New for 2005, we will be posting a
Tribute to all those in our community that have assisted in bringing
the Mardi Gras experience to Hollywood, FL, who are no longer with
us.
From 1937 to present, many have given
tireless hours to make various Fiesta Tropicale events great.
This page will become a historical memory book of the hundreds of
individuals and their stories who have kept this tradition alive.
We honor their life by remembering the time they spent with us and
what they gave back to their community.
If you have anyone that you'd like to
nominate to add to this page, please send their information to
DJJImSFL@aol.com.
DON
COHEN (10/05/52 - 10/05/07)
Don Cohen, founder of Musicians Exchange &
Riverwalk Blues Festival, passed away on Oct. 5th, 2007, on his
55th Birthday. Don was diagnosed with cancer in early September
and passed so quickly, within one month. May he rest in peace.
DON
COHEN PHOTO GALLERY TRIBUTE
Rick Weidley (1961-2004)
Rick Weidley, a native Floridian, was born in Winter Park Florida.
From an early age, Rick knew that his life's path was to be a
performer. A gifted musician, Rick played violin, mandolin,
guitar, bass, viola, mandola and cello with equal ease and grace. He
was the principal musician at Shakespeare's Tavern, later King
Henry's Feast, for 17 years, taking time off to pursue other musical
endeavors. He spent five years playing with the Cajun/zydeco group,
the Porchdogs, playing many festivals, pubs, restaurants, and
private engagements. After leaving the Porchdogs in 1998, Rick
formed his own band, JENRIC, with his wife Jennifer, playing
Irish/Celtic music. He never lost his love for Cajun, and he and
Jennifer also played with the Bayou Teche Band for several years. A
regular at many festivals, Rick had many fans who would attend just
to hear him play his trademark green fiddle. He will always be
remembered for his fiery, incredible fiddle playing, and his sweet,
loving personality.
Fleetwood Starbuck (1961-2004)
The
Fleet Starbuck Blues Band has been a major influence on the
Florida Blues scene since 1982.They have appeared on numerous live
television and radio shows including P.M. Magazine, WLRN/Channel
17 simulcast and WDNA fundraisers.
The band has shared billing with major recording artists such as
Ramsey Lewis, John Lee Hooker, Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Maynard
Furguson, Jazz flutist Herbie Mann, and James Cotton.
In addition to playing concerts and music festivals, they can be
seen regularly entertaining at various South Florida hot spots
including the legendary Tobacco Road.
The Fleet Starbuck Blues Band has to be seen and heard to be
appreciated. They project a particular class and style that stands
out among a growing number of newcomers on the international Blues
scene.
FLEETWOOD STARBUCK: “When we were kids, I used to listen to
“Fleetwood Mac in Chicago” with Willie Dixon, Otis Spann, an'
those guys.
I
was so impressed with the young English cats makin' a record with
their heroes that my friends gave me the name “Fleetwood” after
that double album.”
“In 1968 we had our first “Blues Band” I heard a harmonica
wail on a radio spot where James Cotton was playing real Chicago
Blues in town that night. Well, we went down to see him and he
blew us all away!!! It was incredible like Holy Rollin!! That
was REAL LIVE BLUES !!! I knew what I wanted to do right then.
Now, over 30 years later, I am still playing the Blues.”
|
