The Elmhurst College Jazz Band

The Elmhurst College Jazz Band has gained international acclaim as a truly outstanding collegiate jazz ensemble. Under the direction of Doug Beach, the band has received outstanding ratings at jazz festivals from many jazz greats including Clark Terry, Lee Konitz, Conte Candoli, Pete Christlieb, Greg Hopkins, Jiggs Whigham, Rob McConnell, and Bob Brookmeyer. The band has toured 17 nations and has twice been honored with invitations from the U.S. State Department to tour Europe. Frequent performances with well-known guest artists are a regular part of the band's schedule. Recent artists have included Bobby Shew, Louie Bellson, Pete Christlieb, Conte Candoli, Diane Schuur, Terry Gibbs, Lee Konitz, Denis DiBlasio, Clark Terry, Chris Vadala, and Frank Mantooth. In addition, the band has commissioned a number of original works from such well-known composers as Bill Holman, Alan Broadbent and Denis DiBlasio. The band also hosts the annual Elmhurst College Jazz Festival, a major event that attracts the best jazz bands from around the country and is adjudicated by the greatest names in jazz today. The band has produced numerous recordings, all available on CD.

The Willowbrook Ballroom

From its simple dance hall beginnings, to its rise as one of America's "SWINGINGEST" meccas -- the legendary Willowbrook Ballroom has touched the lives of millions for decades. From the high energy sounds of Count Basie and the oscillating rhythms of Benny Goodman, to the infectious dance tempos of modern-day swing groups like Brian Setzer Orchestra and the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Willowbrook has been 'home' to many a famous band. The Willowbrook Ballroom is a dance ballroom and banquet facility located in Willow Springs, Illinois along Archer Avenue. It was founded in 1921 by John Verderbar and named Oh Henry Park. Today, the ballroom continues to host ballroom dancing events with a live orchestra weekly. The Willowbrook Ballroom has its original 6,000 square-foot "floating" maple dance floor. In 2000 The Willowbrook Ballroom was profiled as one of America's "Glorious, Historic, Legendary, Treasured Ballroom Dance Floors" in Amateur Dancers magazine.