Delray Beach, FL – (March 28, 2025) –Say “house party” and watch the reactions. Some people smile at the memories, others start reminiscing; but a few start making plans.
On March 22, 2025, Lori and Steve Martel of Delray Beach threw a garage-band House Party, in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Spady House, home of the Spady Cultural Heritage Museum. As members of Spady Museum’s Society 1926, the Martels are leading supporters for the museum’s efforts to raise $100,000 (or more) during 2024 and 2025, leading up to the museum’s 100th milestone year in 2026.
Society 1926 members are hosting a series of House Parties, and the Martel family kicked off the first one with a rousing lineup of rock-n-roll performances. Neighbors, family and friends enjoyed music, food and wine, while learning about the Spady Museum’s mission to continue bringing people together around Black history.
“I have often been accused of collecting nice people, and, judging from this crowd, I have the finest collection on the planet,” said Steve Martel, who is the lead singer of The Joe Cotton Band. He and Lori are also 30-year, full-time Realtors with Coldwell Banker in Delray Beach. “We believe that a community that includes a mix of good people is a necessary key to a great life. The Spady Museum is part of what makes our city so great, and Lori and I are honored to help it continue.”
Filling the garage and the street with music were Steve Martel/Joe Cotton, along with Ed Flak, Tom Fricker and Marc Herman in The Joe Cotton Band. Special guest band Mango Pie included Marc Herman, Tina Herman and Steve Takimoto.
“We want to thank everyone who performed and who came out tonight to support us, and we especially want to thank Steve and Lori’s neighbors,” said Museum Director Charlene Farrington, laughing.
“WE ARE THE NEIGHBORS!” said Alex A., Martels’ friend from across the street.
House Party guests donated funds and made plans to visit the museum and become more involved. The second House Party, scheduled for June 17, 2025, will be hosted by the Delray Beach Chamber of Commerce, in celebration of Juneteenth, and will be open to the public. “
To learn how to support the Spady Museum’s 100th anniversary campaign – “The House Still Stands” – visit www.spadymuseum.com.
ABOUT THE SPADY CULTURAL HERITAGE MUSEUM:
The Spady Cultural Heritage Museum was established in July 2001 by the non-profit organization, EXPANDING AND PRESERVING OUR CULTURAL HERITAGE, INC., a 501(c)3 Florida organization. Located in the 1926 former home of educator Solomon D. Spady, the museum preserves and shares local Black history with Delray Beach Black archives, exhibits, bus tours, walking tours, commemorative events and youth mentoring. Hours: 11 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday-Saturday; all other hours are by appointment. (561) 279-8883; wwwspadymuseum.com
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