Banquets & Catering Group Tours Weddings

Phoenix, AZ, and Long Beach, CA - March 14, 2003 -- From May 15 to 18th, 2003, the International Al Jolson Society (IAJS) will celebrate the 117th Birthday of Al Jolson with a spectacular festival on board The Queen Mary in Long Beach, California. Jolsonaires from around the world will join in the celebration, which will feature two outstanding dinner shows, movies, seminars and a memorabilia auction in support of the IAJS.

Special guests include Rudy Wissler, the voice of young Al Jolson in The Jolson Story and Sybil Jason, the little girl in Jolson's The Singing Kid as well as Betty Garrett Parks. Other invited guests include Barbara Hale, Evelyn Keyes and Joan Leslie. First to entertain American troops in World War I, World War II and the Korean War and posthumous recipient of a Congressional Medal of Merit, Al Jolson (1886-1950) was named by Parade Magazine and Time Magazine as one the Greatest Entertainers of the 20th Century.

Today, Al Jolson is alive and well in the hearts and minds of millions of fans around the world. To enjoy the music of Jolson, log on to the Al Jolson Society's web site at www.jolson.org.

For complete information on how to be a part of this exciting event, please e-mail jolie116mm@aol.com or visit http://www.libranpoet.com/queenmary.htm. For information on the Queen Mary, or to make hotel or restaurant reservations, please call 562-435-3511 or 800-437-2934.

For over 40 years, Jolson was number one on Broadway, in movies, recordings and radio but he really took pride in being first to entertain American troops in the First World War, the Second World War and the Korean War. Jolson sang his heart out for American troops in the trenches, at army bases and veteran's hospitals all over the globe. In fitting tribute, the Friday night show features a USO Salute at the Casino De Paree, starring Tony Babino, accompanied by David Gross on the piano. Saturday night features a 1920's revue at Coffee Dan's Speakeasy starring Mr. Tin Pan Alley, Richard Halpern accompanied by Dean Mora and Mora’s Modern Rhythmists.

The Queen Mary is home to a 365-stateroom on-board hotel, three casual to elegant, full-service restaurants, banquet and meeting facilities, a wedding chapel, tours, exhibits and is open 365 days a year. For more Queen Mary information or hotel, restaurant or group tour reservations, the public may call (562) 435-3511. The Queen Mary is located at 1126 Queens Highway at the south end of the 710 Freeway, on the water in Long Beach, California.