PAST SHOW: Charles Phoenix Presents… The Moonlight Rollerway Jubilee!
Saturday May 17, 2008 – 8 pm & Sunday May 18, 2008 – 3pm
At the classic Moonlight Rollerway, freeway close in Glendale, CA
Several weeks ago I went to the Moonlight Rollerway to have a meeting with the rink organist and owner, Dominic Cangilosi. I walked in the door and my eyes almost bugged out of my head. About 16 skaters were practicing a synchronized skating routine. I was mesmerized. I didn’t even know there was such a thing as Synchronized skating. But there they were skating in perfect harmony across the huge rink floor as one. They were amazing. And that is what inspired me to put together and present THE MOONLIGHT ROLLERWAY JUBILEE – A ROLLER SKATING SHOW SPECTACULAR more than 50 years in the making!
The show will also feature other skating stars and former world champions in a variety of costumed musical acts. I’ll do a short RETRO SLIDE SHOW CELEBRATING THE HISTORY OF ROLLER SKATING and pay tribute to Dominic Cangilosi, “the world’s finest roller rink organist,” who will provide live musical stylings on the Hammond organ. After the show everyone is invited to the AFTER SHOW ALL-SKATE PARTY and FREE snack bar treats will be served!
Everyone will have a perfect view of the performance. Chairs will be set in a single row on the rink floor. There is certainly no better place to do a show like this than Southern California’s last classic roller rink. The Moonlight Rollerway opened in Glendale in 1955. They’ve never done anything like this there before!
Here’s to everything having to do with Roller skating and YOU!
I used to go here almost every Friday in the 50′s. Is it still openair or does it have a roof now? I do remember that during couples skate if a train went by (it is located right by the train track) you had to kiss the one you were skating with……judy
I’m going to see you there for sure Charles, and am trying to round up a crew of friends….see you there!
‘Sandust’ and I will be there on the 17th! Can’t wait to see you.
Wonderful idea Charles! We can’t wait to join you!
Looking forward to it!
We had heard of this rolerway or in our youth called Roller Rink’s — :- ) will put it down as a diffinate maybe for the future.
Anaheim, Ca — Jo Mama