An Evening with the World Famous Glen Miller Orchestra

By John Emmering

The swing sounds of the Glen Miller Orchestra were enjoyed by a group of NIRG “hep cats” and guests Wednesday June 11 at the Homstad Retirement Community in Batavia, IL.   The rainy overcast weather and illness kept several participants away but a hardy group of swing music enthusiasts formed at the Country House Restaurant in Geneva that afternoon to sample some of the famous hamburgers and other cuisine.  Present at the Country House Restaurant were event sponsors John & Robin Emmering with their 1949 Ford Custom Fordor, Roger Hunz with his 1951 Ford Custom Tudor, and Jeff Trilling with his 1952 Ford F-1 pickup truck.  John Judge arrived in a long 1975 Chrysler Newport.  The rest attending, driving modern iron, were Ed & Gail Karch, Frank and Phyllis Madrigali, accompanied by friends Dave & Louise Artis, Ron Dopke and his daughter Cheryl Fisher, Joe and Marie Dispensa and John and Barbara Slobodnik.

After dinner the group met in the parking lot and admired Jeff Trilling’s shiny 1952 F-1 pickup truck, which is a new vehicle to the club. Other patrons enjoyed viewing the V-8’s also.  Leaving the Country House lot the group headed down Fabyan Parkway over the Fox River to the Homstad Community.  Management had decided to hold the concert indoors due to the weather so parking outside, the group found their way to the auditorium along with over 250 Homstad residents and guests.

A great evening of entertainment ensued with the talents of the musicians of the Glen Miller Orchestra.   The Orchestra is the legitimate heir to the original 1940’s group and has been touring internationally since 1956. For those willing to brave the weather and last minute changes a great evening of entertainment was experienced.