Hello,
We just had our annual, Japanese-American Obon festival at Higashi temple in Little Tokyo, 7/26 and 7/27. People, young and old, of all nationalities joined us, at our Buddhist temple, for fun, good food and entertainment.
Last year, during our traditional Obon dance, interested audience members joined our circle, around the taiko drum, and danced to traditional music. There was a delightful dance routine, taught to us during our 7 classes of rehearsals, to the Beach Boys' Kokomo. We ALL loved it! The day of the festival, when the Kokomo song started, everyone screamed to join in on the dance...even if they didn't know the steps/moves!
This year, we were instructed to remove this wonderful song from our repertoire of dance music. Why? We were told that it was Mr. Love's instructions and that he would sue us if we played/danced to it. We were shocked! There was silence, but the rehearsals went on.
Higashi Buddhist temple is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2009. As an active member and dance participant of our festival, I was wondering if we may get special permission, from Mr. Love, to bring back the "Kokomo" dance?
Thank you very much for your time and hope that this special request reaches Mr. Love. We will gladly treat him to a delicious plate of teriyaki chicken, teriyaki beef, udon hot noodles, somen cold noodles, dango/snow cone/homemade lemonade, chili dog, chili rice, hamburger, tacos, tamales, corn, teriyaki spam musubi rice balls and unlimited soda/water/beer!
Very sincerely yours,
Elaine Harada,'71 Garfield graduate in East L.A., '75 graduate of U.C.L.A. and Higashi temple member all my life!
P.S. We really enjoyed Kevin Love at all the U.C.L.A. games and wish him well in the N.B.A.!

What are you listening to right now? Listening to Dodgers...leading Dbacks 2-0!

I am sure Papa John Phillips, Terry Melcher, and Scott McKenzie wouldn't mind you dancing to Kokomo. After all it's their song just as much as Mr. Mike Loves. RIP John, and Terry!

Dear DJ:
Thank you for your information and response! Unfortunately, the other "writers of Kokomo" are not threatening us with a lawsuit (may they rest in peace also)...it is Mr. Love...as we were informed by our dance instructors.
Help anyone??? I also wrote to Ms. Patricia Ferrelli for assistance, but have not heard from her...yet. All of us at our temple will keep our fingers crossed! Have a safe day!

What are you listening to right now? 94.7 the Wave

The Lovester loves to sue people over the littlest things...unfortunately, his targets most often are his former bandmates Al Jardine and Brian Wilson.

What are you listening to right now? Beach Boys-Long Promised Road

Dear ascrodin,
Thank you for your reply! What are the chances of a Buddhist temple being sued by Mr. Love? Just curious... :) Have a safe day!
..Elaine...

What are you listening to right now? Dodgers...we beat the D-backs, 7-2!!!!!