Tuesday, February 21, 2012

Manifesting Extraordinary Venues--A tribute to Steven Greenberg

The first time we met was right before Roxy opened in 1979, and the last time I saw you was in 2007 at Roxy’s closing night. In my eyes there is a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for you that grew through my formative years, as I watched you put together the ingredients to make Roxy and other venues legendary, thank you.


You helped shaped my vision, and to realize it was about the right ingredients to make a venue or event a success. You demonstrated most all is possible—as I saw your creative genius with business dreams manifest as quickly as you could come up with them.


You were ahead of your time with birthing exciting venues, parties and events. When I hear the song, “Sing, Sing, Sing,” I remember how you would go up to the DJ booth and insist on bringing back some swing into our disco era…Your youthful candor was interestingly juxtaposed with your Ben Franklin looks, and ambition. Your sense of timing was key, you got in at the right time and got out before it was too late.


With the right balance of practicality, and extravagance, and forthrightness you were very innovative and defined commitment and persistence on a daily basis, being at Roxy many nights as long as the lights were on. Your sharp business traits and dedication were admirable. It was brave of you to leave your banking and investments to go partner on our unprecedented Roller Skate Venue; Roxy with Richard Newhouse, Bill Grahm, and Steve Bauman the original team of owners. Through our legendary Roxy Roller Rink you set the precedent for the trend of roller disco movement, thank you!


Your support and donation to the beginnings of World Team, is appreciated. Many of us in the NYC skate community have Roxy live on in our hearts, thanks you for shaping Roxy in those early years. Not many other clubs in New York live that long, and that contribution has given to many of us. The World Team Universal Prayer is offered now to you and for us all in the title link. RIP Steven.