Atlantic City Weekly

Share this Story:

Once again, greetings and salutations. As I say, nothing but stars. They shine every weekend at Memories in Margate, and last weekend was no exception. It began with our favorite Congressman, Bob Brady, and his family on Friday night, and then the Svengali of all politicians who puts it all together for them, Ken Schmuckler and family. A big birthday party for the Geator Gold dancers — Sal, and Paula’s Bob. And on and on. Saturday night, the return of the dynamic duo, John Bolaris and Chuck Peruto Jr. Out on the dance floor, Registrar of Wills Ron Donatucci and his lovely Stephanie, also celebrating a birthday, along with Dr. Tony and his lovely wife. Then there was Max Paul, the king of Toyotas, with his lovely wife Sandy and friends. As the night wore on, it got better. Jeff Orleans back in town with Butchie Siegel, Bobby Horn and friends from the Hamptons, Albert and Renee — and, of course, the three Amigos.


And everyone is raving about the book, You Only Rock Once. Lots of folks are finding it difficult to buy because most outlets are selling out fast. But if you want a copy, autographed, either come on by to Memories on the weekend, or see me this Monday, Aug. 15, when I sign copies at Philly’s SugarHouse Casino from 6-7pm. SugarHouse is running a special promotion from 3-6pm where the first 200 Rush Rewards guests will receive a free autographed copy of the book. By the way, a special shout-out to David Farber, who loves the book, and Merrill Kelem, who’s in the book. Now, let’s ask the Geator



I read your column and have to disagree with you regarding the Starlight scene. Starlight was not a club, but the Starlight Ballroom on the Boardwalk. They held teenage dances there every night during the summer. The station broadcast live every night from the ballroom and it was a blast. Thousands of kids attended and it ran for years before it was destroyed by fire. Thanks — Nick Smigo, via e-mail 


You’re right — when I replied to the question about the clubs in Wildwood, I meant to say the Stardust Club, not the Starlight. I’m aware of the Starlight Ballroom as a dance hall off the Boardwalk because I started dances there with Bob Horn back in 1956.



Hi! Do you have any recordings available of yourself riffing during “Heat Wave,” or any recording of you doing “Clap yo’ hands” available for sale? — Dana Rush, Philadelphia



Well, if you have For Dancers Only, Volume 1, the opening song is “Heat Wave” and I do the Geator rap. And on my newest CD, Jerry Blavat Presents 50 Years of Musical Memories, there is a 12-minute version of me at Memories doing the classic “Clap your hands, clap your hands, clap your hands.” Both CDs are available by mail or in person — geator.net has details.



When James Arness died you said on your radio show that his brother was also a famous actor, but I can’t remember who. Thank you — Doris Francey, Audubon, N.J.



James Arness was the older brother of Peter Graves of Airplane, TV’s Mission Impossible, and Biography. Their real last name was Aurness. Peter Graves once directed his brother in an episode of Gunsmoke (see photo). 


Got a question for Jerry? Send it to AskTheGeator@acweekly.com or Geator Gold Radio, 626 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19106. For more info on Jerry’s appearances, go to www.geator.net — and keep on rocking, ’cause you only rock once!