Instant Classic

(Page 5)
By Todd Curran

Remember where you went as a child to get your favourite candy, ice cream soda or burger? At Marv's Classic Soda Shop in Black Diamond, it's not unusual to hear customers wistfully utter, “This is just like the one in my home town,” or “I haven't seen this since I was a kid,” as they begin a stroll down memory lane.
On the surface, the Soda Shop is all delicious ice cream, sweets, home made burgers & fries, but you don't have to be in there very long before you realize that it's actually made of memories from the Golden Era of Rock N Roll. Owner Marvin Garriott held his 3rd Annual Marv's Rock ‘N Roll Classic on July 25th, and what a party!
Featuring live 1950's music by Marty Antonini and the Bee Bops, a chromed-out Show & Shine, Street Dance and Elvis Impersonator, Marv's street bash became an instant classic. “The idea just dropped into my head one day,” he says. “It's something I thought would go over well. We had classic car shows on Parade Day and we're a 50's joint, so I thought some good 50's music would go along with it.”
Although The King is typically spotted at gas stations in Tennessee, Marv met him while working an Olds College 50's function in Calgary. “He wasn't performing,” Marv says. “He was there as an icon, signing autographs and looking good. I gave him a call and told him what we're up to; now this is the third year we've had him out here. He's easy to get along with; probably easier to get along with than the real Elvis!”
As for the authentic live 50's music, Marv didn't have to look very far. “Marty Antonini has a gospel group in Calgary,” says Marv. “They're gaining good recognition and my wife sings in the group.” The singers are making an appearance in an AMC TV pilot filmed in Black Diamond and will also be doing some work with other top 50's bands in the area.
As his event grows bigger each year, Marv is receiving more help to make it better. “This year the Lions Club was extremely helpful in getting it set up and their contribution helped pay for the band,” Marv says. “I'm really hoping that they'll be back next year and I'd like to send out a great big thanks to everyone that came out and made it a big success. We had a nice turn out and it makes a good family day. Everyone really likes the music and the volume that we keep it at.”
The next Annual Marv's Rock ‘N Roll Classic is on July 24th and Marv is already preparing to make it an appetizing and entertaining affair. With guitars, ice cream bars and classic cars, Elvis may have been thinking of Marv when he said, “Ambition is a dream with a V8 engine.”