[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 105 (Monday, June 26, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1325-E1326]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO STEVE SILVER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NANCY PELOSI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 26, 1995

  Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my personal sense of 
loss, and the loss of the entire San Francisco community, at the 
passing of Steve Silver. A master showman, a philanthropist of 
boundless heart, and creative genius, Steve passed away this Monday.
  It is difficult to distill the life and journey of Steve Silver in 
any way that adequately describes his impact upon San Francisco. A San 
Francisco native, Steve's artistic and creative talents were readily 
apparent to all who knew him. On a budget of $900 and a cast of 11, on 
June 7, 1974, the first ``Beach Blanket Babylon''--complete with sand--
opened in San Francisco's famed North Beach. For over 20 years--making 
it the longest running musical revue in the Nation--``Beach Blanket 
Babylon'' has packed over 3 million fans in over 7,700 shows.
  Queen Elizabeth, President Reagan, countless of the famous and not-
so-famous, and tourists from every part of the globe have been 
enchanted and captivated by Silver's magical cabaret at Club Fugazi. 
Topical, over-the-top, hysterically funny, with puns, campy dialog, 
double-entendres, outrageous costumes, and even more outrageous, 
imaginative, and gigantic hats, all thrown around like loose change, 
``Beach Blanket'' is a cherished San Francisco institution.
  Steve's success with ``Beach Blanket'' was poured back into the 
community of his birth. He was responsible for construction of the main 
portal at the AIDS Memorial Grove in Golden Gate Park. Even his last 
birthday this past February--his 51st--Steve used the occasion to 
celebrate the dedication of the new portal to the Memorial Grove. He 
gave generously to Project Open Hand, the AIDS Emergency Fund, the High 
School of the Arts, and

[[Page E1326]]

California Pacific Medical Center, the main library, and the new Museum 
of Modern Art. The site that Steve chose for his memorial, Grace 
Cathedral, has a children's garden he donated.
  One American theologian wrote that ``Humor is a prelude to faith and 
Laughter is the beginning of prayer''. For those who knew Steve Silver, 
his optimism in the goodness of mankind, the role that merriment and 
joy played in his life, and his good works on behalf of the community 
all stemmed from his unshakable belief in the power of humor and 
laughter to transform the world. And the biggest recipient of his faith 
were the people of his beloved city, San Francisco.
  At Steve's memorial service, a poem written by Glenn Rifkin was part 
of the program. At the request of Jo Schuman Silver, Steve's wife and 
best friend, I have enclosed its text, which beautifully captures 
Steve's legacy.
  Mr. Speaker, Steve Silver's life was an enormous gift to the people 
of San Francisco and this Nation. As San Francisco mourns him, let us 
join in sending condolences to his wife, Jo, his brother Roger, his 
nieces Leigh and Gillian, nephew Nicholas, and his sister-in-law, Kate 
Silver. Let us also join the San Francisco community in paying tribute 
to this master showman, philanthropist, a purveyor of life and 
laughter, Steve Silver.

                        For Steve--June 13, 1995

     They called to say Steve Silver died,
     The stage was dark, the city cried.
     And laughter faded to the Bay,
     a stillness cast upon the day.

     The gentle soul of evenings spun,
     had passed as if he'd just begun.
     And decade songs that echo still,
     Across the space of ever will.

     For what he'd touched was deep and strong,
     a chance to hear a different song.
     A chance to dance upon a cloud,
     to know it and to say it loud.

     The gift he gave will long survive,
     the music stands as if alive,
     the laughter rolling like a quake,
     the deal he knew he had to make.

     He leaves but never shuts the door,
     he leaves us wanting all the more,
     And to the shores of Babylon,
     his dreams will flourish ever on.--Glenn Rifkin, New York 
           Times.

                          ____________________