Time to Create New Memories in Margate, NJ- The Legend Lives

Keep on rockin' because you only rock once...ah Jerry, we miss you.

It's been nearly a year and a half since the South Jersey/Philly region lost a legendary entertainer.

Jerry Blavat, The Geator, was known for many of his endeavors.

He was a longtime radio disc jockey who shared his love of music with his legion of devoted listeners on the radio, on television, and in many area clubs.

Jerry also owned a club in Margate, and for 50 years, you knew it was officially summer in South Jersey when Memories in Margate opened for the season.

Memories wasn't just another club.  People from all over came to party with The Big Boss With the Hot Sauce.

Early in my career, I was introduced to Jerry.  He had an electric personality.  Even at my young age at the time, I was in awe of his energy.

He gave me a bit of advice that I practice to this day.

He said the secret to his success was that he loved what he did, and it was his mission to make everyone he met, feel like they were stars.

That was the secret to the success of Memories.  He loved what he did, and he welcomed everyone to the party.

When Jerry passed, it was unclear what would become of Memories.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Memories had been sold to Philadelphia restaurateur Teddy Sourias, of Craft Concepts Group.

The new owners plan to refresh the club but also pay homage to Blavat.  Sourias said at the time,

 "Jerry Blavat's enduring spirit will be celebrated and honored in our future endeavors. This Margate institution will live on."

Depending on how quickly the new owners can get permits done, the plan is to re-open by Memorial Day.

If it were my club, each Saturday at midnight, I'd raise a toast, hit Martha Reeves and the Vandella's Heatwave, and play a recording of Jerry's rap.