It all began back in April 1990. Two of Mark Kramer’s employees were driving through Mesa when they noticed a group of classic cars parked outside a Carl’s Jr. Curious, they stopped to investigate. A friendly conversation with the car owners revealed that they were about to lose their parking-lot privileges. The “Rock ‘n’ Roll McDonald’s” in Scottsdale seemed like the perfect new destination for the classic cars, and a Valley tradition was born.
On the first Saturday night, there were maybe 10 or 12 cars. The second week, there were 20. By the fifth Saturday, there were a hundred cars,” said Mark Kramer. For years, an average night brought in anywhere from 250 to 500 cars and up to 150 motorcycles. “The neat part is that when this started, it was just the car owners and their significant others,”
31 years later, the Rock and Roll Car Show in Pavilions at Talking Stick continues on, and is known internationally, attracting visitors from all over the United States and beyond. There are even some who drive their car thousands of miles to attend and display. While the show was temporarily paused during Covid19, It successfully re-opened in 2021. On any given Saturday evening, one can find a great variety of cars, bikes and even trucks. Men, women and children attend the show. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Co-Founder Mark Kramer passed away in February, 2021. De Rito Partners has stepped in to carry forward his vision for a friendly, weekly car show, and now manages the event. The addition of Show Manager Larry Oliver assures the ultimate cruise-in experience for both spectators and exhibitors.