Saturday, Mar. 1, 2014 Detroiters gathered together at Bert’s Marketplace for the 70th birthday bash for the owner, the legendary Bert Dearing; Dearing has owned Bert’s Marketplace for 26 years.
The birthday bash was a hot 1920’s gangstas themed party. Glancing around the room you would have felt as if you had time traveled back to the best era in history. Flappers, finger waves, furs, backless dresses, top hats, and polo shirts filled the room. The air was thick of cigar smoke as jazz and old blues soothed the souls of every in ears reach. From a far corner across the room you could see Dearing enjoying stolen private moments as he watched his son and grandchildren work the rooms of the establishment her poured his heart and soul into.
Artists for every era and across the nation have performed at Bert’s Marketplace include Larry Smith, Jerry Butler, Martha Reeves, Floetry, The Roots, and many others. Timeless pictures and beautiful art grace the walls of this music house. Visual artist Curtis Lewis II (CEO of World Class Icon) paint a dedication mural inside of Bert’s Market Place. The Mural features Icons such as Michael Jackson, Nelson Mandela, Whitney Houston and many more. The Mural is titled “Gone too soon, but not forgotten.”
Lady Champagne and the Motor City Blues Crew Band were among that talented many who performed for Bert on Saturday. Willie of the Motor City Blues Crew Band rock the house with a soulful song titled “Just Because”. Lady Champagne said she and Bert has been good friends for 10 years now. Champagne also said that her best memories of Bert are the types of songs he picks for special request. She went on to say that she loves to be around Bert because she admires him; she finds Bert to be a very smart business man who is extremely inspiring.
Some interesting facts about Dearing is that he owned several bars before Bert’s Marketplace, one was called the Black Horse Saloon. On his right pinky finger he wears a championship ring from the softball hall of fame. He said that he owned and managed a softball team called Bert’s Black Horse Saloon. His soft ball team played all over the Country. Dearing may have a history of owner bars, however he says he doesn’t drink.
Trying to find an outfit to a 1920’s party isn’t easy, but thanks to Lost and Found in Royal Oak, Mich. I manage to be a show stopper. If you ever are in need of vintage apparel stop by 510 S. Washington Ave. in downtown Royal Oak.
If you are in the mood for some good food and music try Bert’s Marketplace at 2727 Russell St Detroit Mich. In Eastern Market on Fri and Sat.
Reporter: Jazznae Sharee
