The Philadelphia Dumpster Divers are a group of Artists, Collectors and others that are passionate about keeping things out of the trash stream.
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2016
Randall L. Dalton, 1949 – 2016 #DoBlue
We regret to announce that beloved Dumpster Divers member, Randy Dalton passed away on February 5th, following a stroke.
He was a tireless champion of Philly artists, actively encouraging them to work together to Do Blue, rather than be blue about the obstacles and limitations they encountered.
Randy best exemplified this enthusiasm as an Artist in Residence at the Philadelphia Community Education Center. Here he created the Blue Grotto, a constantly morphing installation of blue lights and objects, many of which were displayed throughout the region, that showcased his mission to both be creative and inspire creativity in others.
As a fitting tribute, the Blue Grotto will remain open and continue to be a source of creative inspiration, thanks to the support of the CEC.
Randy Dalton, flanked by fellow Divers Len Davidson & Diane Keller, from our 2016 group photo courtesy of Diver George Bilyk
Here are the obituaries from the Philadelphia Inquirer, Philly.com and University City Review.
Randy & Dumpster Diver George Felice had countless discussions about The Fleetwood’s “Mr. Blue,” so George began working on a compilation CD, dedicated to Randy, of DooWop songs with “Blue” in the title. He managed to gather the songs but wasn’t able to give the collection to Randy before he passed.
George found versions of the songs on YouTube and we would like to share them with you, as a way to remember, honor and mourn our blue friend.”
| Lee Andrews & The Hearts: Bluebird of Happiness |
The Shirelles: Blue Holiday |
| The Echoes: Baby Blue |
The Blue Notes: Blue Star |
| The Elegants: Little Boy Blue (Is Blue No More) |
The Jades: So Blue |
| The Solitaires: Blue Valentine |
The Strangers: Blue Flowers |
| The Pretenders: Blue & Lonely |
Three Vales: Blue Lights Down Low |
| Bobby Lester & The Moonglows: Blue Velvet |
Eddie Saxon with The Paramounts: Blues No More |
| The Marcels: Blue Moon |
The SchoolBoys: Ding a Ling Coo Coo Mop |
Randy Dalton, with a mini version of his Blue Grotto installation, at Destination Frankfort (2014) Photo courtesy of fellow Diver, Dave Christopher
On Sunday, April 1 through Saturday, April 7, 2012, the Dumpster Divers observed the 20th Anniversary of the founding of this pioneering group.
20th Anniversary Tribute
Mayor Nutter officially recognized the event with a Tribute: