I'm taking some time just to reflect on a few things that have taken place the last handful of months. Fresh off a break which included some snow skiing, COLD weather, and Jim Beam.

My Panthers. Oh, what can I say, you win one...you lose one. You win two...you lose two. Still I'm hooked. The greatest game to see in person, bar NONE.

Thanks for all the emails regarding what I'm doing, where I'm going to play, what about some Saturday action, more Sunday action, etc. I also appreciate all the Holiday greetings, I treasure all of our special friendships we have. I wish everyone a healthy and happy New Year.

My thoughts also go out to the families and friends of Lou Torres, Jim Curry, and Jerry Kritz. All were special people who I considered good friends. People I would have never have had the pleasure of knowing, if not for our "classic car community".

Kicking around the thoughts of doing something besides car shows. Not that I don't enjoy them...of course I do! Add in the fact that I don't do parties, weddings, etc. etc. etc. and what am I trying to say here? Well actually I don't know. The thought of singing "The bride cuts the cake" makes me cringe, and I don't wear a rubber chickens head while trying to inspire folks to do the chicken dance. I guess what I mean is that I really enjoy...LOVE actually the sounds of the 50's and early 60's, and they are quite hard to find in a "public, party atmosphere". I guess if there was something that interested me in sharing the sound at an event that wanted this "theme" I'd be interested. I know of a former-current radio DJ that is trying like all helll to sell himself to play 50's music somewhere..anywhere, and it's not happening. Yup, the time passes by, and it makes it harder sometimes to find a venue. As a lover of this generation of music, I can't help the fact that I get "in the mood" to share it with those who cherish it the most. I realize that it's not everyones "cup of tea". I do get emails though..alot of them..asking me "Where can I dance to the 50's and 60's". My only advice would really be..go to a classic car show. How's that for venting? I've thought for quite some time to broadcast from this site. A real oldies show...that's still a possibilty. We'll see. I've got the tunes for it...

Must see the new PBS Doo Wop program, it's excellent! Kudos to TJ Lubinsky for the fine work. This was also the last appearance of Dr. Bill Pinkney, the last of the original Drifters. He passed away July 2007. Not to be a name dropper, but he was the finest "celebrity gentleman" I'd ever met. I had the pleasure of working with him twice. The first time we engaged in a conversation for about 10 minutes or so, and I thought he was nice, but perhaps just being kind to a much YOUNGER Rockin Rich! A few years (and gray hairs later) we worked again at a Ron Peasley show in North Lauderdale. I spoke with him for quite some time, reflecting on "the sound", the current group, Clyde McPhatter, the way the REAL groups aren't able to collect royalties, the truth in music act, etc. He was by far the nicest entertainer I ever met. Class act. You will be missed. Thank you to Sandy Lubell who caught a picture of Mr. Pinkney and I, it's one that I'll always remember fondly...It's here on the site.

5/23/2008

Wow, has it really been about four months since I've added to this blog? Well, apparently so! I cruised into Zo's about three weeks ago and Arlyne stated that "You need to add to that blog"! Well Arlyne, I'm glad you're reading. I really want to thank Arlyne and Bob Miller for their help at the cruise-ins and car shows that I do. Without their dedication to the event, things wouldn't progress smoothly, and quite frankly..they are just "good people" and I'm happy that when I'm out playing some tunes, they are too! Thank you Bob and Arlyne.

Towards the bottom of this entry, I'll answer some questions very quickly. Yes, I do get plenty of email on a bunch of things. Some of it is even suitable to mention in this public, family-friendly forum.

I have a little cruise-in meet coming up next month in Boca Raton. I haven't played the oldies there in quite some time. I did a real nice benefit for children at the Holidays. Before that, the old "stompin' grounds" at the former Crabby Jacks in Boca....Seems like a lifetime ago. So, if you've been missing some doo-wops and cool cars in this area, I encourage you to take a trip out to the Flakowitz Deli. The place is always packed (food is fab) and Adam and Bobby from Flakowitz are two nice guys that want to check out some cool rides. Let's hope for some good weather. Yes, I promise to bring out a camera and get some pictures on here! I have been slacking in this department as of late. Info for the meet is on the front page.

I'm using a new program to update this site with. My buddy, DJ Scott the Music Man rescued our family computer after a virus...er, or something kicked the crap out of it. So, I wasn't able to do ANY updates for weeks. Unfortunately for me, the program I used to use wasn't backed up on disc, it was just downloaded to the computer from a website, so it's GONE!  I'm using a new one that he recommended. Very easy, but you must realize that I still think of vinyl records as "modern equipment"! My point is, please bare with me, the site will be changing a little, and I will be updating events and such a little at a time. Computer genius I am not.

How neat is a blog supposed to be..just random thoughts jotted down? Ok, I'm thinking I want to invite everyone out to the next Pirates World Reunion in Dania Beach this August (details on home page). This is not a car show this year, however I'm trying to incorporate a display outside the venue. I'll have more details on that hopefully very soon. The "voice" of South Florida radio will be the grand emcee that night, none other than the legendary Rick Shaw. ALL the money raised goes to the Majic Childrens Fund. In these tough economic times, I'd say needy kids probably need even more. It's always my pleasure to share some time with Rick, and it's a blast to see all the people getting pictures with him. Come on out and have some fun! Yup, pictures..I'll do some. PS, I had MY picture taken with him too. PSS, I'm trying to get "Johnny Andrews" AKA John Paul Roberts to go down there with me. Does that name sound familiar? JPR was on the "night shift" back in the Tiger Radio days on WQAM. He worked with Rick and they have a good time together when they cross paths. Now if you're asking who "Johnny Andrews" is...well, I guess you don't "get it"..LOL. I'll leave it at that.

Since the last blog, my Panthers have been eliminated from the NHL playoffs. Well, you know what I mean. Wait till next year! Only a little bit more than 4 months till next season! BTW, Go Pens!

Google is incredible, you can find anything, or anybody. So for now, let me answer some quick questions from some folks who've taken time to email about "things". Some from Google, some from people I may have not seen for awhile.

*Do I still go to car shows  to take pictures, etc? Yes, but not as often as I'd like or as much as I did. I figure I still go to at least one car meet a week at Zo's..if I'm doing more than Sunday night, then I'm REALLY busy. Besides, I'm just taking pictures for the site now, I no longer send any to any publications for consideration. So, I'm still out there. Like I said, I'm not getting pictures as often. For that I recommend Scotts site at cruisinsouthflorida.com. Just check me out once in awhile too!

*Do you play oldies anywhere besides car shows? Well, what do you have in mind? Yes, it depends...but...PLEASE refer above to the "chicken dance" crap etc. I don't DO chicken dance! LOL!

*My "oldies band" is playing at **fill in the blank** would you consider listing our event? This is something I think I'm going to add to the site. I either get this question over and over, OR I get "Where can I go to HEAR oldies music". This will cure that. So, bands that play 50's, 60's and 70's can email stuff, I'll edit it my way, and arrange it in it's own area.

*Are you the same Rich that was a DJ at the old Roller Skating Center in Coral Springs about 150 years ago? Yes, but don't tell anyone..and I still have my "two stripe-speed skates" BTW, you will not hear any Grandmaster Flash, Sugarhill Gang, or Gap Band at the car shows. We never played any Jay and the Americans at the rink either!

*Did you go to Coral Springs High School? I think so, that was too long ago to remember. Classmates.com, what an invention.

*How's Mom, Dad, and the family? Thankfully, GREAT!

CATCH YA ON THE FLIPSIDE!

Rich

08/09/08

Well, when I get a chance I like to look at the blog entry from above, and see what has changed. Yes, we have another new place for Sunday night. It's a real pleasure to be able to work again with my friend Phil Silverstone from the Tijuana Taxi Company. Phil and I go way back. Probably close to ten or eleven years now. In South Florida, that's a long time. Phil was a manager and a kitchen manager at the Deerfield Beach Crabby's when we first started out there long ago. He worked extremely hard and managed to start his own "thing", and now today there are two Tijuana Taxi Company restaurants in Broward County. He's a good guy and deserves all his successes. I'm just happy that we're able to work together again. He has always been committed to car events, and for that we all say "thanks Phil".

If you haven't been out to our new Coral Springs cruise at "the Taxi", give us a try. All the info is on the homepage.

Another summer, another Pirates World Reunion. This one was the BEST of all. I had a real blast! I only wish I could have visited Pirates World once, because if these are the folks that called this place "their spot" then this is the place I would have loved to hang out at. There was plenty of great food, beer, and lots of awesome music. My friend Jim Silvernale and the members of the Dania Beach Lions Club outdid themselves this time. Thousands raised, and time well spent with Rick Shaw (who is still the nicest guy around). Even "Johnny Andrews" was out being harassed by all the "pirates". Fun night, all for the kids! Can't wait till next year.

Thank you for your interest and attendance at our cruise nights at the Flakowitz Bagel Inn. Two of the nights had constant rain showers, and yet we have still had very good attendance. We will not be there in September, but you can look forward to Saturday nights of oldies and awesome rides, once a month for the rest of '08. Again, please check the homepage and/or listings for the exact dates. Come hungry because they make one heck of a sandwich.

As a New York Jet fan, what a great birthday gift they gave me on August 7th! Brett Favre! Ok, it's official I once again NEED to see my team play on Sunday. Opening day? New York Jets vs. the Chad Pennington led Miami Dolphins! Wow!

It's almost hockey season. While a Panthers fan can get pretty well "beat up" on a hockey information internet board, you must hang tough. I honestly can't say just how good this team will be, many think not good at all. I'm just thankful a place like South Florida can even have a team! It's the best sport in person..go ONCE and try it if you've never been.

Catch Ya on The Flip Side...Rich

09/01/2008

Happy Labor Day!

Just a couple things I'd like to make note of here.

First of all, many many thanks to all of you who were a part of the birthday celebration surprise for yours truly last week at "The Taxi". If you ever wanted to catch me speechless (which many say is impossible), last Sunday was indeed that rare opportunity. I truly knew nothing of the gathering and I must say "thank you" to each and every one of you who came out. Bob and Arlyne Miller who are kind enough to handle ALL my email send outs for car show info are to be thanked as well...they are truly good friends. Apparently they had been working on this for some time, and contacted everyone I knew through my email system. That's quite a lot of emails! So for all of you who decided to take "time out" from your weekend and wish an Old Timer a Happy Birthday...Thank Y-O-U!

That brings me to something I haven't explained before but would be a good time.

Bob and Arlyne now DO handle all of my car show information emails. When you receive an email from RockinRichEvents@comcast.net, you are receiving important email for a future show, or something that may have popped up at the last minute. They take the time to coordinate all this stuff, and get you up to the minute info on "gatherings". You may have once received emails from their personal email address, but alas, many thought it was "junk email" and erased it! Imagine! LOL, So...NOW you see that ULTRA important NEW email addy, and I just know you will not erase that one!

I still handle my own email through the email address on the "contact" page. That is personal contact for me. You can get a hold of me there for future show information, a booking,  to tell me about a great new place for a show, or just to mention how much you love my Panthers. For the record, my email address is Rich@rockinrich.net.

Seems that things are getting busy in the show field. There are only so many weekends, and so many shows. Dates are at a premium, especially when cooler, friendlier temperatures start to make their way to south Florida. All I will say about this is that I stand by my declaration at the top of my "Events Page". It states that I can list any show I want, and NOT include any show I wish. Yes, this is a public forum, but it's privately owned. I have gotten MANY inquiries about listing shows. Most I do, some I do not. When I choose to not list a show, the reason is mostly because it will step on the show of the person/persons who already have that date first. I have some dates where there ARE two shows, but if you look at that point in question, they usually are either FAR AWAY from each other, or they are at different times of day or night.

I have personally been a victim of this practice,  getting a show booked on top of yours, heck I've been around this since 1990, it's bound to happen. It's not a good thing. Remember, we are a community (and a relatively small one at that) and folks remember. People talk as well. I've had people inquire about why company "ABC" would want to sponsor me, when they could sponsor them, or why would "you" spend your money with "him" on a show when you could spend it with "me". It all comes around in the long run. Be careful of peoples feelings, and be considerate when it comes to show dates. This has been said time and time again.

Yikes, too much drama! I'm heading out!

Catch Ya on The Flip Side...Rich

10/20/2008

Your opinion.

Anyone who takes time to write me an email, to tell me what a great time they had at one of the programs I worked, or even one where there was "an issue", I'm grateful. To think someone would take valuable time to "share a thought" is really flattering if you think about it.

What "gets me" though is when I receive forwarded email/links/videos etcetera of the political nature. I've never told anyone not to email me these types of things, perhaps that's "on me" or as Cody would say "my bad". I guess my point is this, I would never send these things to anyone else, and while I enjoy what I do here and out in the show field...it's my diversion to get away from the troubles of the day. And there are many of them.

I respect your thoughts and may even agree with them, maybe not...I get them from both sides every four years and I'm asking anyone who forwards political "facts" to not forward them to me. Have your opinion and voice heard where it counts most, at the ballot box.

Thank you, and ya know I love ya!

Catch Ya on The Flip Side...Rich