🚘 Meet Charles Phoenix: Midcentury Americana Social

Join the Great Northern Region for a special members-and-associates-only evening with Charles Phoenix — the colorful, joyful, and wildly entertaining champion of classic and kitschy midcentury American life and style.

Charles is known for his retro slide shows, classic car JOYRIDE videos, coffee table books, field trip tours, and unmistakable love of vintage Americana. This will be a relaxed summer gathering with appetizers, drinks, conversation, and a chance to meet one of the great personalities of the midcentury and automobile world.

🗓️ Event Details

• Date: Sunday, June 21, 2026, 4 to 7pm
• Location: Home of Jim Nepp and Larry Fonnest, Golden Valley, MN, address provided to confirmed RSVPs
• Format: Appetizers, beer, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks
• Attendance: Capped at 50
• Who may attend: GNR members and associate members only
• RSVP deadline: Tuesday, June 16

🌟 About Charles Phoenix

Charles Phoenix is a performer, author, explorer, collector, and midcentury pop culture expert who celebrates classic and kitschy American life and style. His work blends vintage slides, roadside Americana, architecture, food, fashion, and classic cars into a one-of-a-kind retro celebration.

For car lovers, Charles is especially fun because he treats midcentury automobiles as rolling works of art — all fins, chrome, color, optimism, personality, and “behold the glory” energy. His JOYRIDE videos and car stories are a perfect fit for GNR members who love design, history, humor, and the emotional pull of a great old car.

• Retro slide show showman and storyteller
• Champion of midcentury architecture, design, and pop culture
• Host of classic car JOYRIDE videos
• Collector and curator of vintage Americana
• A big personality with a deep affection for the cars, places, and visual culture of midcentury America

🎬 Charles Phoenix Watch List

Want to get a feel for Charles before the event? Here is a quick starter playlist for members who want a sampling of his classic car, midcentury modern, and Americana content.

• Start here: Charles Phoenix official website
• YouTube channel: Charles Phoenix on YouTube
• Classic car binge: JOYRIDE playlist
• Automobile design: The Fins, Flair & Futurism Slide Show
• Space-age car glory: JOYRIDE: 1958 Continental Mark III
• Wagon wonder: JOYRIDE: 1959 Buick LeSabre Station Wagon
• Midcentury places: Charles Phoenix Presents: Googieland
• Retro sampler: Charles Phoenix Presents: Mad for Mid-Century

📸 The Vibe

Expect a festive, social, and very GNR evening — part cocktail hour, part retro salon, part classic car conversation starter. Think summer gathering, midcentury sparkle, friendly faces, and a guest who knows how to make fins, chrome, tail lights, roadside signs, and old slides feel like national treasures.

• A relaxed private gathering for members and associates
• Appetizers and drinks in a welcoming home setting
• Conversation with a nationally known retro Americana personality
• A great evening for members who love classic cars, midcentury style, architecture, design, and vintage culture

📝 RSVP

Please RSVP by Tuesday, June 16. Attendance is limited to 50 people, and this event is open to GNR members and associate members only.

• Address will be shared with confirmed RSVPs
• Please RSVP only if you are reasonably sure you can attend
• If plans change, please let us know so we can offer the spot to another member

Come raise a glass, enjoy the company, and help us give Charles Phoenix a warm GNR welcome — with plenty of midcentury sparkle, chrome, color, and joy. 🌈✨