Petzel: An Elvis sighting in Oak Lawn
By Cheryl Petzel Citizen Journalist/cjpetzel@sbcglobal.net June 21, 2012 2:26PM
Elvis impersonator Joe Tirrito performs recently at Stony Creek Clubhouse in Oak Lawn. | Supplied Photo
Updated: July 25, 2012 6:10AM
Greetings, fellow Oak Lawnians! There was an Elvis sighting (sort of) recently at Stony Creek Clubhouse, 5850 W. 103rd St.
On June 7, the clubhouse hosted an evening of karaoke with Elvis impersonator Joe Tirrito. The free event, which ran from 8 to 10 p.m., featured a fun evening interacting and singing karaoke with “Elvis.”
The audience included a diverse mix of men and women, young and old. Clubhouse manager Mary Grana said there were “20-somethings and older people, but I was surprised that more than half of the people in the room were men.”
Audience members selected songs from a book, then sang.
Grana said one of the highlights of the evening was “an older gentleman who was there, who was in his 70s. He did a Frank Sinatra song and he was awesome.”
She said it was a lot of fun watching audience members sing and interact with Tirrito, and even she was dancing.
“Joe is very nice and has a dynamic personality,” Grana said.
Although Tirrito’s appearance at Stony Creek was in street clothes and not an Elvis costume, he performed Elvis songs that kept the audience engaged and entertained. Like so many of us, Tirrito grew up listening to Elvis’ music and watching his mesmerizing gyrations on television.
Since then, Tirrito has become an Elvis tribute artist and has performed more than 30 years. Not surprisingly, he’s very experienced “being Elvis” and has perfected his routine, to the delight of his audience. Tirrito performs throughout the Chicago area.
Grana said she first met Tirrito when he was golfing and thought his show might be fun for the clubhouse. Since then, he has approached Grana about having an “Elvis” golf outing in which participants would dress as or impersonate Elvis. That event is still in the discussion stage, but sure sounds like fun.
For more information about upcoming events at Stony Creek Clubhouse, visit www.golfstonycreek.com, call Grana at (708) 398-6284 or e-mail her at mgrana@olparks.com.
Here are this week’s featured celebrity announcements.
Happy sixth birthday to Jonathan Kohlstedt from his parents, Lisa and Pat, and sisters, Grace and Jillian.
Happy 18th birthday to Erica Erdakos from her parents and brothers, Jason and Joey.
Vicki Paprocki’s parents and family send her their best wishes as she turns 27.
Birthday wishes also go out to Norbert (“Norb”) Randich, from his wife, Marge.
Happy birthday to Jim Buschbach, and George Frietag’s family wishes him a happy birthday.
Congratulations to Tim and Linda (Morgan) LoScuito, who were married May 27. Their family and friends wish them the very best as they begin their life together as husband and wife.
Wedding anniversary wishes go out to the following couples: Pat and Lisa Kohlstedt’s on their 10th anniversary; and Mike and Anne Styx and Michael and Janet Paluch Jr., who are celebrating their 11th anniversaries.
Kurt Seehofer wishes his wife, Allyson, a happy 16th anniversary.
Best wishes to Jim and Alyssa West on their 17th anniversary, Mike and Lisa Keysboe on their seventh anniversary, from Wally and Theresa Antonowicz; John and Sharon Peterson on their 24th anniversary, Sotiri and Judy Grimanis on their 36th anniversary, Lisa and Jose Lopez, who are celebrating their 37th anniversary, and Eugene and Agnes Mark as they celebrate their 60th anniversary.
Keep your fellow Oak Lawnians informed about birthdays, special events or special “stuff” going on with your family or in the community. Call me at (708) 899-9544 or e-mail me at the address above.
Until next time ... .
