Hitmaker. Boundary Breaker. Pop Pioneer. (Muse.)
Rusty's Electric Dreams :: Issue #362
When this picture was taken back in 2011, it was really just starting to gel for me who I was. I had a lot of creativity and big ideas swirling inside me but didn’t quite know what that meant in the bigger picture. As I’ve gotten to know a lot of creative people, I think a lot of us feel that way at times—unsure of how to take what we love and turn it into something meaningful.
Little did I know, meeting Allee Willis would change all that. It was the first time we met, and just a month before my life blew up when I started blogging professionally.
How it started:
Friends of mine in Alameda, Jessica and Mel, were part of a TV show where their collection of kitsch was being sold off in a big offsite event. Naturally, the Queen of Kitsch herself, Allee, had to drive up from LA for it. Since their house was being used for filming, they asked if I could host a party at my place in her honor. They were adamant: "You have to meet her." So, I did what anyone would do: I threw a “For the Love of Kitsch” party.
At the time, I didn’t know much about Allee, except that she had written Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” the “Friends” theme, and loved kitsch as much as I did. Not wanting it to turn into a celeb-fest, I invited only fellow kitsch-lovers. It was the perfect group, and everyone understood the assignment. We all showed up with our best—food (check the heart-shaped Fluffernutters on the Jesus plate I’m holding), quirky fashion, games, and more.
How it went: When Allee arrived, the party was already in full swing. She opened the door, stopped, looked around my vintage western kitsch-filled home, opened her arms, and exclaimed, “One of us!” I was immediately smitten. That night, this new pal shared wild, larger-than-life stories, and before I knew it, I knew I had found the perfectly perfect muse. She never stopped creating, wasn’t bound to one medium and every second of her life was art. Seriously, what’s not to love?
How it’s going:
And now? I’m living at her pink palace, Willis Wonderland. It’s more than a home; it’s this magical, creative safe space filled with everything she spent decades curating. It’s been called a real-life Pee-wee’s Playhouse, and somehow, I get to be here, soaking in her life’s creative output. Since her passing in 2019, the Willis Wonderland Foundation has been working to carry on her legacy, and again, somehow, I’ve found myself part of it. Some days, it feels like a dream. In my darkest moments, I never could have predicted how things would turn out, but here I am—grateful for every second of it. <pinch>
What’s next: This brings me to the documentary The World According to Allee Willis, coming to theaters November 15. Actual theaters! It’s not just a look at Allee’s incredible, boundary-breaking career, but a celebration of pop culture itself. The film looks at her influence on amazing folks like Pamela Adlon, Paul Feig, Mark Cuban, Michael Patrick King, Patti LaBelle, Cyndi Lauper, Mark Mothersbaugh, Paul Reubens, the Pet Shop Boys, Lily Tomlin, and on and on. It’s also a love story, featuring her partner of 28 years, the also fabulous and accomplished Prudence Fenton.
In November, the film will play for a week in several cities, including LA and NYC, and two days in Detroit, with one-night-only screenings in other major U.S. cities soon after. It’s also still making the film festival rounds. I urge you to see it on the big screen if you can to get the full and glorious experience. Every time I watch it, and I’ve seen it maybe seven times, I discover something new.
Why it matters:
Seeing this film will help you understand why Allee Willis was such a significant creative figure and how her boundless imagination impacted so many lives, including my own. It’s a rare opportunity to witness the life of someone who truly lived outside the box and inspired so much of the pop culture we love today. I think you’ll see why she became such an important part of my journey, why her legacy is worth celebrating, and why I’m personally excited to be on the team spreading the word.
I’m so excited for you all to see this and would love to hear what you think about it.
— Rusty Blazenhoff
P.S. I’ve been digging deep in Allee’s archives and pulling out some absolute GEMS.
As seen on the Internets
Go ahead, play with your food. via
For your consideration:
:: This is brilliant: demastering ‘Dookie’ (Thx, Anna!)
:: Lean in to your surroundings
:: Gaming life
:: Halloween in L.A. hits different
Real Things That Actually Exist: Yes way!
Secret message: Those nautical flags spell out “Resist Fascism.”
Featured Events
❤️ [November] Have I told you that The World According to Allee Willis is coming to theaters soon? I can’t remember what I tell people anymore. Kidding, I just wanted to share the BRAND NEW trailer! (Is it coming to a city near you?)
BAY AREA, CA+
[Bay Area :: ongoing] Go join an Explorers Guild event. Be part of the Raining Chainsaws art collective, or just go to one of their amazing shows or art-making events. Attend a Wholesome Circle. See what the Church of Clown is up to. If it’s lowtide, head to TEPCO Beach. For more fantastic and affordable Bay Area happenings, check out Richie Rhombus’ Cool Happenings list (beautifully described as an “in-the-know guide for intimate, quirky, thoughtful events as well as ridiculous parties and larger gatherings outside the mainstream”). Also, keep an eye on the calendars for Flora and Fungi Adventures, Artists Television Access, City Arts & Events and The Marsh.
[Oakland :: Halloween-ish] One of my all time favorite events: Driveway Follies
LOS ANGELES, CA+
[L.A. :: ongoing] There’s always something going on in L.A. and, not surprisingly, many of the events revolve around pop culture and entertainment. In no particular order, here are a few I’ve learned of:
Electric Dusk Drive-In, Vidiots, 1iota.com, Groundlings, Cosm, Puppet Up!, Largo at the Coronet, Dynasty Typewriter, Cinespia, Bob Baker Marionette Theater, Freak Nature, Lucky Tiki Speakeasy, Magic Castle, Black Rabbit Rose, coffee shops, “Unique and Unusual” museums, Philosophical Research Society and my new favorite (even though it means getting up WAY too early): The Los Angeles Breakfast Club.
ELSEWHERE
[Houston :: 10/31] Meow Wolf Houston, Radio Tave, opens on Halloween. Tickets available now.
[Portland, OR :: 11/2] Portland All Souls River Procession: An absolutely lovely, solemn ritual art procession along the Williamette to honor the dead, led by a local art collective.
[NYC :: 11/20] Luna Luna opens in New York City
[U.S. :: 12/1-12/19] John Waters Christmas Tour
[New York :: Ongoing] Shadow Traffic
❤️= I plan on attending!
Punctuation matters via
No Bay Area screenings? Geez. And fie, fie!