The song "Disco Inferno" is arguably one of the best known songs to come out of the disco era - and Trammps keyboardist Ed Cermanski has easily played the hit for crowds thousands of times.
Still, for him, he says, it never gets old.
"We've been doing 'Disco Inferno' since 1977 … but it stays fresh because it's an enjoyable song to play," Cermanski says. "It's got such a groove to it. I don't ever get tired of it. It's one of the best dance songs."
The Trammps also keep things fun by playing alongside artists who have become good friends, Cermanski says. On Sunday, Sept. 2, the band will join singer Chubby Checker and Philadelphia rock 'n' roll legend Charlie Gracie to headline the 8th Annual Wildwood Block Party and Music Festival.
The end-of-summer celebration is free to the public and is part of the Wildwoods Centennial Celebration this year. Events kick off at noon at Fox Park on Ocean Avenue and include games, crafts, food and merchandise vendors. A fireworks display on the beach at Rio Grande Avenue will close out the day at 10 p.m.
In addition to the headliners, a full schedule of live acts will be taking the stage throughout the day, including Just in Time, Bitter Sweet, Jeremiah Hunter Band, Beatlemania, The Blue Notes and 45 RPM.
"It is exactly what is says - it's a block party for everyone," says Stu Goldberg, the frontman for Just In Time, a popular '60s and '70s cover band. "You come out and listen to some really great music. It's a nostalgic time for everybody to reminisce."
Most of the acts performing have a history with Wildwood that goes back many years. Gracie, who is best known for his 1957 hit "Butterfly," played summer concerts for more than two decades at the former Moore's Inlet in North Wildwood and has always spoken fondly of the city's classic rock 'n roll roots.
Chubby Checker introduced the still popular dance craze, "The Twist," for the first time in the Wildwoods in July 1960 at the Rainbow Club. He has come back time and again, headlining concerts such as the Fabulous '50s Weekend.
"Back in the day, this was Las Vegas east," Goldberg says. "Everybody got their start here. That's what it was about. It was a doo-wop city. So playing in Wildwood is neat. I'm 62, so it takes us all back to when we were young."
The Trammps, for their part, have also performed in Wildwood many times, Cermanski says - and with good reason.
"Wildwood has always been very good to us," Cermanski says. "They've treated us very nicely. They're music fans there … and they've really done a lot to bring Wildwood back. They turned the thing around."
Cermanski likes it there so much, he says, he recently bought a condo.
"So, now I live there part of the year," Cermanski says. "It has a lot going for it. There's a lot to do, with the old-time Boardwalk and everything. It's really nice."
The Trammps just released a new single, "Chapter One," that is available on amazon.com, Cermanski says. The single gave the band a chance to go back to its roots, he says, while including a few fun influences at the same time.
"'Chapter One' is a cross between reggae and what you would have heard in the '70s,
with the big horn sections," Cermanski says. "I produced that song, and expect to be doing a few more. What we wanted to do is rather than go out looking for commercial success, we're just enjoying the music."
For Goldberg, the enjoyment is what shows like this one are all about.
"When you see the audience, and their eyes light up and they get up and dance … as an entertainer, that's what it's all about," Goldberg says. "There's nothing better. It's a natural high."
