Don Cohen Dies

Don Cohen, 55, who spent 30 years as a promoter, manager, talent buyer and retailer, died of brain cancer in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., October 5th.

Cohen opened the Musicians Exchange nightclub in the early ’80s and in 1987 founded what would be known as the Riverwalk Blues & Music Festival.

In the mid-’90s the festival spanned three days on multiple stages; the most recent event was held in March at Fort Lauderdale’s Revolution nightclub.

Cohen lost control of his festival to the city of Fort Lauderdale in 1996, according to the South Florida Sun-Sentinel, but regained his promoter status in 2004. He died on his birthday.