DICK CLARK’S AMERICAN BANDSTAND TO BE HONORED ON 2012 MALT SHOP MEMORIES CRUISE

DICK CLARK’S AMERICAN BANDSTAND TO BE HONORED ON 2012 MALT SHOP MEMORIES CRUISE  ORIGINAL AMERICAN BANDSTAND DANCER AND CRUISE HOST DJ JERRY BLAVAT TO LEAD ALL-STAR PANEL ABOUT THE GOLDEN DAYS OF BANDSTAND Fairfax, VA  --- The 2012 Malt Shop Memories Cruise will pay tribute to one of the greatest icons of the era with a special, intimate discussion between artists who appeared on Dick Clark’s American Bandstand and led by the cruise host, popular oldies DJ Jerry “The Geator with the Heater” Blavat.  Blavat, who was an American Bandstand dancer in Philadelphia as a teenager, will reminisce with Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Darlene Love and many more artists and friendsabout the time spent together on the historic show.  The panel will share personal memories of Dick Clark, view original footage together, and discuss the magnitude of his impact on music and popular culture.  The panel will be open to cruise guests, who will also be invited to participate in a Q&A at its close.  Immediately following the event will be an American Bandstand dance party honoring the show, the man, the music and the artists Clark showcased to the world.  The Malt Shop Memories Cruise sets sail on October 27th from Fort Lauderdale to Turks & Caicos, San Juan, St. Thomas and Half Moon Cay before it returns on November 3rd.  Frankie Avalon, Bobby Rydell, Dion and many other superstars from the ‘50s and ‘60s will perform onboard the luxury liner, as well as comedian David Brenner, who has just been added to the trip. “Dick was not only a dear friend but he was a mentor to me and my career,” said Frankie Avalon, “and a giant in the music industry.”  “Dick was a very dear friend to me and helped me tremendously,” Bobby Rydell added. “Bandstand was the first national television show I was on which helped create my record career.”  “We will have a star studded tribute to the man who was responsible for so many careers in rock and roll,” promised Blavat. Inspired by Time Life’s popular Malt Shop Memories CD series, the voyage will also host performances by Dion, Ronnie Spector, The Original Drifters, The Duprees, Sonny Turner (former lead singer of the Platters), Carl Gardner’s Coasters, Kenny Vance and the Planotones, The Chiffons, The Tymes, The Marvelettes, Al “Lil Fats” Jackson, John Kuse and the Excellents, The Dedications, The Encounters, The Acchords, Gino Monopoli and Dwight Icenhower and, returning as the cruise host, DJ Jerry “The Geator with the Heater” Blavat. In addition to the incredible line-up of concerts, The Malt Shop Memories Cruise will offer non-stop events, parties, and ‘50s and ‘60s-themed activities throughout the ship and the entire duration of the cruise.  The Malt Shop Memories Cruise was developed in association with Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC.  Tickets are available now. Visit www.MaltShopCruise.com or call (877) 700-6258 (MALT). Cabin prices start at $1900 per person including all meals, entertainment and onboard activities. The Time Life Malt Shop Memories CD collection, featuring a 10-CD box set, a 4-CD set and a holiday disc, has sold nearly 4 million CDs and remains one of Time Life’s most popular sellers. About Direct Holdings Americas, Inc.: Time Life is a registered trademark of Time Warner Inc. and affiliated companies, used under license by Direct Holdings Americas, Inc., which is not affiliated with Time Warner Inc. or Time Inc.  Headquartered in Fairfax, VA, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. currently develops and sells audio and video products via retail, on line and direct response TV.  In 2010, Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. launched its Starvista Live Entertainment division with the inaugural sailing of the Malt Shop Memories Cruise, now an annual event, and is expanding to include the Soul Train Cruise in 2013. About Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC The largest private music charter company in the world, St. Louis, Missouri-based Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) owns, produces and promotes The Smooth Jazz Cruise: The Greatest Party At Sea (www.thesmoothjazzcruise.com) and The Jazz Cruise (www.thejazzcruise.com), and is proud to work with Direct Holdings Americas, Inc. for The Malt Shop Memories Cruise(www.maltshopcruise.com) and The Soul Train Cruise(www.soultraincruise.com).  Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC prides itself on providing first-class musical vacation experiences featuring marquee stars from their respective genres for loyal passengers, many of whom make the cruises an annual affair.  With its current slate of excursions, Entertainment Cruise Productions, LLC (Jazz Cruises) will have produced 35 full-ship charter cruises.  Additional information is available at www.ecpcruises.com. For further information, go to: www.MaltShopCruise.com