26 | JUNE 2026 SPECIAL SECTION
22nd Annual David Mann Chopper Fest
David Mann was an artist whose name is synonymous with biker culture. Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, he moved to Southern California after high school and immersed himself in the custom scene. After seeing Mann’ s 1963 painting“ Hollywood Run,” artist and car customizer Ed“ Big Daddy” Roth, who was the publisher of Choppers magazine, commissioned a series of original posters. Mann is best known for his work in Easyriders magazine. From 1973 until 2003, his paintings of choppers and biker culture were published as centerfolds in nearly every issue. by the Beach
Felicia Morgan, a longtime contributor to American Rider when it was known as Thunder Press, knew David Mann. Reporting on the 8th annual David Mann Chopper Fest in 2012, she wrote that the artist“ was known as a typical Kansas City boy; warm, laid back, and relaxed … Just as his logo depicts, David was always smiling and was considered‘ easy to amuse’ since laughter came often for him. When he wasn’ t laboring over his easel … he was riding his’ 57 Pan / Shovel and partying with his best gal Jacquie, his sidekick for 24 years, and his posse of riding pals.”
David and Jacquie were married in 1997 at a swap meet held at Seaside Park in Ventura, California. Mann passed away in 2004 at age 64, and that same year he was inducted into
Blue skies, palm trees, and custom bikes as far as the eye can see. The 2026 Chopper Fest was a full day of fun in the sun.