Malt Shop Memories Cruise To Tribute Dick Clark's American Bandstand

It will feature a special, intimate discussion between artists who appeared on Dick Clark's American Bandstand and led by the cruise host, popular oldies DJ Jerry "The Geator with the Heater" Blavat. Blavat, who was an American Bandstand dancer in Philadelphia as a teenager, will reminisce with Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Darlene Love and many more artists and friendsabout the time spent together on the historic show.

The panel will share personal memories of Dick Clark, view original footage together, and discuss the magnitude of his impact on music and popular culture.

The panel will be open to cruise guests, who will also be invited to participate in a Q&A at its close. Immediately following the event will be an American Bandstand dance party honoring the show, the man, the music and the artists Clark showcased to the world.

The Malt Shop Memories Cruise sets sail on October 27th from Fort Lauderdale to Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay before it returns on November 3rd. Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Dion and many other superstars from the '50s and '60s will perform onboard the luxury liner, as well as comedian David Brenner, who has just been added to the trip.

"Dick was not only a dear friend but he was a mentor to me and my career," said Frankie Avalon, "and a giant in the music industry." "Dick was a very dear friend to me and helped me tremendously," Bobby Rydell added. "Bandstand was the first national television show I was on which helped create my record career." "We will have a star studded tribute to the man who was responsible for so many careers in rock and roll," promised Blavat.

Inspired by Time Life's popular Malt Shop Memories CD series, the voyage will also host performances by Dion, Ronnie Spector, The Original Drifters, The Duprees, Sonny Turner (former lead singer of the Platters), Carl Gardner's Coasters, Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Chiffons, The Tymes, The Marvelettes, Al "Lil Fats" Jackson, John Kuse and the Excellents, The Dedications, The Encounters, The Acchords, Gino Monopoli and Dwight Icenhower and, returning as the cruise host, DJ Jerry "The Geator with the Heater" Blavat.