performance in the early ninety ’ s was unbelievable . He was in his mid eighty ’ s and needed assistance on stage , but once on stage it was “ hi-de-ho ” time . And it was magic !!
In 1995 , we had a star born in the Art Deco era ( 1925 ) the incredible “ Salsa Queen ” herself Celia Cruz on Ocean Drive . Celia was born in Cuba , like my parents , so it had a personal significance to me . As an Art Deco Weekend organizer , I got to be on stage and be next to her as she started the performance . I looked out into the audience and as special as it was to be backstage , I knew I needed to be part of the audience . I jumped onto a golf cart and went all the way to the back of the audience . I get chills even as I write this . What a special moment it was to have Celia perform at Art Deco Weekend and for me to share it with our patrons !!!
— Betty Gutierrez , Former MDPL Chairwoman ART DECO WEEKEND 2002
“ My favorite memory was at Art Deco Weekend 2002 when I went with Coman Leonard to pay Dee Dee Bridgewater in cash before she would go on stage . Because of the deal set up by the music promoter , she refused to go on before being paid . It was short notice to us so we took cash over to her trailer to pay her in tens and twenties . She insisted on counting the money first , but had wet nails , so had to call someone to come and count the money for her . She caused the show to start 45 minutes late , forcing the band to play for that entire time . When the band saw her in the wings , in retaliation , they kept her waiting another 15 minutes before calling her onto the stage . They put on a great show , but the behind the scenes show was even better .”
— Steve Pynes , Chairman of MDPL
ART DECO WEEKEND 2007
“ Back in 2007 , a guy rolls in on a vintage motorcycle and asks if he can join in the Art Deco Weekend Classic Car Show ”
Turns out that it was Billy Joel !
He stayed for the show , and was kind enough to give out some trophies with us . During the show , there was a song & dance troupe of high school performers on a stage , and at some point they performed “ RIVER OF DREAMS ”. Billy and I were having lunch and he heard the kids performing and jumped up on stage and sang with them . Very very cool memory ....
Billy came back with us for ADW every year until 2013 when he sold his home on Lagorce Island .”
— Mel Mann , South Florida Region Antique Automobile Club of America
“ I was excited because the Art Deco Weekend Committee finally allowed food trucks to participate in the festival . However , with the strict rules and regulations , I was only able to get one approved . Nevertheless , I was happy we were trying something new . The sole food truck was a red fish truck . On the first day of the festival , the little red fish truck was selling fish sandwiches like the ocean was about to dry up . It was a HUGE success . Early in the morning on the second day , I come strolling down Ocean Drive with a bounce in my step , still elated about the food truck ’ s success when police sirens caught my attention . As I got closer , I saw several police
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40 YEARS OF FABULOUS 43