Hot Happenings: 2 of Motown's famous ladies show real flair for finely-tuned celebrations

Tito Puente y la cantante Yolanda Duke actuaron en la celebracion del cumpleaños de Aretha Franklin's .
Singer Kim Westin, chats with writer Steve Holsey at the Motown Museum event.
Detroit is blessed to have two gracious ladies who have helped to paint the town regal red, glorious gold and an assortment of other fascinating colors.
Esther Gordy Edwards and Aretha Franklin are golden gals whose rich life stories are as colorful as any even yet to be told. Impressive, to say the least.
A few weeks ago, Esther and Aretha created two of the most memorable scenes

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this city has hosted. Like two brilliant painters, from conception to completion, their respective affairs showed their flair for fine-tuned craftswomanship.
One Friday a couple of weeks ago was heightened by the excitement that the Motown name still carries. The Motown Historical Museum held its annual 2648 W. Grand Celebration (2648 W. Grand Blvd. was the original site of Motown's Hitsville U.S.A.).
The Roostertail was exquisitely decorated in an array of shimmering colors a la Tom Schoenith's special touch. Also sparkling was the elegant evening wear of such strong adult-boppers: Martha Vincent, Sandy and Rosanne Duncan, Martha Harris, Maxine Powell, Chuck Bennett, Bea Buck, Kim Weston, Karl Young, Bill and Betty Brooks, Linda Clark, Bill Andrew and Kathy Bryant. And dancing the night away to music of the Contours were Don and Bella Marshall-Barden as well as Steve Holsey and Karla Hall.
Aretha, who is known as one of this country's most innovative party givers, did it again.
Celebrating her birthday with an intimate gathering of family and friends, "Re" conjured several creative strokes of genius. Opus One was the perfect setting for fine dining, lovely ladies, dapper dudes and unforgettable entertainment.
Upon entering the five-star restaurant, gentlemen received a Chinese red boutonniere and ladies each were handed a bouquet of canary yellow roses.
Adding a unique twist and certainly nostalgia before the live music, Aretha "small screened" the films Lady Sings the Blues and Doctor Zhivago.
Throughout the evening, the king of Latin Swing, Tito Puente jammed with his guest artist, Yolanda Duke and four hot, hot dancers. Also rocking the house with her strong vocals was the beautiful CeCe Peniston.
From lobster tails to sweet potatoes, the taste of the superbly prepared dishes still lingers in my mind. Along with the de rigueur birthday cake, one's sweet tooth was satisfied with Cherries Jubilee, homemade ice cream and Baked Alaska.
Puente, a legendary Salsa balladeer who is himself music royalty, summed up the festivities by saying, "it doesn't get any better than this. But of course, would you expect anything less from our queen?"