The Oak Park Arms retirement community will be transformed into one of the grand old Chicago ballrooms of the ‘30s and ‘40s when it hosts a Masquerade Ball and Open House, with the Freenotes Big Band from 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 31, in the Grand Ballroom of the Oak Park Arms, 408 S. Oak Park Ave. The event is free and open to the public.
Since it’s Halloween, everyone is invited to participate in a “Best Costume” contest. And since it’s a Masquerade Ball, everyone can wear masks. Prizes will be awarded.
The Freenotes is an 18-piece orchestra that plays music from 1940s through the 1960s. The name “Freenotes” originated 30 years ago when the band’s founder, the late Art Mertz, gathered a few musical friends to perform at an outdoor fundraiser. The group didn’t charge – hence the “free” notes.
“We have a repertoire of several hundred songs, all very danceable,” said Ron Chocola, Freenotes’ manager. “We play at concerts, parties and dances such as the one at the Oak Park Arms.”
In addition to the dance, a Halloween open house will take place, and tours will be available. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the Oak Park Arms and what it has to offer.
Again, the event is free and open to the public.
The Oak Park Arms is a rental retirement community which provides independent and assisted living apartments and a full schedule of activities and services. Furnished apartments are also available for a short-term stay – a weekend, a week, a month or longer.
For more information call 708-386-4040.
