Tiki Community Rallies Around Popular Gallery Owner with Cancer

About 200 people are expected at Don the Beachcomber’s tonight. In common, they share a love of all things tiki and of Mike Adler, Seal Beach’s longtime patron of tiki art and the popular owner of the Picture Show Gallery on Main Street.

Just months after his seemingly healthy 50th birthday, Adler was diagnosed with stage four Metastic Adenocarcinoma.

Tonight’s gathering is as much a show of support as it is a fundraiser, said organizer and friend Chris Garland.

“The tiki community is a big group of people who like to get together and celebrate all things Polynesian and tiki. (Adler) has always been a strong supporter of tiki and Lowbrow Arts. That shop has been there for two decades, and he is well-known and well-liked by everyone,” Garland said. “Whenever there is a need, he is the first person to jump in and help. He’s an all-around great guy. That this should happen to such a nice guy really hit everybody hard.”

Many of the artists supported by Adler have come forward with original artwork to raffle off at tonight’s fundraiser, including Shag (Josh Agle), Derek Yaniger, and Doug Horne. Three bands – The Hula Girls, The Ding Domg Devils, and Three Swank Bastards – will also be performing.  Hundreds of prizes will be given out in raffles and a silent auction. Art Snyder, offered up his restaurant for the venue on just three week’s notice. That so many people would come forward to help reflects just how much Adler means to the community, said Garland.

The money raised at the event will go directly to help Adler, his wife Karen and two children to help pay medical bills.

“It’s awesome to see everyone come together to help someone,” Garland said.  “It creates an overall good feeling a positive aura, and shows Mike how much we support him.”

Tickets for tonight are $20. The doors open at 6 p.m., and Don The Beachcomber is at 16278 Pacific Coast Highway. Supporters can also make donations by sending checks directly to the .