| March, 2018

Alice Cooper — on stage villain, backstage superstar

Posted on 30 March 2018 by JLusk

Cinema Dave & Alice Cooper.

Over 40 years ago, Captain and Tennille’s Love will Keep us Together played on rotation on radio pop radio airwaves, while Alice Cooper’s Billion Dollar Babies and Welcome to My Nightmare played regular rotation on album rock radio (Anyone remember WSHE?)  While the Captain and Tennille enjoyed the comforts of a variety show on ABC Television, newlyweds Sheryl and Alice Cooper were torturing each other on stage on an international rock ‘n roll tour  A safe bet would have predicted that “Love would have kept” Captain and Tennille together, but the couple divorced after 39 years of marriage, while Alice and Sheryl still continue to strangle and stab each other on stage. Back stage Alice and Sheryl Cooper have been married 42 years, raised three adult children with two grand children (twins) and one more on the way.

The contrast between Rock Icon and family man is what makes Alice Cooper (born Vincent Furnier) such a fascinating individual. Alice is comfortable everywhere he goes. He can give a lecture at the Salvador Dali Museum in Saint Petersbug and then play 18 holes of golf during the regiment of a yearly 100 city world tour.  At the end of the year, the Coopers return home to Phoenix, Arizona to host their final concert of the year, Alice Cooper’s Christmas Pudding.

Unlike the slick two-hour concert tour, featuring snakes, guillotine, balloons and confetti, Christmas Pudding is an epic variety show that features diverse talent: Gary MuleDeer sprinkles comedy between two roof-raising renditions of Johnny Cash songs, Slash (Guns n Roses) and Ace Frehely (KISS) taking turns proving who is the greatest guitarist in the world, while local talent features a dance review of 1970s disco and Mariachi Juvenil de mi Tierra performs a series Christmas Carols with Mexican violins, horns, giant guitars and sombreros.

Proceeds from that concert go to the operations of  Alice Cooper’s The Rock Teen Center. The Rock provide teens with a central place to learn, have fun and explore their creativity in a supportive and safe environment. Touring The Rock last December made me nostalgic for my Dillard School of Performing Arts days, while making me optimistic that the fundamentals of  the performing arts will be emphasized.  While some of the “Rock Teens” performed onstage, special attention was given to the young people backstage and behind the camera.

While keeping his core audience in good standing for four decades, there is a conscious effort to reach young people. For the School’s Out curtain call, it is usually a young person who throws balloons at the audience. His touring band is younger than  Alice, with the youngest being Nita Strauss, a 32-year-old heavy metal guitarist whose ancestry includes composer Johann Strauss.

For the most part, an Alice Cooper Show is strictly entertainment.  The themes can be lofty with symbolism and artistic merit, but the main goal is to entertain the ticket buyers.  However, last Saturday Night at the Orlando Hard Rock stadium, local headlines were acknowledged ( the tragedy at Marjory Stoneman Douglas) between the songs 18 and School’s Out. There was no politics, just photos of the 17 victims with support of the young people marching last Saturday.

His current Paranormal tour wrapped up on Holy Thursday and, on Easter night on Sunday, Alice Cooper will be typecast as  King Herod  in Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert on NBC. As an actor, Alice Cooper embraces his devilish contribution to Andrew Lloyd Wright and Tim Rice’s controversial musical. As a Christian, Alice Cooper accepts his role as a villain while publicizing the gospel of Jesus.

Before commencing his “Christmas Pudding” concert, the Cooper family appeared on stage. While receiving two notes from his twin grandchildren, Alice and Sheryl Cooper just learned that they are going to be grandparents for the 3rd time.

 

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Bahamas Paradise expands

Posted on 30 March 2018 by JLusk

Want to get away?

By Rachel Galvin

If you want to go away on an excursion or a short getaway, you don’t have to travel too far. Just head to the Port of Palm Beach, jump on The Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line Ship and head to the Bahamas for the weekend. Now, it is easier than ever since they are unveiling a second ship. They already have the Grand Celebration. Now, they will be adding Grand Classica, which will have its unveiling on April 13.

With 12 decks, the Grand Celebration has plenty to do and see. While taking in ocean views, kids and adults alike can lounge in the sun and feel on top of the world. Families can have a great time playing corn hole or ping pong. Kids can go have fun in the arcade or spend part of the day in the day care playing video games or doing other fun activities. Take a dive in one of their pools or relax in a Jacuzzi. Their full service spa offers everything from massages and facials to teeth whitening and waxing. Enjoy entertainment in their almost 800-seat theater, including comedians, musicians, dancers and other ever-changing performances. (When headlining acts come in, they may charge a small extra fee). Once they get out to sea, the casino opens and guests can play slots, Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, Craps and more. Go shopping and buy duty free merchandise unavailable in the states. Get your groove on during nightly dance parties. There are plenty of options for dining up to five times a day,  included in the price of the trip, or guests can sit down to a more gourmet meal for an extra charge at Admiral’s Steak & Seafood. (You can get all this for as low as $149 per person, which is very affordable when you think about taking your family out for just dinner and a movie alone on a weekend).

The new ship will have pretty much the same amenities, but will have its own vibe with a lot of marble and art, an Italian feel. It will have fewer staterooms but more space for larger events.

The Grand Celebration has had its share of events, however, including hosting the Susan Komen’s Perfect Pink Party Gala & Castaway Cruise in January.

The cruise line also helped out during Hurricane Irma.

CEO Oneil Khosa explained, “When Hurricane Irma happened, we sent the ship to a safe destination. We told people if they haven’t made plans, hop on board (for a nominal fee). We

CEO Oneil Khosa (right) with partner Kevin Sheehan and his son, Kevin Sheehan Jr.

went to the south of Cuba. After we came back, we opened it up to anybody to come and have food on board [since electricity was out]. We served a couple thousand meals. We had an open offer to first responders. We wanted to help out. We are part of the [community]. We got a call from FEMA asking if it was possible to send the ship down [to St. Croix and St. Thomas]. It was the right thing to do. We were there within three days with water, provisions and food.”

 

Something that he feels makes this cruise line different is the fact that it is a more intimate experience. Instead of having maybe 3000 or more people, there is room for a total of 1500, meaning a corporation can virtually have the ship to themselves if they book it for a large event.

“We want to be a neighborhood ship,” said Khosa, saying that booking a trip is meant to be very simple, that people don’t have to plan so far in advance; they can hop on board and just be away for two days and come back. (Those without a passport can bring an original birth certificate and a government ID).

“Everybody can rearrange their schedule to take off two days together and treat themselves,” said Cruise Director Christian De La Rosa, a.k.a “Mr. Chicago,” who handles all of the ship’s entertainment.

Now that they have two ships, that means ships will be out to sea daily. Guests can extend their stay, adding two, four or six days in the Bahamas, and coming back on another ship. Because they work in large volume, the cruise line can offer discounted rates on hotels and other excursions while guests are there. People may just sit on the beach in the Bahamas, or they might do outings like snorkeling, parasailing, swimming with the dolphins or going on a jeep adventure.

“Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line is a small niche cruise line with something for everyone — families, couples, corporate meetings. It is also unique as we are the only cruise line offering two-night cruises and a cruise and resort stay,” said Vice President of Corporate Community & Media Relations Anita Mitchell.

Two ships also mean more jobs. Mitchell said it translates into $100 million back into the economy.

“We have created a lot of jobs … small industries, fuel, merchandise….” said Khosa.

Although the ships are at the Port of Palm Beach (located at 1 E. 11 St. in Riviera Beach), Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line’s headquarters is right here in Deerfield Beach.

Ready to cruise? Find out more at www.bahamasparadisecruise.com.

 

PICTURES FROM GRAND CELEBRATION:

(photos by Rachel Galvin)

 

Always leave room for dessert, like this delicious tiramisu.

Admiral’s Steak & Seafood.

“Mr. Chicago,” the cruise director ensures everyone has a great time by lining up world class entertainment.

Plenty of entertainment in this nearly 800-seat theater.

Beautiful areas for quiet contemplation.

The chef has many selections to satisfy your sweet tooth at the Grand Cafe.

If you upgrade to one of these state rooms, you can join the “Concierge Club,” which includes many VIP amenities.

Take a dip in one of their pools.

Gambling galore… They have plenty of games to play if you want to take a chance, including Texas Hold ‘Em, Blackjack, craps and more.

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Charity beach volleyball event raises $5K

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

By Gary Curreri

Ben Koos couldn’t have been happier with the recent charity beach volleyball Pro/Am Tournament on Deerfield Beach.

The Embrace Life Children’s Foundation teamed up with Dig the Beach Volleyball and raised more than $5,000 to go towards helping children in the community and those proceeds went directly to helping the Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health.

The event was a good start to hopefully an annual event,” said Koos, the tournament organizer. “We had over 100 players come out between Saturday and Sunday, which made for great viewing for the fans and a great time for the players.”

The inaugural event featured two days of competition, including Men’s/Women’s Doubles for both professional and amateur players, while Sunday included Junior Boys/Girls 12-18 and Co-Ed Doubles.

Several community sponsors joined in, including Jersey Mike’s Subs and Harmless Harvest Coconut Water, who fed and hydrated the players. Other local businesses supporting the event included Rox Volleyball as a Title Sponsor, Pediatrix, Island Water Sports, Hypower Electric and International Union of Police Associations.

Koos’ wife, Carolyne, who helps run the charity, also deemed the event a success.

We ended up with 100 players, which wasn’t bad for the first time,” she said. “With the funding we received, we have been able to outfit the NICU and Pediatric Unit with some much-needed items on their wish list and also pay for transportation for the sickle cell pediatric patients to Camp Boggy Creek, so those patients can forget their medical issues and just have fun for a bit.

We just had a Spring Fling visit filled with bunnies, chicks, and spring goodie bags and toys for all of the pediatric patients from oncology, peds floor, to PICU and NICU,” she continued. “It is a joy and a blessing to help these families with whatever they need from help with medical bills to fun group outings with patients to shows, or tickets to events, funding for medical research, or day-to-day needs, like clothes, or computers.”

Carolyne Koos said the organization does what they can to try and improve the lifestyle. She and her husband started the non-profit charity organization after their 2-year old son, Christian, passed away recently after a long battle with a rare neurological disease. His genetic disease, known as Leukodystrophy, can affect anyone from a newborn baby to an elderly person.

Whatever makes their life a little easier while they work on getting better, we are happy to do,” said Carolyne, who would bring gifts to the Broward General Medical Center and Miami Children’s Hospital during her son’s stays “just to see a smile on a child’s face.”

Carolyne speaks with the child life advocates at each hospital to find out the needs of the children and to find out how they can help.

As always,” she continued, “being 100 percent volunteer driven with no administration costs or salaries, you can tell our heart is in what we do. It truly is a beautiful gift to be able to work with and help these families…I have to say from my point of view all the players, organizers, promoters and supporters were nothing short of a huge blessing to me and the families.”

For more information, visit www.embracelifechildrensfoundation.com.

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FLICKS: The Death of Stalin, I, Claudius & Jesus Christ Superstar

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

By “Cinema” Dave

http://cinemadave.livejournal.com

It took a poorly reviewed Pacific Rim sequel to slow down the box office juggernaut known as Black Panther, which became the No. 1 box office movie in comic book history. In the following weeks, Ready Player One and Avengers: Infinity War will attempt to achieve Black Panther’s lofty box office height.

With more subtle box office numbers, The Death of Stalin opened as a modest hit. A dark comedy about the transition of Soviet dictators, this film could be seen as a chapter of Monty Python presents Masterpiece Theater. While a Monty Python cast member has a supporting role (Michael Palin), it is Steve Buscemi’s performance as Nikita Khrushchev that steals the show. A conspiracy plotter who coldly exploits the weaknesses of his comrades (especially Jeffrey Tambor as a Stalin sycophant), Bescemi’s Khrushchev is given moments of slow burn comedy as he becomes the leader of thugs and idiots.

Given Russia’s brutal history, there are plenty of gruesome moments that are given dark comedic spin. For example, a medical examiner performs an autopsy of Stalin’s brain, in front of a quibbling government committee trying to determine foul play. The grossness of the scene is punctuated by Stalin’s children walking into the room while their father is literally getting his head examined. The absurdity of human misbehavior is truly revealed in this film.

It has been 42 years since I, Claudius premiered on American Public Broadcasting Television. Shot in soap opera style on videotape and based on Robert Grave’s historical novels I,Claudius and Claudius The God, the 13-part miniseries, presented early days of Roman History, full of political speeches, bloodshed, sex and a surprising amount of nudity for broadcast television. The series ignited the careers of Patrick Stewart, the late John Hurt, John Rhys-Davies and Derek Jacobi as the title character who lived in the time of Christ.

With four months of hype and promotion on NBC, the musical Jesus Christ, Superstar Live in Concert will commence at 8 p.m. on Easter Sunday. With music from Andrew Lloyd Weber and lyrics by Tim Rice lifted from their hit Broadway musical and 1972 motion picture, this production has always been controversial.

Given the counter culture movement of the 1970s, Weber and Rice sought to present a view of an alternative Jesus, in contrast to sword and scandal epics that featured Charlton Heston, Jeffrey Hunter and Max Von Sydow. They chose to present Jesus as a celebrity to be envied. This envy led to betrayal by one of his disciples, Judas. Thus, Jesus Christ Superstar has been referred to as The Gospel of Judas.

Regardless, this musical about Jesus has endured, with a soaring musical score and a popular song, “I Don’t Know How to Love Him,” which will be sung by Sara Bareilles. John Legend will carry the cross for this three-hour live event. In a small, but showy role, expect Alice Cooper to steal the show as King Herod. [See more on Cinema Dave’s adventure to see Alice Cooper perform recently in Orlando at www.observernewspaperonline.com].

Happy Passover & Happy Easter!

 

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CRIME WATCH

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

Deerfield Beach

March 13: A man reported that his bicycle was stolen from in front of the Family Dollar Store at 4811 N. Dixie Hwy.

March 13: A man reported that someone stole a yellow paver compactor valued at $1,200 from a truck parked at 600 NW 38 St.

March 14: It was reported that a Cadillac was stolen from 901 W. Sample Rd.

March 14: A woman reported her car parked at 1320 SW 5 Ave. was entered and a wallet was stolen.

Lighthouse Point

March 12: A cab driver said he drove a subject to a residence at 4400 NE 22 Ave. who left to go inside to retrieve money to pay the fare. The victim waited 10 minutes before calling the police. Police believed that the subject gave a bad address and then fled on foot.

March 12: The victim said he lost his wallet and last remembered having it while checking out at the Dollar Store at 3780 N. Federal Hwy. The loss was $20.

March 12: The victim said his tag was either lost or stolen from his van when it was parked at 5024 N. Federal Hwy.

(This is a partial list. For Deerfield Beach Crime Watch in full, visit www.DFB.City and click on “Sign Me Up” to receive the city wide report.)

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HAPPENINGS

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

Women’s History Hall of Fame Inductee Brunch

Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m.

Johnny Tigner Community Center,

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Come out for a breakfast brunch buffet and entertainment as the city honors the most deserving individuals! They are proud to announce their special guest & keynote speaker, Dr. Rosalind Osgood. Tickets may be purchased at the Johnny Tigner, Sr. Community Center at Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex for $10. For more information, call 954-480-4481 or 954-480-4429 or visit www.dfb.city/WHHOF.

Save the Date: Boca Bacchanal

Friday April 6 & Saturday, April 7

Friday will be the Vintner Dinners (at private residences) starting at 7 p.m. with a 5-course meal. Each dinner will feature a unique Saks Fifth Avenue silent auction item and more. Tickets: $325 per person. Saturday will be the Bacchanalia from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Mizner Park Amphitheater. Enjoy a wine and food event combining incredible food from over 30 local restaurants with world-class vintners showcasing their wineries’ best — all for attendees to sample. Guests will also enjoy a high-tech auction of wine and lifestyle lots. Casual cocktail attire. Tickets: $100 per person. For more information, visit www.bocabacchanal.com.

Movies on the Lawn — Despicable Me 3

Friday, April 6, 8 p.m.

Great Lawn

20-98 N. Pompano Beach Blvd.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Intersection of Atlantic Blvd. & Pompano Beach Blvd.

Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and picnics and come enjoy a featured presentation under the stars on the first Friday of every month at the Great Lawn. This is a free, family-friendly event. For more information, call 954-786-4111 or visit www.pompanobeachfl.gov.

Special Spring Car Show

Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Trophies for top 10 cars and dash plaques for first 50 cars. Vendors welcome, $1 carousel rides and music will be played. For more information, call Jean at 561-704-0669.

Pat Anderson Plein Air Painting

Saturday, April 7, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hillsboro Lighthouse

907 Hillsboro Mile

Hillsboro Beach, FL 33062

Watercolors on the lighthouse grounds. Paint boats, clouds, ocean, sea grape, palms, lighthouse, cottages and the barefoot mailman. (Second class is on Monday, April 9, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Inlet Park Pavilion, SE bridge entrance). For more information, call 954-786-4111.

Worth the Drive: Tortuga Music Festival

April 6, 7 & 8, 1:30 p.m.

1100 Seabreeze Blvd.

Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33316

Held on the white sands of Fort Lauderdale Beach Park in a beautiful Oceanside setting, Tortuga Music Festival is a 3-day, multi-stage music festival featuring some of the biggest names in country, rock and roots music. To purchase passes, visit www.tortugamusicfestival.com/passes. For more information, email info@tortugamusicfestival.com.

 

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EASTER HAPPENINGS

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

City Easter Egg Hunts

Deerfield Beach

Flashlight Easter Egg Hunt

Thursday, March 29, 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Constitution Park

2841 Hillsboro Blvd.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Pre-event starts at 6:30 p.m. Ages 7 – 12 at 8 p.m. Ages 13 – 17 at 8:15 p.m. Ages 18 & up at 8:30 p.m. Wristband required. Deerfield Residents: Free; non-residents: $2.

Easter Egg-Stravaganza

Friday, March 30, 6 to 8 p.m.

Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex

445 SW 2 St.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

Easter Egg Run & Parade

Saturday, March 31, 10 a.m.

Deerfield Beach Athletic Complex

501 SE 6 Ave.

Deerfield Beach, FL 33441

For more information, call 954-480-4494.

Lighthouse Point

Easter Egg Hunt

Sunday, April 1, 1 p.m.

Frank McDonough Park

3500 NE 27 Ave.

Lighthouse Point, FL 33064

For ages 10 and under.

Photos with the Easter Bunny

Saturday, March 31, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Pompano Citi Centre

1955 N. Federal Hwy.

Pompano Beach, FL 33062

Join in on the fun with themed arts and crafts, complimentary face painting and a DJ dance party. Don’t forget your camera so you can snap a free photo with the Easter Bunny! Admission to the Family Fun Day event is free. Carousel will be open during the event and rides will cost $1 per person. For more information, call 954-943-4683.

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CLERGY CORNER: Plato, DNA & God

Posted on 29 March 2018 by LeslieM

Who knows why we experience what we do, meet who we do, or read something when we do. Some say the what, who, and when of our lives are elements in a divine plan, and some say they are nothing more than pure serendipity. Whatever the case, they are the parts that make up our lives and formulate our view of the world. I recently had a what, who and when experience that put a more hopeful spin, at least for me, on our troubled world.

The what part of the experience were words attributed to Plato which acknowledge that love, in all its glorious manifestations, is what each of us seek in our lives. The who part of the experience, was David Christian, from San Diego State University, and his explanation of DNA, from which our search for love logically proceeds. The when part of the experience was re-reading The First Epistle of John, and specifically the words “God is love,” which for me, tied the whole experience together.

Now before going any further, we need to acknowledge that most theologians identify four different kinds of love: empathy, friendship, erotic and unconditional. The love at the core of our being is not apportioned by these distinctions; it is just there, as necessary to our well-being as is the air we breathe.

First, Plato’s words are as true today as they were when he wrote them in the 4th century BC: “Every heart sings a song, incomplete, until another heart whispers back.” Yes, God created us as unique individuals but our creation is defined and completed by our relationships with God, with our fellow men and with those we love. We have probably all considered the question: “If a tree falls in a forest and no one is around to hear it, does it make a sound?” This question also applies to human beings: “If we wander through the days of our lives without any meaningful relationships, do we even exist?” The answer is an affirmative. Yes, a tree does make a sound, and yes, we do exist. Plato reminds us of this truth about ourselves with his words: “Those who wish to sing always find a song.”

Second, each of us has some measure of control over our relationships and whether or not we lift up our voices in song. However, the makeup of our DNA is another question. The essential components of our DNA are beyond our control.

David Christian described DNA as two chains each containing clusters of atoms. These two chains bond together when the atoms of one chain exactly match the sequence of the atoms of the other chain. Mea culpa if my understanding of Professor Christian’s description of DNA goes down the wrong track, but if it helps to remind us that our hearts are only complete “when another heart whispers back,” then I think we are on the right track to understanding that we are created for meaningful relationships; it’s in our DNA.

Finally, there is Saint John’s declaration that “God is love.” This is where the what-who-when experience gets complicated. If “God is love,” and if the first chapter of Genesis tells us that “God created man in His own image,” then how do we explain evil and hatred in the world? The answer, of course, involves God’s “gift” of free will. This gift enables us to act either in love or in hatred. Why were we given such a gift? We were given free will because, without it, our expressions of love or hatred would be meaningless; they would only be mindless reactions to the people and events around us. Our reactions are only meaningful if they emanate from our free will.

God’s gift of free will to mankind assures us that there is hope in the world. It enables us to respond to people and events by finding a song to sing based on the love God sang to the world, from the moment of creation; a melody He placed in each of our hearts.

Rev. M. Tracy Smith, SSA, Rector is from the Saint Peter’s Anglican Church, 1416 SE 2 Terr., Deerfield Beach, FL 33441. For more information, call 954-695-0336. Wednesday: Holy Communion at 10 a.m., Sunday: Holy Communion at 10 a.m.

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Some Beach Parking to Close for Sand Removal Operation

Posted on 28 March 2018 by JLusk

The City of Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department would like to notify residents and guests that parallel parking spaces and the berm area along Ocean Way from Hillsboro Boulevard to SE 4 Street will be temporarily closed for sand removal, beginning Wednesday, March 28. Excessive wind has caused sand to shift from the beach and it is imperative that we conduct this operation at this time. The cleaning is expected to be completed by end of day on Thursday, March 29, weather permitting. We apologize for any inconvenience.

For more information, please call the Parks and Recreation Department at 954-422-5839.

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Cinema Dave meets Smokey

Posted on 23 March 2018 by JLusk

As a prodigal Roman Catholic, I avoid eating meat during Lenten Fridays, which was appropriate when meeting legendary soul singer Smokey Robinson last Friday, March 16, at a special event held in Miami. Best known for his “oldies” hits like “The Tears of a Clown,” “The Tracks of My Tears” and “Going to a Go Go,” Smokey was in town to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Jazz in the Gardens, sharing the stage with Chaka Khan and Anita Baker, but also stopped at a special event that showcased his wine label, “Smokey Robinson Wines.”

Learning that Smokey has been a vegan for two and a half years, I asked him what I should eat with with his wines, to which he said, “People like the reds and the whites with meat and fish, but I would have a salad.”

Gouda cheese was provided for the wine sampling, for which the Riesling was fully  complimentary.  However, it was the Cabernet Sauvignon that made me long for Mom’s macaroni sauce or the eggplant parmigiana meal from Nick’s [in Deerfield Beach].

His looks, energy and vitality belie the fact that Smokey Robinson is 78 years old. Besides his Smokey Robinson Vineyards, the man still performs a two and a half hour show with a North American Tour planned through August. His timeless music has generated an audience both youth and old. When asked about his “Timeless” appeal, Smokey modestly answered, “It is a blessing, man, living a life doing what I love.”

As both a Motown singer and songwriter, the secret about Smokey’s music is inclusion that surpasses generations.  A Smokey Robinson concert is a family event that grandparents, parents and children can attend and have a good time together.

There is something “old school” about Smokey that is endearing. At the press junket, my colleagues took pictures and recorded interviews with their cell phones. As I prepared my equipment, I mentioned to Smokey that I missed my old tape recorder.  Smokey replied back with a teachable moment, “Tape is reliable. I wish I could get into the Motown vault.  I’ve got so much unreleased stuff in there by artists that I recorded or myself. I wish I could get in there!”

Even though Motown is under new ownership, I can see Smokey finding a way to get into the vault. All he  needs to bring to the front desk is some gouda cheese, macaroni sauce with a bottle of Riesling and Cabernet Sauvignon, respectively!

Photos by Cendino Teme.

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