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Wednesday, 18 November, 2009 0:56 AM

'The Miracles' On 14 Mile Road: Motown Birthday Bash at Art Van

PHOTO BY MIKE WRATHELL / ©AMERICAJR.com Art Van Elslander has sold sofas now for 50 years! Dick Purtan looks on.

by Mike Wrathell mwrathell@yahoo.com

WARREN, Mich. -- Art Van can dance! As The Original Vandellas sang their intergalactic smash hit "Dancing In The Streets," Art Van Elslander danced along joyously as "The Miracles" and "The Contours with Joe Billingslea" all came back on stage for the final number of the night at the Art Van furniture store in Warren on 14 Mile Road.

November 4th, 1959 is not only Art Van's 50th Anniversary selling sofas, it's Motown's 50th selling soul.

Dick Purtan and Lila Lazarus were emcees, and a cherry red 1959 Corvette was won by a Michigander lady from Traverse City to make the night just a little bit gayer, and more festive, too.

Proceeds from the ticketed gala went to the Gleaners Community Food Bank, and canned food was accepted at the door as Motown fans streamed in for cake, Coke, couches, and melodious cacaphony. Gleaners hopes to feed over 500,000 needy people in 2010. What a terrific organization! Do you want to help, too? Buy American!

A new CD of Motown hits was also available called "MOTORCITY HITS." You can learn more about the CD at www.hitsentertainment.com.

"The Miracles" started the night with a few of their hits, including "Love Machine," which is really a power soul sensation. They had the couples craving a couch.

Next up, "The Contours with Joe Billingslea" sang "Even If My Heart Would Break," which was made ultra-famous in "Dirty Dancing."

The Corvette was given away by Art Van Elslander himself right before The Original Vandellas took the stage.

The back of the Art Van showroom has quite a big area for a stage and seating. Just regular chairs, not a bevy of Lazy Boys, but still, it was nice.

I hope Art Van Elslander celebrates the rest of his anniversaries in such a splendid fashion. Bravo, Mr. Elslander, for hosting such a grrrrrrreat gala! And it was nice of you to forgive Dick Purtan's outstanding debt from 1973. You rock! Now, how about a sofa? LOL!

 

PHOTO BY MIKE WRATHELL / ©AMERICAJR.com

Art Van gave away a 59' Vette to a Michigander lady from Traverse City.

 

PHOTO BY MIKE WRATHELL / ©AMERICAJR.com

The Contours sang some of their biggest hits for the Warrenites.

 

PHOTO BY MIKE WRATHELL / ©AMERICAJR.com

The Miracles and The Contours came back on stage to sing along with The Original Vandellas the intergalactic megahit "Dancing In The Streets."