Column for Augut 18, 2005

Yes, the WPON radio show is back on the air. Every Wednesday 5 till 7pm Dr. Roman Franklin and I host the DR. Doo-Wop Show. WPON is 1460 on the am dial and www.wpon.com on the web. They recently fixed the antenna so the show and the station is coming in clear. Please let me know if you can hear it. So lets turn up the radio.

I love rock and roll put another dime in the jukebox baby. Great line from an old blues song that Detroiter John Lee Hooker wrote. And yes, a few of us remember when you could get three songs for a dime at most jukeboxes. Gas was probably 30 cents per gallon then, and yes, they used to have a gas attendant who actually came to your car, pumped the gas, checked the oil and checked the air pressure in your tires. Cleaned your windows too.

Them old gas attendants would be shocked to see how gas stations are run today. Self serve, not only do you get out of the car to pump the gas, you walk in and pay the man too. Pay the man maybe $40, $50 or $60 for a tank of gas. I still say take the extra time to drive to the station that is a few pennies cheaper. What incentive does a station have to lower price if people are playing a dime more down the street.

Woodward Dream Cruise is Saturday, August 20 or maybe I should say it ends on August 20 because people will be cruising Woodward the entire week. Lots of people, lots of cool cars and lots of rock and roll music. Everything from the Teen Angels and the Beach Boys to Moose and Da Sharks and Benny and the Jets. Yes, yours truly will perform 6 till 10pm outside the Ferndale Elks Club on Woodward just north of 9 mile. This is a free concert open to all ages and right in the heart of the cruise.

Interestingly I will also be playing August 20 noon till 5pm at the Dearborn Heights Firefighters annual benefit for the Great Lakes Burn Camp for Kids. This chilli-cook-off picnic and free concert in the park is truly one of the very best events the band plays. Not only is it a great time for all, but for a great cause. When I say great time for all I really mean it. Games, contests, prizes, not only for the kids but the adults too. Every kid gets a prize. Last year I think they gave away close to 100 bikes. Also a big screen TV and a truck load of donated stuff.

Note I don't write about this just for fun. I actually expect some of you to help make it successful by telling friends, packing the car up and coming to this event at Parkland Park on Ann Arbor Trail between Telegraph and Evergreen. If you want to enter the chili contest, donate money or need more information call 313 791 3676.