Brian Wilson to perform at Petersen fundraiser

The annual Petersen Automotive Museum's fundraising event on May 7 promises to be fun, fun, fun when Beach Boy Brian Wilson and his band take the stage. The rock-'n'-roll icon is scheduled to play for an hour as part of the museum's largest charity event of the year, proceeds from which benefit the 501(c)(3) institution.

The Beach Boys had a lot of car-themed hits, including "409," "Little Deuce Coupe" and "Fun, Fun, Fun." (AutoWeek trivia: The Deuce Coupe featured on the cover of the album of the same name belonged to Clarence "Chili" Catallo, whose son, the successful and powerful advertising executive Curt Catallo, once was a lowly editorial assistant at AutoWeek).

In addition to Wilson's set, you will get a splendid dinner and the chance to rub elbows with car guys and gals from all over Southern California, a few of whom could even qualify as celebrities. (Erik "Ponch" Estrada from CHiPs comes every year!)

Since the event is held at the museum, you can see all of the fabulous cars on display, too, including the Hollywood Gallery, featuring famous movie cars; Treasures of the Vault, showcasing all the best of the museum's own collection, and the Bruce Meyer Hot Rod Gallery, with a great collection of original rods.

Tickets are $200, but you can write it off. Think of your taxes for once!

You can get more info by calling (323) 964-6366 or at www.petersen.org.

By Mark Vaughn