Movies, Big Band Music and Da Bowl

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10

Saw a movie double header at Fox Lake Theatre:  "80 for Brady" and "Plane."  So good to be back at the movies again.  Enjoyed both movies.  Then met Kevin and Kelly at the Fox Lake Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11

Went to Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, ate at Taco Bell in Fox Lake and went to the Fox Lake American Legion where they were having a Valentine's dance with the Lakes Area Swing Band.  

They are 16 musicians who put on a great Swing/Big Band show.  There was a good crowd and most everyone was dressed like people used to when they went out dancing.  Most really could dance those style of dances.

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 

Went to Culver's in Fox Lake for that great double butter burger meals and then the SAL (Sons of the American Legion) meeting at the Fox Lake Legion.

I then went to Twin Lakes, Wisconsin, to Donovan's Reef where I had paid to have a seat at the Super Bowl party with AUCE and drink during the game.  I also had a room at the motel behind the bar, so driving home was not a problem.

That was sure a great game.

--RoadBowl

Mayor's Fish Fry, Two Legions, Sunnyside Shuffle, Parish Fest and Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive

FRIDAY, AUGUST 12

Liz and I met Glen and Barb at the Fox Lake Mayor's Fish Fry at Lake Front Park.  A great deal for AUCE for $9 for seniors.  Unfortunately, the line for refills was always too long so I didn't get seconds.  Too bad as it was excellent fish.

Afterwards, we all went to the Fox Lake American Legion (across Nippersink Lake from the Lake Front Park) and played 50/50.  They now have pull cards on Fridays where you either pay full price, half price or 50 cents for your drink.  I had two full price ($2 pints), a half price and a 50 cents.

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SATURDAY, AUGUST 13

We went to Sunnyside in Johnsburg and eventually, doing what everyone calls the Sunnyside Shuffle, were able to move from a table to the edge of the bar and finally the horseshoe part, the primo seating and most fun with others.

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SUNDAY, AUGUST 14

Liz and I went to Parish Fest in Johnsburg and enjoyed brats, beer, ice cream and the excellent oompah band Die Musikmeisters.  Then, we went to McHenry for the annual Keep the Spirit of '45 Alive, a tribute to our World War II and Korean War veterans.  Sadly their numbers are getting lower every year so now Vietnam War veterans have been added. Enjoyed the sounds of Bill's Little Big Band.

Afterwards, we went to the McHenry Legion.

Always Something Going On Around Here.  --RoadDog

POINTS TO PONDER:  If you rip a hole in a net, you have less holes than you started with.

Trivia, Dog N' Suds and American Pop Standards-- Part 1

WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 18th

Went to Donovan's Reef in Twin Lakes, Wisconsin and played live trivia with Professor Jeffie and enjoyed the half price drinks.  Had a half-price burger at Bricks 'N Ivy in Spring Grove, Illinois.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 19TH 

Because of the recent storms, I had to cut the grass for the first time in three weeks.  

Went to Dog 'N Suds on Ingleside, Illinois for their 2 for $4 Charcoburger special and washed it down with a large root beer.  There are only seven of these old eating places left in the United States and we have three of them within 25 miles of us.  The other two are in Richmond and Grayslake, Illinois.  They, of course, still have the gal come out to your car with the food and put the tray on your window.  

This is real old-school eating.

I then went to the last It's Thursday concert in Antioch, Illinois, and saw Peter Oprisko do his show of American Pop Standards by such folks as Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin,  He had an eight piece Big Band backing him.

Stopped at McDonald's on the way home for a Coke Slushie.

A Real Fine Day Indeed.  --RoadDog

PREGNANCY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS (From the Dec. 15, 2016, Orange Peel:  Q.  Should I have a baby after 35?  A.  No, 35 children is enough.

Music Deaths: Doris Day, Star of Movies and Singer

DORIS DAY, 97

Died May 13, 2019

Began her career in 1939 as a Big Band singer and had two #1s:  "Sentimental Journey" and "My Dreams Are getting Bigger All the Time" with Les Brown & His Band of Renown.  Starred in motion pictures for twenty years.

Another big hit for her was "Whatever Will Be, Will be (Que Sera, Sera)."

The Groundhog Was Wrong

Our local groundhog, Woodstock Willie, an offspring of the groundhog in the famous movie about Groundhog Day, did not see his shadow, nor did Punxsutaney Phil in Pennsylvania,  This is supposed to mean that we were to have a warm winter and an early end.  Well, this is beginning to be one of our worst.

We have been chased home by sleet, snow and ice the last four days running.  But, we still manage to enjoy the frigid, icy northeast Illinois.

FRIDAY, FEB. 8

Saw two movies, "Cold Pursuit" and "A Dog's Way Home" at the Fox Lake Theatre.  Looks like those bad guys would eventually learn to leave Liam Neeson's family alone.  Then, we met up with Kevin and Kelly at the Legion for 50-50.

SATURDAY, FEB. 9

The 18-piece Lakes Area swing band played all that great Big Band and Swing music at the Fox Lake American Legion for the annual Valentine's Dance.  I imagine that is what it was like in the 1930s and 1940s.

SUNDAY, FEB. 10

Bob Stroud Root saluted Carole King and Gerry Goffin on his Rock and Roll Roots show on WDRV, the Drive as Saturday was Carole's birthday and Monday was his birthday.  What an output of music.

We went to Johnsburg for the annual Boy Scouts Pig Roast and then to Stucky's and then Sunnyside where we watched the Chicago Blackhawks win their seventh game in a row.

--RoadHog

GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED:  1.  When your mom is mad at your dad, don't let her brush your hair.

Busy Weekend Last Weekend

NOVEMBER 11, FRIDAY--  We missed the Veterans Day ceremony at the Fox Lake train depot because of dentist appointments.  In the afternoon, we had Greg's 65th birthday party at Sunnyside Tavern in Johnsburg, with entertainment by Jim Sieg.

NOVEMBER 12, SATURDAY--  I went to the Marine Corps Birthday and Toys for Tots kickoff at the Fox Lake American Legion. Then I drove to DeKalb, Illinois, for the joint SCV camp meeting (Rock Island Prison and Camp Douglas) at Ellwood Steak House and heard a talk by Jim Barr on the Confederacy in Illinois.

Came home and watched Palatine High School win its quarter final game in the IHSA football playoffs.  Never thought I'd see Palatine on TV.

We then went to the American Legion in Fox Lake and enjoyed the music of the Lakes Area Swing Band playing all that Big Band music.

NOVEMBER 13, SUNDAY--  We went to Squaw Bar and met the Usual Suspects and saw the first half of the sorry Bears game.  We then went to Sunnyside for the second half and then to Oak Park Lounge for their chili cookoff and then back to Sunnyside.

Love That Marine SOS.  --RoadDog

Deaths: Played for Glenn Miller and the Beach Boys

PAUL TANNER, 95

Died Feb. 5th.  trombonist in the Glenn Miller Orchestra and played a space-age instrument on the Beach Boys' great "Good Vibrations." Also performed with Tex Benecke and Henry Mancini.  Music professor at UCLA for 23 years.

Helped develop the electric theramin, a keyboard -style instrument heard on several Beach Boys songs including "Good Vibrations," that high-pitched sound you heard.

I didn't much like Big Band songs when I was growing up because that was the music of my parents and we kids were forced to listen to it, especially bad on road trips and they controlled the radio.  However, after college, I started listening to my in-laws' Big Band and Swing records and, "Hey, this stuff's pretty good."  I've since built quite a collection of that music in LPs, cassette tapes and CDs.  And, I'd have to argue that "In the Mood" is the best song ever written.

And, of course, those Beach Boys were definitely my era.

I'm Feeling Them Good Vibrations.  --RoadDog


WISDOM OF CHILDREN:  When your dad is mad and asks you, "Do I look stupid?"  Don't answer.

Here's a Great Big Band Show-- Part 2

Second set of the Lakes Area Swing Band:

AIN'T THAT A KICK IN THE HEAD
CHATTANOOGA CHOO-CHOO
PENNSYLVANIA POLKA
BLUE TANGO
NEW YORK, NEW YORK
MY FUNNY VALENTINE
IT'S COLD OUTSIDE
L-O-V-E
AUTUMN LEAVES
THE WAY YOU LOOK TONIGHT
MACK THE KNIFE
ROLL OUT THE BARREL
POLKA MEDLEY
IN HEAVEN THERE IS NO BEER

There was not a time when there were no couples out dancing on the floor, and usually, the floor was completely filed. The old folks were sure enjoying themselves.

THIRD SET

It Had to Be You
Moonlight Serenade
Witchcraft
Love Me Tender
Jailhouse Rock
Can't Help Falling in Love
Slow Boat to China
Beyond the Sea
Misty
Fever
More

This was supposed to be it, but they ended up playing another thirty minutes.

Wonderful World
Zoot Suit Riot
Vehicle-- By Chicago's own Ides of March. I wouldn't have thought a Big Band would do this, but hey, it was a horn band.
Call Me Irresponsible
My Kind of Town
Wee Small Hours of the Morning

We were only going to stay for one set, but ended up there for the whole show.

Mighty Good Time at the Legion. Thanks Veterans. --RoadDog


DOORMATS WITH ATTITUDE: We've Found God.

Here's a Great Big Band Show-- Part 1

November 13th, I went to the Marine Corps Breakfast at the Legion, then Liz and I drove to Schaumburg for the Chicago 60s bands show and on the wat back stopped at her parents graves in Arlington Heights, got our slider fix in Palatine and went to one of my favorite stores, Half-Price Books and had drinks at JJ Twigg's in Wauconda.

We then went back to the Legion for their Veterans Day Dance featuring the Lakes Area Swing Band. They have 18 members along with a male and female vocalist. The cost was $5 individual or $8 a couple.

This must have been what going out to see groups during the Big Band era was like. Actually, it was Liz's parents that got me interested in Big Band Music in the 1970s. Before that, I hated it.

Here are the songs they played:

First Set

Star-Spangled Banner
Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
In the Mood
Sentimental Journey
Blue Skies
Pennsylvania 6-5000
Strangers in the Night
On the Street Where You Live
Moon River
Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend
Don't Know Why (a newer one by Norah Jones)
Summer Wind
Sing, Sing, Sing

More to Come. --RoadDog


DOORMATS WITH ATTITUDE: We Love Our Vacuum.

Play that Old Music

Here is a set list for all three sets the Lakes Area Community Swing Band played last night. Frank Sinatra songs and Rat Pack ones are shown with a #. Glenn Miller is shown by *.

And now, ladies and gentleman. From high atop the ballroom of the American Legion overlooking the beautiful and shimmering Nippersink Lake by downtown beautiful downtown Fox Lake, Illinois, I bring you, the Glenn Miller Orchestra featuring vocals by Frank Sinatra.

First set

1. Star-Spangled Banner
2. In the Mood *
3. Chattanooga Choo-Choo *
4. String of Pearls *
5. What Do You Do in the Infantry
6. Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree
7. Autumn Leaves
8. Beyond the Sea
9. L-O-V-E
10. The Way You Look Tonight
11. I've Got You Under My Skin #
12. Stardust #
13. La Cucaracha
14. Moonlight in Vermont

Set 2

1. Liechtensteiner Polka
2. Sentimental Journey
3. On the Street Where You Live
4. My Funny Valentine #
5. Ain't That a Kick in the Head #
6. More
7. Slow Boat to China
8. Girl from Ipanema
9. Someone to Watch Over Me
10. Witchcraft #
11. Misty
12. Moon River
13. American Patrol *
14. Moonlight Serenade *
15. Take the "A" Train

Set 3

1. Beer Barrel Polka/In Heaven There is No Beer
2. Tuxedo Junction *
3. Waltz Medley- Carolina Moon/Could I Have This Dance
4. Strangers in the Night #
5. Makin' Whoopie
6. Zoot Suit Riot
7. Summer Wind #
8. In the Mood *
9. Mack the Knife
10. Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy
11. My Way #
12. New York, New York #
13. Mood Indigo
14. America the Beautiful

And That's All Folks. Great Night, Great Band, Great Friends. --RoadDog

Mom Would Have Liked This Music

While at the Veterans Day Dance, I kept thinking that Mom really would have liked to have been there. This is her kind of music. Don't ever get into a Name That Tune contest with her on this music from the 30s and 40s. You won't have a chance.

I remember our trips and car rides of the past. We kids were in the back. Mom and Dad were in the front seat. Unfortunately, the radio was up front as well. And guess who got to listen to THEIR music. Something about seniority I guess. We were not too happy about this, but this was in the days before Walkmans and of course, today's Ipods. Kids today don't know how lucky they are when it comes to car trips.

I really hated what Andy calls "Atlanta" music. That was the station my parents listened to on the many times he stayed with them while growing up.

It wasn't until I started listening to Big Band and Swing music records at my in-laws that I started liking it. I really like it now and have quite a collection, as well as the ones I got from them.

The Lakes Area Community Swing Band covered them all. I'll give you the set list in another entry.

Now, a Glenn Miller and Sinatra Fan. --RoadDog

Old Folks Dancing...Well, Older Anyway

Last night, Liz and I went to the Fox Lake American Legion for the Veterans Day Dance. It featured the Lakes Area Community Swing Band, a sixteen piece group with two singers who volunteer their time doing what they evidently really love. This is a very tight group and we had quite a show. They did lots of Glenn Miller and Rat Pack songs, especially those of Frank Sinatra.

It cost $5 a person or $8 a couple to get in. I didn't much like all the reserved tables. Hope they had to pay more. We also had hors-doeuvres which were attacked en masse. Now, I'm a pretty good hors-doevrer, I mean, I always get my share, but these folks made me look like I didn't know how to get any. They were fast. I did not know old people could move that fast.

The floor was full most of the time, especially on the slow songs. Also, a lot of them enjoyed the polkas. The mirror ball dappled the floor, walls, and folks. We had a really fun time and talked with a lot of our friends. Naturally, this was mostly attended by us older folks. I was especially glad to see a lot of seventy and even a few eighty year-olds enjoying themselves, and some even dancing. We are fast-losing the "Greatest Generation" to the ages now.

This was definitely something that the few WWII vets and those of the Korean War could enjoy.

Big Band and Swing, Now, There's Some Mighty GOOD Stuff. --RoadDog