Facebook Friends on the Radio

Bob Radil of  the 60s 70s Show on Rewound Radio featured above is one of many of my Facebook friends.  I just looked at my friend list and found so many who have been on the radio now or in the past.  I have decided to compile a list limited to those radio personalities whom I have met.  I will obviously not give their entire radio resume, but just say how I met them and my radio experience with them.  The list is in no particular order:

• Don Tandler - met at a few of the oldies meets and greets.  Pop Gold Radio and NJ 101.5
• Cousin Bruce Morrow - met at the Rewound Cruise in 2007.  SiriusXM, WCBS-FM, WABC
• Rich Appel - the only person who ever gave me a ticket to a Bob Dylan concert.  That Thing with Rich Appel on Rewound Radio
• Gary Brefini - I have never met him, but spoke to him once on the phone. He is a reader of this journal, Radio XL5
• Bobby Backman - Cool Bobby B - Another regular person at the oldies meets and greets.  The Doo Wop Stop on SiriusXM
• Alan Seltzer - oldies meet and greet - WCWP
• Scott Fybush - I last saw him at the Decalcomania convention in East Brunswick, NJ in July 1995.  WXXI Rochester and publisher of the North East Radio Watch
• Russ DiBello aka Famous Amos - Oldies Meet and Greet.  WCBS-FM and Jammin 105
• Tom Lawler - I just heard him today on WLNG.  I met him at the Long Island Radio Day at CW Post.
• Ron Parker - Met him at a WCBS-FM picnic in Staten Island some years ago.  Work at WCBS-FM.  I think he does part time work on NASH-Fm
• Jerry Barmash - Long Island Radio Day - WABC
• Broadway Bill Lee - Came to one oldies meet and greet - WCBS-FM
• Jim Kerr - Two oldies meets and greets - Q-104.3
• Pat St, John - oldies meet and greet. WCBS-FM and WPLJ
• Scott Lowe - oldies meet and greet - WBUX, Bucks County PA
• Kristen LaBar - oldies meet and greet - Fresh 102.7
• Joe Causi - WCBS-FM promotion at a Verizon cell phone store
• Bob Shannon - CBS Radio day at Yankee Stadium - WCBS-FM and WLNG
• Teddy Smith - the most recent oldies meet and greet - WPAT (AM)

Are Changes Needed in Future Oldies Meet and Greets?

Sue O'Neal Talks to Amy Auerbach and Others

Yogi Berra once said “It is so crowded that nobody goes there anymore.” Let me discuss a minor problem that arose at yesterday's Oldies Meet and Greet. Several people complained that the waiters were very slow at bringing the checks. Some had to leave to catch buses or trains, so I can certainly understand their anxiety over this. A few hours after the event I received an e-mail from the manager of Ben's asking how things went. I reported this situation to him and he responded Its time consuming to make separate checks per person based on what they ate. We can work on that for next year by setting a price per person. One of the fixed price menus should work for the group. Another option would be to have the waiter give one check to each table. The problem is that people often have problems figuring out how to split the check.

This is a problem that arose since we had a turnout of about 70 people. The question is “Has the Oldies Meet and Greet become a victim of its own success? Since 2006 we have held the event at Ben's Deli on West 38^th Street in Manhattan.

• We are open to everyone. Nobody was ever turned away.
• Ben's Deli never asked for money in advance to reserve the back room.
• Everyone was able to order anything from the menu.

Since we ran into this problem, we may have to make changes in the future.

1. Should we used a fixed price menu limiting people to certain items and collect the same amount from everybody at the beginning?
2. Should we look for another venue that could accommodate more people? Again I don't want to have to collect money before the event. I think the people at Ben's have accommodated us very well over 9 years.

My feeling is to go for option #1.

Since the internet became popular in the 1990s people have met and became “virtual friends” as part of “virtual communities”. You really don't “know” people until you have met them face to face. Since there were 70 people at the event, it was just impossible to meet everyone. I personally prefer a smaller gathering so I can spend some time conversing with everyone there. Is the event a victim of its own success?

We certainly have time to think this as the next event would likely not be until next November.  I certainly welcome other opinions.

Saturday Night Oldies Meet and Greet

We finally had our Saturday Night Oldies Meet and Greet at Bens Deli on West 38th Street in Manhattan.  This event could only be organized by the new information technologies.  On June 3, 2005 WCBS-FM dropped the oldies format after 33 years and flipped to the dreaded Jack format.  On December 3, 2005 WABC partially filled the void by placing Saturday night oldies from 6 - 10 PM.  From 1960-82 WABC was the premier top 40 station in the USA if not New York.  I am grateful that the management of WABC appreciates the heritage of the station and put oldies back on the air even only 4 hours a week.  I helped Frank, Jeff, Alan and Cara plan this event to celebrate the first anniversary of the show.  It was nice to meet Mark Simone the DJ and his producer Frank Marano.  Several people brought digital cameras.  Frank took a picture of me with Mark.  So hopefully, he will send it to me soon so I could post it.

My Interview on Bob Radil's 60s 70s Show about the Oldies Meet and Greet

Bruce and Bob Radil at the November 2010

Oldies Meet and Greet

Photo by Pete Ritzert

There have been several mentions of Bob Radil and the 60s 70s show in this journal over the past few years.   Fridays are always busy with Jeopardy and ball games, but I always find some time to listen to at least part of his show from 6 - 10 PM on Rewound Radio. I phoned his show tonight to talk about the Oldies Meet and Greet.  The interview was about 11 minutes.  Listen here.

The Oldies Meet and Greet will be a Zoom Meeting in Fall 2021

 

Bruce, Karen, and Lee at the Oldies Meet and Greet in 2009

Jeff Scheckner and I concurred that for safety reasons we should not hold the traditional oldies meet and greet this Fall.  We felt that it was not advisable to have 50 or so people in close proximity at a restaurant at this time.  I also found out that Ben's Deli in Manhattan is closed on weekends until further notice.

We will try to have a Zoom meeting instead and will look for speakers.

Saturday November 12 - 6th Annual Meet and Greet of Fans of Oldies Radio

Readers of Bruce's Journal are invited to the 6th Annual Meet and Greet of Fans of Oldies Radio.

Saturday November 12 2 PM - 4 PM

Bens Deli (http://www.bensdeli.net)
209 West 38^th Street
New York, NY

This is a golden opportunity to meet new and old friends who share the same enthusiasm for oldies radio. This event does not endorse any radio station or program. In the past celebrities from major radio stations have appeared. Presently we are inviting some well known personalities and will announce special guests after they have confirmed their appearance.

We choose Ben’s since they are moderately priced and have always allowed to have a private room without an additional charge. You only have to pay the restaurant on the day of the event. We may ask for $1 from each person to pay for the lunch of any special guests. This is an open event, so please invite any friends who are interested.

We would like to get an approximate head count so please respond to Alan Berman, the Distinguished Professor of Oldies Meet and Greets.  His e-mail is Alan707@verizon.net.  He will be very pleased to hear from you. 

A splendid time is guaranteed for all.

5th Annual Meet and Greet and Oldies Radio Enthusiasts

For those of you who don't know him the gentleman in the photo above is Alan Berman who today was the happiest man of the face of the earth.  For 365 days a year (366 on leap years) he talks about the annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Radio Enthusiasts.  Yours truly, Alan, and Jeff Scheckner organized this event held at Ben's Deli on 38th Street in Manhattan.  This year a record setting 75 people attended.  We had some radio personalities including:

• Jim Kerr (Q-104.3)
• Don Tandler (New Jersey 101.5)
• Big Jay Sorensen (WCBS-FM)
• Bob Radil (Rewound Radio)
• Anita Bonita
• Famous Amos
• Rich Appel

Over the past 15 years people have formed "electronic friendships" with people having similiar interests.  I have certainly met many radio enthusiasts through Facebook and message boards.  It was nice to see some old acquaintances for the first time in a few years.  The following names come to mind:

• Frank D'Agostino
• Gary Fishbein (I think he is a bigger Met fan than I)
• Andrea Wiener (the oldies diva)
• Linda Cohen ( I have known her for years)
• Mary Shaw
• Terri D
• Rich Appel
• Bill Dillane
• Larry Stoler

It is always nice to meet people for the first time.  I met Stu Dolgon on the WCBS-FM AOL folder back in the 1990s, but I met him for the first time face to face today.  Some years ago I traded radio tapes with Scott Lowe a member of the radio club Decalcomania.  I met him for the first time today.

I think everyone really enjoyed this and are looking forward to another one next year.  I prefer smaller gatherings where everyone knows each other, but a large "Meet and Greet" once a year is a good thing.

My Facebook friends can see photos on my profile.  I'm  sure others will be posting within a day or so.  Readers of Bruce's Journal not on Facebook can see my photos at http://picasaweb.google.com/bigtownman/2010oldiesmeetandgreet

Bill Dillane's photos may be seen at http://www.flickr.com/photos/20172574@N02/sets/72157625378712912

Jerry Barmash's article about the gathering may be found at:

http://www.mediabistro.com/fishbowlny/dozens-of-oldies-fans-gather-to-meet-jim-kerr-radio-pros_b20859

My Top 10 Followers on Facebook - Some Surprises

Bruce 's Top Followers on Facebook
1) Gerry McKiernan - he is a science librarian at Iowa State. I have observed his postings on many listseves over the years. I am sure he has read many of mine, but we have never met.

2) Joel Glassman - My old buddy from my undergraduate days at City College of New York. He moved to North Carolina over 30 years ago. I haven't seen him in over 35 years

3) Victor Monachelli - the first radio enthusiast I met about 15 years ago on Prodigy. He lives in Florida now, but I met him in 1995 in Yonkers

4) Patrick J Guice - fellow radio enthusiast. I have met him at gatherings of oldies enthusiasts

5) Ellen Burden Parker - librarian at Atlantic Cape County College in New Jersey. We meet once a year at a professional meeting. I'll likely see her on January 8th. She is also a radio enthusiast

6) Amy Auerbach - oldies enthusiast. We have meet a few times at gatherings of oldies enthuiasts

7) Mary Hennessy Shaw - one of NYC's greatest listeners of oldies radios. We have met several times at "Meets and Greets"

8) Stu Dolgon - I met him on the WCBS-FM message board on AOL years ago. He lives in central NJ, but roots for the New York Rangers

9) Ron Gitschier - fellow radio enthusiast living in Florida. Several years ago he was in the Navy and was in NYC for fleet meet. We met for some drinks at a restaurant in Queens

10) Alan Seltzer - fellow radio enthusiast whom I've met a few times at gatherings.

Thanks to all of you for dropping by.

Some observations:

I have met 8 of the 10 of my top followers. 5 of those 8 I have encountered within the last year. The biggest surprise was who was not on the list.

1. The Dean of Oldies listeners. He knows who he is. But he is by far #1 on accessing me through telephone.
2. The Oldies Diva

None of my NJIT colleagues made the list.

My sister did not make it either. I guess she is not spying on me.

The Oldies Meeting and Greet will Transition to a Zoom Meeting

The late Randy Safuto (Randy and the Rainbows)

at the 2017 Oldies Meet and Greet

There have been yearly oldies meet and greets held in Manhattan since 2006. The event was an outgrowth of our outrage over the terrible format change at WCBS-FM in June 2005. Almost all of the events were held at Ben’s Deli on West 38th Street. Over the years we have had several radio personalities and singers of some of our favorite oldies as guests. Early this year the Manhattan Bens Deli was sold and is now known at Mr. Broadway. They are asking $44 for a sandwich, fries, and soft drink which is significantly higher than what we paid in the past.

In previous years, up to 80 people attended the event. In November 2022 only 25 came. There were two reasons for the big drop-off:

1. During the two-year gap caused by the pandemic many lost interest

2. Women were afraid to travel to Manhattan by public transportation.

We feel that the higher price would deter many from attending this year and in the future. We investigated other venues in Manhattan that were even more expensive. We have decided to hold future meetings virtually through Zoom. We have some ideas for a theme, but nothing has been finalized. However, we need someone to let us use the account for this event. If you can help us out, please let us know.

We thank all who have attended one or several past events.

Bruce Slutsky (BruceS8852@aol.com)

Jeff Scheckner (JmandJs@aol.com_

 

The Thirteenth Annual Oldies Meet and Greet is Scheduled for Saturday November 10

Randy Safuto of Randy and the Rainbows

appeared at the 2017 Event

I called Ben's Deli in Manhattan and reserved Saturday, November 10th from 2PM - 4 PM for the 13th annual oldies Meet and Greet.  This is just a "keep the date open" announcement, but more information will be made public when it becomes available.  My collaborator Jeff Scheckner and I will create a Facebook page for it.

To make a long story short the event started as a "protest" to the "hijacking" of WCBS-FM in 2005.  For a number of years, the event celebrated the anniversary of Saturday Night Oldies on WABC.  For most of the years, it was a gathering of enthusiasts of oldies radio and music.  We have had some distinguished personalities as guests.

Please see https://bit.ly/2ws8179 for several posts in Bruce's Journal about past events.

I promised that this entry would not be about the Mets.

5th Annual Meet and Greet and Oldies Radio Enthusiasts Scheduled for November 13

We did it before and we're doing it again.  Alan Berman, Jeff Scheckner and I are organizing the Fifth Annual Meet and Greet of Oldies Radio Enthusiasts.  Here is the announcement from Facebook:

By Popular demand we are holding another Meet and Greet of fans of Oldies radio as we have done ever Fall since 2006. This gathering is organized by Alan Berman, Bruce Slutsky, and Jeff Scheckner. It does not in any way endorse any radio station or program. We hope to have some oldies radio personalities as guests, but can presently not make any promises. We will make further announcements when we have a definite committment.


Please feel free to invite any friends whether or not they are on Facebook. We ask that if you come, have a meal at Ben's since they have allowed us to reserve a private room without money in advance. It is very moderately priced.

On that day Alan Berman will be the happiest man on the face of the earth.  He really wants a big turnout of oldies enthusiasts.  All readers of Bruce's Journal are invited.  Ben's Deli at 209 West 38th Street in Manhattan offers a bright and cheerful environment. The event is from 2 - 4 PM. I am looking forward to my pastrami sandwich.

Remembering Alan Berman

Bruce with Alan.  He has an autographed WMCA

Good Guy Sweatshirt

I met up with Alan Berman at the Met game on Saturday afternoon June 15 as we had planned.  It was a lousy game as the Mets lost 5-2.  On Sunday he posted on Facebook that he was going to Westchester to play golf.  There were no further Facebook posts from the world’s greatest Facebook addict.  On Tuesday morning I received an e-mail from Terri saying she was really worried since there were no postings or e-mail from Alan in over a day which is so unlike him.  After I tried to call him on Tuesday afternoon and evening, I really suspected something wrong and searched his name in Google News.  I found the terrible report from News 12Westchester that he was killed in a terrible car accident.  I don’t know the whole story, but he could have suffered a heart attack, seizure or stroke while driving.

I first met Alan in July 2006 at Shea Stadium.  Back in June I organized a Meet and Greet at Ellen’s Stardust Diner for the first anniversary of the change of WCBS-FM from Oldies to the dreaded Jack Format. Alan was apologetic saying that he really wanted to come, but he had tickets for the Met game.  He asked for my phone number and we talked about oldies, radio and baseball.  We found at that we both went to school in Rhode Island in the early 1970s.  He went to Vernon Court College while I pursued my studies in chemistry at the University of Rhode Island.  We recalled listening to famed morning DJ Salty Brine on WPRO Providence.  Everybody in Rhode Island listened to Salty back then.

Alan, like all Met fans are sad since the team has lost

so much over recent years and want the Wilpons

to sell the team

It late 2006 we both became hooked on Saturday Night Oldies heard on WABC.  The show brought oldies back to terrestrial radio for 4 hours a week after WCBS-FM was hijacked.  Frank D’Agostino organized the first Meet andGreet in December 2006 for the first anniversary of that show.  We met at Ben’s Deli on West 38^th Street.  These gatherings became the most important thing in Alan’s life.  As soon as one event ended, he started to talk about the next one.  He always speculated on who was going to come and how many people we would get.

The next big event was the WABC Rewound Cruise in June 2007.  On that day Alan was the happiest man on the face of the earth.  The guests included Cousin Brucie, Dan Ingram, and the late Soupy Sales.  We met same radio enthusiasts including Ron Soldano, Rob Frankel, Peter Kanze, Eileen G, Eileen W, Paula Ross Guice, Carol Kruger, Jeff Scheckner, Jay Mandel and others.

Bruce, Linda. Alan, Mary and Ron Soldano at the 

WABC Cruise

The Meet and Greets that began in 2006 became yearly events.  As soon as one gathering ended, Alan would talk about the next one.  He always speculated on who was coming and how people we would get.  Over the years several major radio personalities including Bobby Jay, Pat St. John, Jim Kerr, Broadway Bill Lee, Keith Allen, Jim Kerr, Carol Miller, Cool Bobby B and Bob Radil came to the events.  In a short period of time Cool Bobby B became Alan's favorite DJ.

Cool Bobby B with his favorite listener

We had major gatherings at Ben's Deli every year which became better as the years went on.  Of course Alan was always the first to arrive and the last to leave.  We had several smaller gatherings over the years at various places in Queens and Manhattan.  One of the gatherings was at the Long Island Radio Day in April 2010.  Alan met Mary, Linda and Paula in Manhattan and drove them to Post.  The highlight of that day for me was meeting the late Pete Fornatale.

Alan met Don K Reed at the Long Island Radio Day.

Alan always told me that the hijacking of WCBS-FM was a blessing in disguise since it created a virtual community of oldies enthusiasts who were outraged at the worst format change in radio history.  That virtual community became real through the various gatherings.  Alan made many friends in this radio group.

Alan with Don Tandler who runs Pop Gold Radio

Here are some random thoughts about Alan:

• He was also a big Bob Dylan fan.  He always said that I was Dylan's biggest fan, but I respectfully denied that.  Mel Prussack who has a Bob Dylan museum in his home has that distinction.
• Alan's mother was in failing health for several years before she died in May 2010.  Alan spent so much time caring for her during her illness.
• Although Alan was a big Met fan he also rooted for the Yankees (except during the Subway Series)  He and I were the same in that regard.  He was going to go the Yankee Old Timers game on June 23.
• Alan was a big tennis fan (http://www.bruceslutsky.com/2011/09/dedicated-follower-of-tennis.html).  Every July he vacationed in Newport Rhode Island near the Tennis Hall of Fame.  There was a tournament there.  He religiously attended the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows Park every September
• Alan was excited when WCBS-FM returned in July 2007.  However, he was very disappointed when  their playlist emphasized 70s and 80s music while he preferred the "Heart of Rock n Roll."  He embraced many online radio stations including Pop Gold Radio, Hy Lit Radio, and Rewound Radio.
• Alan enjoyed playing golf.
• Alan's biggest vice had to be Facebook.  Sometimes I wondered if he was on Facebook 24/7

I last saw Alan on Saturday June 15th at Citifield as we saw the Mets lose to the Chicago Cubs 5-2.  I first met him at a Met game and saw him the last time at a Met game just one day before his tragic accident.  Alan was on his way home after playing golf.

Alan worked in his family's insurance business until it was sold in December 2009.  He retired at that point.  He spent his last years pursuing the things that he enjoyed.

Rest in peace, Alan.  You will be sorely missed by your many friends.

The 2019 Oldies Meet and Greet was a Big Success with Some Surprises

Big Jay Sorensen spoke to the gathering today

Today's oldies meet and greet brought some surprises.  Jeff Scheckner and I announced the event on Facebook and Oldies Message Board.  Of course, many people say they are going to be coming but something comes up and they must back out.  There is certainly nothing wrong with that as emergencies always come up.  Today's event was unique for people who unexpectedly came.

Jim Kerr came by toward the end of the event

Jim had attended a few of the earlier events, but this time he came unexpectedly and spoke to the group about Harry Harrison's induction last night into the Radio Hall of Fame.  Getting back to Jay Sorensen; he spoke about his days at WNBC, NJ101.5, and WCBS-FM.  Anita Bonita, formerly of Z100 and now with WCBS 880 came with Russ DiBello whose radio name is Famous Amos.

Bill Dillane with Louise Murray in the background

Today's event drew about 50 people which is more than have come in recent years.  Many of the people from the early days (c.2006) have "moved on" but new people are coming.  For the second year in a row, must of the "Survey Guys" have attended. Milton Love of the doo-wop group The Solitaires also came. 

We will have it again next November.

2018 Oldies Meet and Greet Featuring Lunch with Ken Dashow Talking About the Beatles

The Oldies Meet and Greet has come a long way since the mid-1990s when a few of us from the WCBS-FM folder on AOL met for lunch.  It evolved into a group protesting the dreadful format change at the station and then into a group of enthusiasts of Saturday Night Oldies on WABC.  Today's gathering of 38 including people who have come for years and some newcomers.  Some of the oldtimers included:

• Linda Cohen
• Terri Du
• Bill Dillane
• Jon Binstock
• Alan Ross
• Bobby Backman

The first-timers included:

• Tom Natoli who used to win all the time on Tuesday Night Trivia on WCBS-FM
• Charlie Menut

Most of the events featured radio personalities or musical performers.  Today's guest was Ken Dashow of Q-104.3 who also appeared in 2015.  After he ate lunch with us he spoke about the Beatles and answered questions about the greatest musical group in history.

I can't wait until next November for the next event.

2013 Oldies Meet and Greet to Honor Alan Berman

I am paying tribute to Alan Berman

There was certainly a void at this Oldies Meet and Greet since we still feel the loss of Alan Berman.  About 40 people came to gather and share are love of oldies on the radio.  There were several radio personalities including Rich Appel, Cool Bobby B, Scott Lowe, Kristin LaBar and Bob Radil.  Old friends that attended included Mary Shaw, Linda Cohen, Frank D'Agostino, Jeff Scheckner, Bill Dillane, and Terri Durr.  In the photo above I gave a 5 minute tribute to Alan.  There were other tributes by Jeff, Bill, Mary and Frank.  I wa disappointed that Frank cut short his speech, but he sent me a written version.  Louise Murray sng

I would like to thank Jon Binstock (at the right) for making a trip from the Washington, D.C. are to attend this gathering.  I have known Jon since the mid 1990s when we "met" on the Prodigy radio boards.

My photos

Bob Radil's photos  - You may have to friend Bob on Facebook to see them

I will add links to other photos when they become available.

The 2022 Oldies Meet and Greet is Set for Saturday November 12 at Ben's Deli in Manhattan

After a three-year hiatus caused by the COVID-19 pandemic we are pleased to announce the Oldies Meet and Greet will return on Saturday November 12^th from 2-4 PM at Ben’s Deli, 209 West 38^th Street in Manhattan.  In the past we have featured radio personalities and oldies recording artists including Broadway Bill Lee, Pat St. John, Bobby Jay, Jim Kerr, Carol Miller, Big Jay Sorensen, Sue O’Neill, Cool Bobby B, Louise Murray of the Jaynetts, and Tony Middleton of the Willows.

Our special guest this year will be Barbara Harris of the Toys. Barbara was born in North Carolina but as a child moved to Jamaica, Queens, NY. In high school she began singing with classmates and they were discovered by the Brill Building songwriting team Linzer-Randell-Crewe who gave the newly created group The Toys, their first top 10 hit "Lovers Concerto" in the fall of 1965. Barbara Harris and the Toys had three other charted hits "Attack," "Silver Spoon," and "Sealed with a Kiss." The Toys appeared on American Bandstand, Shindig and Hullabaloo and still perform today.

Luncheon Menu

Choice of ONE

Corned Beef, Roast Beef, Brisket, Pastrami, Turkey, Smoked Turkey, Chicken Salad, Tuna Salad, Salami, Vegetable Burger, 2 Hot Dogs, House Salad

SERVED with FRESH CUT FRENCH FRIES

INCLUDES:

Cole Slaw and Pickles

 Fresh Baked Rye Bread

Choice of Bottomless Fountain Soda or Iced Tea

  The Cost is $29 for all attending (Cash only please) that includes the meal and drinks, tax, tip and chipping in for the special guests. This has been our tradition since this event began in 2006.

 

For further Information contact Bruce Slutsky (BruceS8852@aol.com) or Jeff Scheckner (jmandjs@aol.com)

 

Please register at Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/events/1768628143488449/

If you are not on Facebook, you can register at https://forms.gle/hKeG5vVx81zBLUBF8

 

The Oldies Meet and Greet Returns on November 12 - Keep the Date Open

 

Yours Truly with Jim Kerr in 2012

Keep the date open.  The Oldies Meet and Greet will happen on Saturday, November 12 at 2 PM at Ben's Deli at 209 West 38th Street in Manhattan.  We are trying to find guests who are either New York radio personalities or recording artists from the oldies era.  In the past our guests included

Ken Dashow - Q104.3

Jim Kerr - Q104.3

Carol Miller - Q104.3

Bobby Jay - WCBS-FM

Cool Bobby B - SiriusXM

Sue O'Neil - WCBS-FM

Alan Seltzer - WCWP

Louise Murray - The Jaynetts

Big Jay Sorensen - WNBC, WCBS-FM and others y

Tony Middleton - The Willows

Randy Safuto - Randy of the Rainbows - Sadly he passed away a few years ago

More information will be coming in a few weeks.

Congratulations to Jim Kerr for 20 Years on Q-104.3

Yours Truly with Jim Kerr at one of the

Oldies Meet and Greets

Many radio personalities come and go, but Jim Kerr just celebrated his 20th anniversary as morning DJ on Q-104.3 in New York City.  He also worked at WPLJ, and WYNY among other radio stations.  He is a member of the Radio Hall of Fame.

I had the pleasure of meeting Jim at two of the Oldies Meet and Greets that we held at Ben's Deli in Manhattan. I do not recall the year when I had the above photo taken with him.  In 2019 Jim cam unexpectedly to our gathering. 

I certainly wish Jim many more years at Q-104.3.

 

The 2017 Oldies Meet and Greet was a Little Different

Dominick Safuto of

Randy and the Rainbows

In many of the previous  Oldies Meet and Greet the guests were radio personalities from stations such as WCBS-FM and Q-104.3.  They have included Bobby Jay, Pat St. John, Ken Dashow, Carol Miller, and Jim Kerr.  This year the guests were recording artists from the 50s and 60s.  Above is Dominick Safuto who is Randy of Randy and the Rainbows whos biggest hit was Denise.  A surprise guest was Lillian of the Exciters.  She sang the group's big hit Tell Him for the group.

Tony Middleton of the Willows who charted with Church Bells May Ring also appeared.

Mary Shaw who is Ms. Radio

according to Cousin Bruce Morrow

Ben's Deli, Ben's Best and The Comedian (Movie)

Although the Carnegie Deli closed there is still Ben's Best Deli in Rego Park and Ben's Deli with locations in Bayside, Long Island, and Manhattan.  The later is the restaurant where we hold the annual oldies meet and greet in November.  There has always been some confusion between the two.  Ben's Best with just one location has been in Rego Park since 1945.  While growing up, my mother would send me there on Sundays to get cold cuts and hot dogs for dinner.  I remember Ben, the original owner who passed away,  His son Jay Parker now runs it.   I believe the Ben's Deli of oldies meet and greet fame didn't open until the early 1990s.

Anyway, today we went to the Kew Gardens Cinema to see The Comedian starring Robert DeNiro.  He played an aging insult comedian named Jack Burke.  His brother played by Danny DeVito and sister-in-law played by Patty Lupone managed the deli.  Jay Parker appeared in a cameo role.  I highly recommend seeing this movie.