The historic Balboa Fun Zone in Newport Beach, CA, was purchased last year by the Newport Harbor Nautical Museum. They have already closed the miniature golf course, and will close the bumper cars, dark ride, and other rides in September. I visited in October 2003 and had a blast playing the vintage skee ball and riding the dark ride.

We just saw the closure of the remaining two original tiki places in Orange County: the Royal Hawaiian in Laguna Beach and Sam’s Seafood in Huntington Beach, and now this happens. Soon there won’t be anything worth visiting in Orange County except the Hi Times liquor store.

OC Register article on sale

Balboa Fun Zone web site - with price list of rides for sale - anyone want to buy a laughing lady for $3,000?

Newport Harbor Nautical Museum web site - “dedicated to preserving and promoting the maritime heritage of Newport Harbor…”. Yeah, right!

This summer is shaping up to be good for reunion shows. Great news for me, the legendary 1970s Australian rock ‘n roll band Radio Birdman is touring the U.S. for the first time ever! The current line-up includes original singer Rob Younger and original guitarists Deniz Tek and Chris Masuak with bass player Jim Dickson and drummer Russell Hopkinson. They also have a new album coming out.

Radio Birdman tour schedule:

August: Wednesday 30th: Los Angeles (CA) - Wiltern Theater • Thursday 31st: San Francisco (CA) - Great American Music Hall • September: Friday 1st: Seattle (WA) - El Corazon • Saturday 2nd: Chicago (IL) - Double Door • Sunday 3rd: Detroit (MI) - Majestic Theater • Tuesday 5th: Cleveland (OH) - Beachland Ballroom • Wednesday 6th: Washington (DC) - Black Cat • Friday 8th: New York (NY) - Irving Plaza • Saturday 9th: Cambridge (MA) - The Middle East • Sunday 10th: Philadelphia (PA) - First Unitarian Church

Radio Birdman Official Web Site

Radio Birdman performing “New Race” on YouTube.com

The Essential Radio Birdman (1974-1978) on Subpop Records

Other good reformed bands touring this summer are Stiff Little Fingers (currently touring with the original bass player Ali McMordie - Jam bassist Bruce Foxton departed after playing with the band for 15 years) and Mission of Burma (touring again following their triumphant return in 2002 after a 19 year hiatus). And I’m hoping the Stooges come here when they finish the new album.

Stiff Little Fingers web site

Mission of Burma web site