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Memories in Margate had a spectacular Memorial Day weekend 2021. Huge crowds and people waiting in line to celebrate the re-opening without mask and social distance restrictions.
Sadly, Memorial Day Weekend 2021 at Memories in Margate featured situations that were never experienced before.
The Geator: Last weekend, I was surprised to find a number of young people who were not respectful of our guidelines. Rules that have kept Memories a successful and safe haven for 49 years.
Generation after generation come to Memories.
For almost his entire life, Jerry Blavat, The Geator, has been entertaining people of all ages, all races, denominations and sexual orientations. Ages 21 to 101.
This past weekend, I (Jerry Blavat) saw people who have never been to Memories before, come in and act like cowboys in the Wild West.
Unfortunately, the first thing that happens when someone is asked to leave for a legitimate reason, is for them to go on social media and accuse the club of being racist, homophobic or transphobic.
When denied entrance or asked to leave for one of the above reasons, or because the club was full to capacity and we could not allow in more people, it had absolutely nothing to do with who they were kissing or dancing with or what race or sexual orientation they were.
Remember also, that we have to control the outside, otherwise there’s a problem once you’re inside. Often, people aren’t allowed in because we’re full to capacity. And the first thing they say is that I’m racist or anti-gay.
We want EVERYONE who comes to Memories to feel safe, to dance, to have fun. If you’re asked to leave, it’s for breaking one of the rules, so please do not resist.
Part of the success of Memories has been due to posted rules and regulations. These are the rules. They help make Memories what it is. A fun and safe place for all.
- No drinking on dance floor. If you spill a drink on someone, or you slip and fall because someone spilled a drink, or maybe cut yourself on broken glass, it’s a problem.
- No smoking or vaping inside club.
- Proof of age. Must have proper ID to enter club.
- Must be dressed appropriately – no flip-flops, torn jeans or cutoffs, undershirts, etc.
- You cannot be intoxicated or unruly when entering, or enjoying the club
Throughout the history of Memories, they have NEVER discriminated.
Earlier in the evening, guests of Memories range from age 35 to 85. As the night goes on, the age range is 21 to 65.
The word is respect. I respect you, and it also should go other way.
We welcome everyone. all ages. But please be respectful. Remember that other people share the space with you and also want to have fun and experience what Memories is all about.
If you’ve read my book, you know who I am. You know that my whole life has been dedicated to making people happy. Memories in Margate is one of the ways I have done that. It has been successful for 49 years.
Please be respectful of the traditions that have created so much fun and happiness all these years for all people of all ages, races, and orientations.
The Geator, Jerry Blavat
Tell it like it is Jerry ,
You don’t have to explain the rules to anyone.
They should know the rules . Keep on rockin cause you only rock once !
I am 76 and have gone to Jerry’s dances since age 13. I’m still going to them.
Jerry Blavat is not racist or rude -it doesn’t matter who you are, but if you are disrespecting the dances or people at Memories, you will know about it, rightly so!
We want to keep our dances safe and fun!
The amount of trash that was left outside on the street and in the front of the Margate Mariner is unacceptable… Trash cans need to be placed outside while they are waiting in line! Lemons/Limes , knives , and cans were found hidden in the bushes… Please have your staff check outside at end of night. Thank you
Ok so what the heck really happened?
Who was there? What rules did they break?
Can someone set the record straight ?
Hate how these articles refuse to cite specifics, in the interest of being PC.
So what happened????
Enlighten us, how exactly is Margate like Wildwood, except in your exaggerated, silly comparison? You mean like the boardwalk? Oops. You mean the demographics? Oops. You mean like the property values? Oops.
A few times, though rarely, people have been asked to leave Memories because they’re overly intoxicated or disruptive (spilling drinks on dance floor, falling down or bumping into people, etc.).
Then they’ve posted online that they were thrown out because Jerry is anti-gay or racist.
This happened last week, but this time it was a woman who was asked to leave and then accused a staff member of physical abuse when he took her arm to escort her out.
We love the Geator and the integrity with which he runs his club. Shame people don’t know how to behave.
I was there and I can say, there was some young adults that needed to go. I’m a 50 year old who really enjoys going to Memories with all the generations, but I witnessed drinks on the dance floor and they were nicely asked to not have them while dancing and they didn’t listen. There is a dress code, oblige by it or go to Maynards. This isn’t discriminatory against anyone except those breaking the rules. Jerry was in no way disrespectful, as a patron I don’t want to be surrounded by that behavior either. They were given the chance to follow the rules and didn’t.
i have danced to Jerry’s music for 64 years, we older people don’t have many places dedicated to our music. when young people were around, half would laugh at us, others would get behind us and do something weird, you go on dance floor with a drink that is unsafe if anyone one any age falls on the spillage. let us have our time and go later! if you want to join us, be respectful, we were young once! we love that you love our music and want to learn the dances. we need you to carry them on even though they have more meaning for us. thank you
Come on man’
You fried bigger fish ???? in a frying pan.
These younging’s need to know :
Your music takes the bull shit outa life.
If can’t dance to your music ???? they need to go
Jc by the sea
So crowded; no room to dance. Many drank too much alcohol at Maynards and then came over to Memories.
Don’t sweat it Jerry. Notice how today certain people have a need to play victim.
Erwin – if you’re going to make allegations about “certain people”, at least have the cajones to be specific and not hide being vagueness.
You don’t name names in a public forum, plus erwin’s post was general, not about one specific incident or person, so no need to name names. Your own eagerness to hurl insults does not make you look too good
Hi Jerry! It’s me, Marilyn Maxwell!!!
We’ve been rocking with you since Mama Geetz Sunday macaroni at Memories!
Get well soon….you’re a loved legend! We need The Boss with the Hot Sauce!!!
Heard the sad news in Cape Canaveral today . My man pots and pans playing 45s for St. Pete.
Miss you, Jerry. You were the best disk jockey in my opinion. I loved listening to you on the radio. I would have loved to meet you. Love you.