Georgia Joan "Joani" Hannan, 83, passed away peacefully at home in Palm Springs, in the arms of her partner on April 13, 2012. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, on January 19, 1929, Joani began playing the drums when she was eight years old, parlaying the lessons her parents provided into a side-line business teaching drumming for a dollar a lesson to other children in the neighborhood. Music became her lifetime career.

After WWII, she toured with the USO in many far-flung places, including Iceland and Japan. Arriving stateside, she formed several all-girl bands, playing nightclubs and hotels across the country.

In 1959, she made her big-screen debut as the drummer in the all-girl band in the film classic "Some Like It Hot." Joani went on to become a successful restaurant and nightclub owner, the most famous of her establishments being "Joani Presents" in North Hollywood, which catered to the lesbian community during the 60’s and 70’s.

In 1980, Joani moved to Humboldt County and began homesteading in Palo Verde, building a home with soaring views that quickly became a gathering place for family and friends. During the 1990’s, Joani and her partner, Marion Cain, owned and operated the Shelter Cove Grotto in Redway.

Joani is survived by her life-partner, Marion Cain; her brother, Peter Waldor and sister-in-law, Carol; brother, Matthew Waldor and sister-in-law, Sally; sister, Laura Jones and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Gwenith and Nils T. Waldor and her brothers David and Daniel.

In lieu of flowers her family asks that you donate to your favorite LGBT organization in her memory.