

When was the last time you got to build a house of oversized cards? And then have the rest of the TwentyWonder crowd join you? And together make a city of houses of over-sized cards? And then watched in horror as a felt-costumed godzilla burst in to wreak havoc upon your creation! This crowd favorite sprang from the minds of long-time creative partners Tim Ford, Brandi Benkert, and James Pearce. The Monstrocity team was also behind the TwentyWonder 2010 aMAZEment installation, a disorienting PVC and plastic maze featuring Trisomy 21 facts.

Art

Art by Mark Mothersbaugh

Musician

“Devo”

Mark Mothersbaugh is best known as a co-founder of the highly influential new wave band Devo. He recently did the score for the acclaimed Lego Movie. Mark is also a highly respected visual artist. For both TwentyWonders 2011 and 2013, he donated a print to our raffle. One of the prints came from his highly coveted “Postcard Diaries” series. All proceeds from the raffle went to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles. Mothersbaugh is also connected to TwentyWonder via The Poubelle Twins, who appeared in Devo’s music video “What We Do”.

Auction and Raffle Items

A Moveable Feast

Kinetic Sculpture

“Lightning in a Bottle”

A human-powered roving dining table, seats eight for supper. Part conceptual art, part community dining experience, the inspiration for this kinetic sculpture came to Dan Busby from his many visits to Burning Man. “A Moveable Feast” began as a Kickstarter project and has since appeared at events like LA’s CicLAvia, Pasadena’s Doo Dah Parade, Lightning in a Bottle, and TwentyWonder. Dan Busby has been a member of the innovative tinkerers at Syyn Labs, and he was also involved in the popular interactive “Geared Button Wall” brought to TwentyWonder 2013 by Two Bit Circus.

Art

Signed No Doubt Bass

Pop Rock

“Push and Shove”

Since they formed in 1986, these Orange County natives have sold over 33M albums and toured every place with a stage. And in 2013 they decided to show their generosity and local pride by donating to our auction. The item was a Fender Bass signed by all four members—Gwen Stefani, Tom Dumont, Tony Kanal, and Adrian Young. The auction raised a large sum, all of which went to TwentyWonder’s beneficiary, the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Auction and Raffle Items

Brad Oldham

Designer

“The Pier at Caesars Palace”

One of the greatest SuperBallers of all time, Dallas-based artisan Brad Oldham manufactures the TwentyWonder amulets given out each at the event—in addition to manufacturing the Superball rings from 1996–2004. These commemorative pendants go to VIP ticket holders, our content providers, and the dedicated individuals who put TwentyWonder together. Brad owns a design company which has recently partnered with National Geographic to create life-size bronze sculptures of lions to benefit big cats. We salute this extraordinary artist him for his many generous projects and his many contributions to TwentyWonder.

Art

Mary Jo Pehl

Actor

“Mystery Science Theater”

Mary Jo Pehl—pronounced like peal, not peel—pursued a career in nursing until she realized, to the benefit of comedy fans everywhere, that she had made a, “Major bad career choice.” While on the Minneapolis comedy circuit she met up with Mike Nelson and landed a gig on the cult hit Mystery Science Theater 3000 alongside fellow Friends of TwentyWonder Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Josh Weinstein, and Joel Hodgson. Later she reunited with the crew of the Satellite of Love for the Cinematic Titanic riffing project, which was featured at TwentyWonder 2010.

Comedy

Andy Paley

Music Producer

“Ramones, Madonna, Brian Wilson”

Legendary music producer. Songwriter. Bandleader. Andy Paley is a busy man. He first appeared as The Sidewinders’ frontman before going on to produce music for the Ramones, Brian Wilson, Madonna, Jonathan Richman, the Shangri-Las, and many more. Since then he has produced soundtracks and written original music for movies and TV shows like Dick Tracy, Traveller, The L Word, and Spongebob Squarepants. At TwentyWonder 2013, Andy’s band played behind comedian David Koechner on the Doll Factory’s main stage.

Music

Christina Perri's Grand Piano

Singer-songwriter

“head or heart”

Christina Perri began taking piano lessons at age 8, but her teacher “fired” her because, “I would change the endings to the songs when I didn’t like the way they were written.” Her album lovestrong catapulted her from struggling LA life to stardom almost overnight when the song “Jar of Hearts” was featured on an episode of So You Think You Can Dance. In 2013, Christina donated to our auction the baby grand piano that she used when composing lovestrong. It raised a large sum for TwentyWonder’s beneficiary, the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Auction and Raffle Items

Grant-Lee Phillips

Singer-songwriter

“Walking in the Green Corn”

Inspired by his Muskogee (Creek) descent, Grant-Lee Phillips’ songs gravitate towards conflicts at the heart of the American experience. This singer/songwriter emerged in the 90s as a member of the trio Grant Lee Buffalo, whose debut LP, Fuzzy, was described by R.E.M.’s Michael Stipe as, “The best album of the year hands down.” Phillips was also known as the sometimes troubadour of Stars Hollow on TV’s Gilmore Girls—which, incidentally, featured music from Friend of TwentyWonder Sam Phillips, no relation. At TwentyWonder 2010, he took the stage to play one of its most memorable sets.

Music

Sam Phillips

Singer-songwriter

“Just Push Play”

Two time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Sam Phillips has released numerous critically acclaimed albums including the most recent, Push Any Button. She has also co-written music with REM and composed music for TV and films like the Gilmore Girls, Bunheads, and Crazy Heart. Though she rarely makes public appearances, in 2013 Sam Phillips generously agreed to perform at TwentyWonder. She took over the Doll Factory’s Chill Room for a remarkable session with her collaborator and husband Eric Gorfain, leader of The Section Quartet.

Music

Mat Plendl

Hula-Hoop Virtuoso

“Teatro ZinZanni”

Mat was one of the most universally acclaimed performers at both TwentyWonders 2012 and 2013. The crowd was stunned by his hula-hoop show during the halftime of the Derby Dolls bout. Considered by many to be the world’s foremost hula-hoop artist, he appeared three times on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show. He has also appeared in numerous NBA halftime shows and has been one of the stars of San Francisco’s long-running hit show Teatro ZinZanni. To see why, check out his routine at TwentyWonder 2012, and don’t forget to pick your jaw up off the floor when you’re done watching.

Carnival

The Poubelle Twins

French Maids and Luchadoras

“Chill Room Co-hosts”

French maids Fifi and Bibi Poubelle have appeared in diverse places, from videos for Devo, to shows for Green Day, and events like TwentyWonder 2010! They started their career with the Velvet Hammer burlesque. After Velvet Hammer, they took up with Lucha VaVOOM, performing the first Girlie Girl Catfight in a one-on-one match against each other. While at Lucha, they also debuted their intensely popular audience participation act Le Slap Booth Chaud.

The Poubelle Twins returned to TwentyWonder in 2014 to co-host the chill room alongside Eban Schletter.

Carnival

Jon Psaute

Singer

“Born to Act Juniors”

Young Jon Psaute is a member of the Down syndrome community. He comes to us from the DSALA’s Born to Act Juniors, a weekly theater company that meets at the DSALA office in Van Nuys. Jon, like many of us, is a big fan of the late Mr. Fred Rogers—of PBS fame. In a recent public performance, Jon captivated us with his revivalist take on a funky remix of Mr. Roger’s song, “We Can Sing Together.” TwenytWonder 2014 goers were invited to join in with Jon, Mr. Rogers, Mr. McFeely, and Lady Elaine in the at halftime of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls bout for a rousing chorus of “We Can Sing Together”.

Trisomy 21

The Pudding Truck

Gourmet Desert Truck

“Stove Top Pudding”

The Pudding Truck is a simple concept: owner and chef Carrie Cohen wants to feed sumptuous yet unpretentious desserts to the people of Los Angeles. And God knows we need it. Hand-whisked on the stove top in small batches, Chef Carrie’s puddings are made with organic milks and creams, humanely harvested cage free eggs, and a constantly-rotating menu that highlights the freshest seasonal ingredients. Sweet-toothed TwentyWondering foodies were delighted by this addition to our food truck lineup!

Carnival

H.R. Pufnstuf

Giant Puppet

“Mayor of Living Island”

In 1968 young puppeteers Sid and Marty Krofft were in a state of mind we can only assume was enjoyable when they created a friendly dragon named Luther, who would go on to be known as H.R. Pufnstuf. Originally created for the World’s Fair, aka the HemisFair—this popular puppet later became mayor on an eponymous show. Not only did he serve his people well by protecting Billy and his Magic Flute, he also won a landmark case against McDonald’s Mayor McCheese for puppet rights infringement. Take it McDonald’s! You have been billions served.

Carnival

Rare EP by The Replacements

Alt Punk Pioneers

“Let It Be”

Pioneers of alternative rock, The Replacements are forever seared in our minds as one of the most bodacious (yes, we are using that word!) and highly gifted bands ever. For TwentyWonder 2013, the band donated to our raffle a limited edition vinyl EP signed by band members Paul Westerberg, Tommy Stinson, and Chris Mars. All TwentyWonder raffle sales, as well as all other proceeds from TwentyWonder, went to the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles. We’re grateful for the Replacements’ generous support and incredible music.

Auction and Raffle Items

Signed Trent Reznor Guitar

Singer-songwriter

“Nine Inch Nails”

Singer-songwriter Trent Reznor is a landmark in American music. He began in the industrial music underground and grew to earn recognition throughout the music industry for his uncompromising artistry. He has also co-written scores for the David Fincher movies The Social Network and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. In 2011, Reznor showed his generosity to TwentyWonder. He donated a signed Fender guitar to our auction. Proceeds from that auction, and all TwentyWonder proceeds, went to our beneficiary, the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Auction and Raffle Items

Rudely Interrupted

Indie-pop

“Mystery Girl”

In 2006, Rohan Brooks began a series of music therapy sessions that evolved beyond anyone’s expectations into one of Australia’s catchiest bands. A Vice Magazine profile described their work as, “Extremely well-crafted music by a bunch of guys who happen to be diagnosed with slightly wonky sets of genes.” In the genetic cards for the group are Asperger’s and Down syndrome. United by shared challenges and Rohan, Rudely Interrupted has succeeded in the studio and on stages across the world.

Music

{RV}IP Karaoke Lounge

Traveling Entertainment

“SXSW”

With friends and fans like Tech Crunch, Foursquare, and WIRED, this mobile karaoke lounge is pretty much the funnest thing on wheels. It was a fan favorite at TwentyWonder 2011 as well as a standout at SXSW in Austin. {RV}IP describes itself as, “The latest thing. And we mean that literally: we’re open later than any other party. It’s always free, the top shelf liquor never runs out, and we have no closing time. You just have to find us.” {RV}IP is the brainchild of LA-based wife-and-husband team Kestrin Pantera and Jonathan Grubb.

Music

RyTron 3000

Dancer

“filmandvision”

The story goes that after rock legend Beck discovered Ryan Falkner’s unique dancing style at an LA party, Beck invited Ryan to dance on stage with his band for two worldwide tours. When Ryan performed at TwentyWonder 2011 we understood why and invited him back for 2012. In addition to his insane dancing talents, Ryan is an accomplished director and actor. Ryan is also a respected graphic designer and storyboard artist who has worked on numerous commercials and films—including Pineapple Express, produced by Friend of TwentyWonder Judd Apatow.

Carnival

Eban Schletter

Multi-Instrumentalist

“Spongebob Squarepants”

Another longtime contributor, Eban is a prolific composer and songwriter who has created music for countless television shows including Spongebob Squarepants, Mr. Show, and the Academy Awards. He has also maintained a steady output of solo albums that explore a range of genres. A multi-instrumentalist, Eban performs on keyboards, drums, bass, and clarinet. But he is especially famous for his skill on the theremin. Eban has made appearances at TwentyWonder from 2010–2014 giving virtuoso theremin performances and hosting the Chill Room alongside The Poubelle Twins.

Music

David Saltzberg

Physics Professor

“UCLA”

Gotta love Saltzberg! He comes to us by way of The Big Bang Theory and its bevy of Friends of TwentyWonder. When David is not acting as the science consultant for Sheldon and the gang over at CBS, he is a professor of Physics and Astronomy at UCLA. During his career he has searched the glaciers of Greenland for signs of interplanetary neutrinos and collaborated with researchers at the famed Large Hadron Collider at CERN. For TwentyWonder 2012, he turned the Derby Dolls and their banked track into a large-scale demonstration of the experiment that discovered the Higgs Boson!

Science

Art by Todd Schorr

Artist

“Neverlasting Miracles”

Todd Schorr is an American artist prominent in the Lowbrow art movement. He combines a cartoon-influenced visual vocabulary with a highly polished technical ability. In his commercial work he has done album covers for AC/DC and movie posters for George Lucas. Todd’s work is often seen in Juxtapoz magazine alongside fellow TwentyWonder contributors from the Ego Killers. For TwentyWonder 2013 he donated to our raffle the print “A Date with Mr. Big Bad” to benefit the the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles.

Auction and Raffle Items

The Section Quartet

Rock Band in Disguise

“FUZZBOX”

When LA natives Daphne Chen, Eric Gorfain, Lauren Chipman, and Richard Dodd unite and play Coachella, they’ve been described as the loudest string quartet in the world. Coveted as studio musicians, The Section Quartet has worked with artists like Dr. Dre, Kanye West, and fellow TwentyWonder supporter Foo Fighters. They also scored the roller derby movie Whip It!, which TwentyWonder contributors Alex “Axles of Evil” Cohen and Jennifer “Kasey Bomber” Barbee consulted on. For TwentyWonder 2012, The Section Quartet generously donated their talents to perform a memorable set in the Doll Factory’s Chill Room.

Music

Sensory Perception Chair

Biofeedback Artwork

“Bay Area Maker Faire”

Alan Macy is an experimental technical artist involved with Santa Barbara’s Fishbon art community. His latest creation is a chair that allows you to experience subtle aspects of your physiology. Alan’s artistic pursuits are not far removed from his day job designing biomedical monitoring equipment as Director of R&D for BIOPAC Systems. 2014 TwentyWonderers were invited to pull up his chair, take a load off their feet and enjoy their autonomic nervous systems.

Makers

Way 2 Much Entertainment

Theatrical Specialists

“The White House Halloween”

Philip Solomon, President and Creative Director of Way 2 Much, has helped create customized performances and events for OK GO, Prince, P. Diddy, and the Super Bowl. After two gigs at the White House, President Obama’s verdict on Way 2 Much was, “You guys are awesome!” Philip’s workshop is located inside the Doll Factory, which makes him about as local as can be. We were peeking into the door to his workshop for years, so we were pretty excited in 2014 when he opened up and contributing his extraordinary imagination to level-up our Carnival of the Mind. The Way 2 Much Cirque Pavilion was the talk of the night, with acts that included Pierre on Rola Bola, the Off the Wall Trampoline Kings, Marco the Spin Doctor, The Gentlemen Callers of LA, Mercy Malick in the Moon, and Allison Lockfield the Beauty in the Birdcage.

Carnival

Sarah Silverman

Comedian

“The Sarah Silverman Program”

One of the funniest comics working in LA, Sarah got her onscreen start at SNL. She’s worked her way steadily up the ranks with TV specials featuring her standup acts Sarah Silverman: Jesus is Magic and Sarah Silverman: We are Miracles. She has starred in Hows Your News, a news/comedy show with individuals from the disabilities community. She also co-created The Sarah Silverman Show alongside fellow Friend of TwentyWonder Rob Schrab—not pronounced like “drab” or “Gabe”. Sarah has been a generous supporter throughout TwentyWonder’s history, having performed at the very first TwentyWonder.

Comedy

Space Palette

Art Installation

“Maker Faire 2013”

Created by Tim Thompson, the Space Palette allows a person to create music and paint images simultaneously. This new and original technology gives the user the experience of painting with sound. No pre-recorded media, sequences, or loops are used – everything is generated in real time by the user’s hands. The Space Palette has appeared at Burning Man 2012, STEIM in Amsterdam, Decompression 2011, and the outstanding Bay Area Maker Faire 2013, which was attended by 120,000 DIY enthusiasts. For TwentyWonder 2013, Tim brought the Space Palette into the Doll Factory, allowing TwentyWonder attendees to compose music and images throughout the night.

Makers

Brady Spindel

Circus Performer

“Cirque Berzerk”

Brady roamed among the crowd at TwentyWonder 2011 and 2012 as one of his most popular characters, a stilt-walking, firebreathing zombie-clown. His zombie-clown is a part of the psychedelic vaudevillian circus Cirque Berzerk. In addition to psychedelic vaudevillian circus, Brady does futuristic vaudevillian circus as part of an act called The Mutaytor, which combines aerial performance, giant screen visuals, and pyrotechnic displays. He is also a musician and prop maker. Brady recently added another feather to his cap with a performance alongside Taylor Swift at the Grammys.

Carnival

Steve-O

Stuntman

“Jackass”

A modern day jester in the 24/7 digital era, Steve-O is best known for his disorderly conduct within the Jackass empire alongside co-star Johnny Knoxville. At TwentyWonder 2012, Steve-O challenged all comers to a giant game of Tic Tac Toe at his carnival booth. Proceeds from “Tic Tac Toe with Steve-O” went to our beneficiary, the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles. Fun fact: Steve-O is a graduate of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Clown College in Sarasota, FL.

Carnival

Stierwalt and Masiero, PhDs

Physicists

“CalTech”

These astrophysicists brought a display of stunning images from the Spitzer space telescope to TwentyWonder 2012. Using its infrared cameras, Spitzer can see dust and stars invisible to other telescopes, allowing it to capture stunning new images of the distant galaxies and nearest asteroids. Sabrina Stierwalt and Joe Masiero brought these images from their stomping grounds at CalTech’s Spitzer Science Center. Sabrina has since moved on to a position at the University of Virginia while Joe continues to work in Pasadena at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Lab.

Science

Matthew Sweet

Singer-songwriter

“Under the Covers”

Alt-rock pioneer and balladeer Matthew Sweet first emerged as part of the 1980s Athens, Georgia music scene—which gave birth to REM, Let’s Active, and B-52’s. Matthew went on to gain commercial success in the early nineties with the acclaimed album Girlfriend. Its bone-dry, caterwauling sonics opened up a wild and picturesque new terrain for restless singer/songwriters to inhabit and explore. In recent years, Matthew has released numerous solo albums and co-productions with Pete Droge and Susannah Hoffs of The Bangles. Matthew was featured on the Doll Factory’s main stage at TwentyWonder 2013.

Music

Stephanie Tapu

Artist

“Cotrutza Gallery”

Stephanie had a one-woman show at the Cotrutza Gallery in 2010 as part of the downtown Los Angeles gallery walk. The show consisted of a 70 pencil drawings. She brought 30 of them to TwentyWonder 2011. Sales of her work from that night, along with all proceeds from TwentyWonder, went to benefit the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles (DSALA). In 2012, Stephanie was awarded the DSALA Voice Award in Fine Art.

Art

Tierra Del Sol

Painters with Trisomy 21

“Sunland Studio”

Tierra Del Sol cultivates artistic expression among people with significant challenges, such as trisomy twenty-one (Down syndrome). Tierra Del Sol believes people with trisomy twenty-one can develop creatively and make important contributions to the cultural and economic life of their communities. That notion is at the heart of TwentyWonder, so it made perfect sense to have their work on display at the Doll Factory. They’ve contributed artwork at TwentyWonder from 2011-2013. One of our favorite efforts was their collaboration with Tim Biskup—a member of the Lowbrow art movement centered around southern California.

Art

Jonny Two Bags

Guitarist for Social Distortion

“Salvation Town”

“As a second- or third-generation punk guy from Orange County, the kings of the music world for me were The Blasters, Los Lobos and X. That’s how I discovered music—basically, through those artists, the L.A. rockabilly scene, the L.A. roots-punk scene.” Jonny has made his own mark on the punk scene as lead guitarist for Social Distortion as well as playing for the Cadillac Tramps, Youth Brigade, the U.S. Bombs, and releasing a solo album, Salvation Town. This certified product of Southern California took over the main stage at TwentyWonder 2014.

Music

Two Bit Circus

Artisanal Engineers

“STEAM Carnival”

Two Bit Circus is a team of more than 25 thinkers, builders, developers, and inventors who have collaborated to create STEAM Carnival, a reimagining of the traditional American carnival into a technological and educational interaction (STEAM=Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math). TwentyWonder 2013 featured kinetic sculptures and custom games presented by a trio from Two Bit Circus consisting of Brent Bushnell, Eric Gradman, and Dan Busby—Dan also created TwentyWonder 2013’s A Moveable Feast. And their wooden rocking chair racing game was a hit at TwentyWonder 2014.

Note: Two Bit Circus’ STEAM is a wholly different entity from TwentyWonder 2011’s The League of S.T.E.A.M.. Right, so…no confusion there.

Makers

vaud-and-the-villains-TwentyWonder-20wonder-20-wonder

Vaud & the Villains

New Orleans-style Orchestra

“Sin and Tonic”

Holy hell did these guys close out TwentyWonder 2013 in style! Vaud is a New Orleans-style 19-piece orchestra and cabaret show harkening back to the 1930s. Their performances are part concert, part revival show, part Americana Noire, and part Moulin Rouge. Vaud & the Villians was founded in 2008 by Andy Comeau and Dawn Lewis—an LA-based wife-and-husband team. Since then, they’ve headlined top LA venues like the Ford Amphitheatre and toured all over America. If you get a half a chance, you should definitely check them out.

Music

The Watson Twins

Alt country, indie folk

“Pioneer Lane”

Raised in Kentucky, identical twin sisters Chandra and Leigh Watson have developed a style of indie-folk that prominently features their signature sibling harmonies. The twins grew up in Louisville amidst country and roots traditions before relocating to LA in the late 90s. Since then they’ve performed with The Shins, Conor Oberst, Jenny Lewis, My Morning Jacket, Pegi Young, and Willie Nelson as well as releasing their own albums Fire Songs, Southern Manners, and Pioneer Lane. At TwentyWonder 2012 they sang two of their originals alongside Jackshit on the Doll Factory’s main stage.

Music

Wayne White's Wonder World

Artist

“Pee Wee Herman’s Playhouse”

Remember Terry the Pterodactyl and Floory the floorboard? From Wayne White’s mind was born all the menagerie of Pee-Wee’s Playhouse. Since then, Wayne has had huge success wrecking the art world with comedic paintings that are smarter than New York. For TwentyWonder 2012 Wayne created a very limited edition “Hot Shots and Know-It-Alls”. He also spent the evening strolling through the crowd and playing banjo alongside his pal on the upright bass, Alison Mork—the voice of Pee-Wee’s Chairry.

Art

Golden Ticket Wonderbars

Raffle

“VIP Upgrades or a Biskup Print”

Guests in 2014 were invited to find Willy Wonka and buy a chocolate Wonderbar for their chance to win a golden ticket. Golden Ticket Wonderbar winners got to choose one of five prints from Lowbrow artist Tim Biskup (valued at $200–$400). Proceeds from TwentyWonderbar sales went to our beneficiary, the DSALA. And if your Wonderbar didn’t contain a Golden ticket, well there’s really only one way to say this...

Carnival

The Platinum Ticket Wonderbar

Raffle

“Tickets to Nine Inch Nails & Soundgarden, Lucha, and Derby Dolls”

Guests in 2014 were invited to find Willy Wonka and buy a chocolate Wonderbar for their chance to win the Platinum ticket. The platinum ticket winner got two tickets to Nine Inch Nails and Soundgarden at the Hollywood Bowl, ringside seats to a DSALA. And if your Wonderbar didn’t contain the Platinum ticket, well there’s really only one way to say this...

Carnival

Josh Weinstein

Writer / Actor

“Mystery Science Theater 3000”

Josh—who writes under the name J. Elvis Weinstein to avoid confusion with a Simpsons writer and to increase confusion with a rock and roll singer—was one of the original writers of the cult hit Mystery Science Theatre 3000 alongside fellow Friends of TwentyWonder Trace Beaulieu, Frank Conniff, Joel Hodgson. He also wrote for the hit show Freaks and Geeks alongside another bevy of Friends of TwentyWonder. Later, he reunited with the crew of the Satellite of Love for the Cinematic Titanic riffing project, which was featured at TwentyWonder 2010.

Comedy

Joe Wise and Shari E. Asplund

Education and Outreach

“NASA JPL”

Joe Wise is an educator for NASA’s Dawn mission, which has been exploring the asteroid belt for the last several years. It made its first stop at the protoplanet Vesta, where it kicked off a scientific controversy by discovering gullies that may have been created by liquid water flowing on the surface. Dawn’s next stop is the dwarf planet Ceres. Shari E. Asplund works for NASA’s Discovery and New Frontiers Programs, the programs that developed and launched Dawn and other missions currently exploring our solar system.

Science

Will Wright

Game Designer

“Sim City, The Sims”

Okay. Now that I’ve lost two hours reinstalling, replaying, and redeleting Will Wright’s SimCity from my computer, I can get back to writing this bio. While most game designers are determined to put us behind the scope of a gun, Will has devoted his talents to crafting games that teach us about the complex systems that encompass our lives. He is a great contributor to our culture and a valued Friend of TwentyWonder. For TwentyWonder 2010, Will teamed up with his Stupid Fun Club to create a video on creativity.

Art

Kevin and Kent Young

Artists

“Steven Wolf Fine Arts Gallery”

As monozygotic twins, Kevin and Kent grew up with an acute awareness of questions of identity, and much of their current work centers around issues of identity, the individual, and communication. This LA-based duo use the art gallery and museum context to explore their twinly telepathy, with startling and hilarious results. They have exhibited at the Rosamund Felsen Gallery in Los Angeles, Kunsthalle in Belgium, and Stalkie Galleri in Denmark. For TwentyWonder 2010, they played telekinetic chess in bicycle outfits, but for TwentyWonder 2011 they did something weird.

Art

Past Lineups

All Years | 2014 | 2013 | 2012 | 2011 | 2010

DSALA

Los Angeles Derby Dolls

Lucha VaVOOM

66 Batmobile

2 Headed Dog

Dennis Aiken

Dave Alvin

Ed Asner

Astrophysicists from Caltech

The Atamian Collection

Peter Abrahamson

Axis of Awesome

Trace Beaulieu

Jerry Beck

Krystal Bell

Arthur Benjamin

Tim Biskup

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

Dolores Bozovic, PhD

Born to Act Players

Jamie Brewer

Laura Brody

Blaine Capatch and Else Duff

Brown Paper LA

Exene Cervenka

Joey Cheezhee

ChromosDome

Cinematic Titanic

Cirque-a-Palooza

Acts from Cirque Berzerk

Alex Cohen

Frank Conniff

Crash Space

Creature Features

Dengue Fever

Drag-u-la

Ego Killers

FriendsWithYou

The Gentlemen Callers of LA

Golden Road Brewing

Eric Gradman

Helder Guimaraes

Art by Shepard Fairey

Signed Foo Fighters Guitar

Gregg Fleishman

Funny or Die

Golden Ticket Booth

Peter Hayes

Heino!

Historic Filipinotown

Joel Hodgson

Mad Lib-erties

Planetary Scientists from iPLEX

Jackshit

Jennifer Jonassen

Jose O'Malley's

JP Incorporated

Dr. Richard Kaae

Lynda Kay

Andy Kindler

The Moth's Vikki Kelleher

Cleo King

Mac King

Kids of Widney High

Andy Kindler and Dave Alvin

David Koechner

Kogi

Ernie Kovacs Display

The Lampshades

Art by Thomas Lanigan-Schmidt

The League of S.T.E.A.M.

Taylor Lura

Mandoline Grill

The Metamorphosis Project

Chris Mirabel

Molnari Gyrocycle

MonstroCity

Art by Mark Mothersbaugh