November 29, 2008 - Glendora House

The Chicago Jitterbug Club's Annual Jingle Ball was a virtual who's who of Hollywood Glitterari. Guests spotted throughout the evening included Jackie Chan, Marilyn Monroe, Mr. Sulu and Sonny Bono. 

Big news of the night was the debut of our new sound board, a fabulous Gigrac 1000 complete with funny stickers, and 4 new Sure SM58s. Goodbye Cube, you served us well. Beverage of the evening was Leinenkugal Sunset Wheat, a finely balanced brew with a good presentation and smooth aftertaste. 

Props go out Norm the DJ, who spun what can only be described as an eclectic mix of dance tunes. NORM! Thanks to Noel Hipona for taking a group shot at the end of the evening. Who are those two at the bottom right?

November 22, 2008 - Willowbrook Ballroom

It was a Thanksgiving Extravaganza at the Willowbrook Ballroom. John Ruf, shown here backstage, brought the traditional Thanksgiving Seagrams V.O., and many of us gave thanks before, during and after the show. We are a thankful group, praise Gilbert.

Things got off to a rocky start as the house sound system nearly exploded at downbeat. The levels were way too hot, and poor Bea, proprietor of the establishment, was waving frantically from the DJ booth. Yoo Tooooo Louuuuudddd!! Unfortunately, the chaotic first moments led to a less than stellar first set. We recoverred quickly in Set 2, which was highlighted by an inspiring version of Pennsylvania 6-5000. Gooble Gobble. 

Finally, we quote an email from the afformentioned John Ruf, provider of the Thanksgiving VO: 

"I went to a Gig & woke up 16 hours later , naked,  in the basement of the Willowbrook my legs tied up, covered in gravy, with a turkey baster up my bum, and corn stuffing in my hair.. what the @#$%T@#@!!

November 4, 2008 - Hackney's

November's show paid homage to the great Neal Hefti, who passed a few weeks ago. We had plenty of Hefti to go around. Steve Hawk got an official howdy-doo as our new drummer. 

The band really sounded great, not only with the addition of Hawk, but the solid brass section -  with guests Terry Connell and Tom Tumino on trumpet and Rich Clark on bone.  

Guitarist Rob Zettl and bassist Steve Hashimoto each pulled up the wrong set list, and each realized it just before downbeat. Amusing. You kids out there, remember to clean out your books on a regular basis, otherwise you might pull last month's set

Set 1
Odd Couple, Coral Reef, Opus One, Lil Darlin, That’s My Style, 920 Special, The Man I Love, Bugle Call Rag, Willow Weep For Me, I've Got You Under My Skin, Fly Me To The Moon, Splanky

Set 2
Kid From Redbank, The Very Thought Of You, Cute, Emmancipation Blues, A Tisket A Tasket, Teddy the Toad, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You, Flight of the Foo Birds, Sing Sing Sing