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DJ 'Marvelous Marvin' Gets To Say Goodbye At Ybor 'Oldies Party'

Tribune Photo by Julie Busch

"Marvelous Marvin" Boone was let go from WRBQ, 104.7 FM, in October.

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By WALT BELCHER | The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 9, 2008

TAMPA - "Marvelous Marvin" Boone will say hello and goodbye to fans of his canceled radio gig at an "Oldies Party" Thursday night at the Ritz Theater in Ybor City.

"Some are calling it a tribute, but that sounds like I'm dead or my career is over," he says. "I think of it as a party, because we're going to have a good time."

Boone was let go by WRBQ, 104.7 FM, in October. A victim of budget cuts, he was one of 20 employees trimmed at CBS-owned stations in the Tampa-St. Petersburg market.

"I may be out of a job, but my career isn't over," says Boone, 52, who has been a radio personality in the Tampa area for more than 30 years.

For the past eight years, he was host of WRBQ's "Bouffant Buffet," a midday call-in request show.

Owners of the Ritz are fans, so they offered the newly remodeled 1,200 seat Ritz for a "Rock, Roll and Rewind" show at 8 p.m. Thursday.

"Marvin has thousands of fans, and we felt like he deserved it because he's a talented entertainer with a vast knowledge of rock 'n' roll history," says Ritz spokesman Tony Panaccio. "If it's successful, maybe we will turn it into a monthly event."

There will be a $5 cover charge. Call the Ritz box office at (813) 247-2555 for information.

Boone, who also works as a DJ and emcee for parties, weddings and corporate events, says he is optimistic that he will find another radio job.

"I appreciate all the support from my family and friends," he says. "I've also heard from a lot of fans who tracked me down. Some of them took it harder than I did. One woman was in tears, and another asked if I wanted anyone taken down. I have some weird fans."

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