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Read up on the Lads of
RicoQuinn!
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The Bruce

Video
Footage Here!
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Conradh Bruce "Rico" Quintos
At birth, Rico was given the Irish Gaelic name
of Conradh
(poor kid) by his mom. He always went by
Bruce because no one could pronounce it or spell it!
He was born of
Irish/Filipino parents and came into this world with a Fender Strat under one arm and Highland Bagpipes under the
other. Bruce, who plays seven different instruments,
started playing lead guitar professionally at the ripe old
age of 13 with the Chicago rock group
"The Shy Lads"
(RicoQuinn's own Ken Januszyk was the lead singer and keyboard guru
and Tommy Cline was the drummer) and also a
little later with the eight piece R&B group,
"Friction".
After completing 28 years as a career Police Officer he
retired from his position as Police Commander of Field
Operations with the Cook County Forest Preserve Police
and went into politics. Bruce is currently Village Trustee
for the Village of Chicago Ridge.
Following his
musical dream, he worked with the Irish
group
"Bluestack" for three years as their piper, guitar, bodhran,
and bass player.
In September of 2006, he
finally formed the group he always wanted,
RicoQuinn.
He is currently the
Pipe Major/Music
Director for
The
Pipes And Drums Of The Emerald Society, Chicago
Police Pipe Band.
Bruce's musical career to date has provided him with
many unforgettable moments. He has performed in
concert with Doc Severinson, piped Jay Leno on stage
for the “Tonight Show”,
piped for Hillary and Bill Clinton at Hillary's birthday party, piped for President Jimmy Carter
and lead the Pipes and Drums of the
Emerald Society on stage at
Carnegie Hall
receiving a standing ovation.
He has served as the
Midnight Piper at the National Police Memorial in
Washington D.C. and as Piper for the Irish Memorial organization,
An Gorta Mor.
A true musician, Bruce has penned many concert arrangements
for pipe band performances. He also performed for 85,000 people at the opening
ceremony for Special
Olympics in
Dublin, Ireland and piped at Arlington National Cemetery for slain
Police Officers Gibson and Chestnut
.
His most treasured and honored memory was playing
Amazing Grace at Ground Zero at the one year Memorial of 911.
Bruce and his
lovely wife Dawn have two daughters, Stephanie and Ryan.
Dawn says:"Keep
Rockin' Rico!"

1969
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Johnny

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John "J.T." Thier, Our singin' bass player, is known as the
“Quiet
Man” of the group. He was born and raised on the South-
Side of Chicago with memories of listening to the old WLS radio station when
they still played Rock N’ Roll. He
remembers not being exactly sure what instrument he was
listening too but knew he wanted to play it. The “Instrument” turned out to be the electric guitar. Johnny, who
is an outstanding self taught guitar player, also plays the drums, bass and
mandolin. J.T. has earned his place as
a much in demand Celtic and Bluegrass session
musician.
Johnny's
musical journey began in 1985
when he started playing mandolin and guitar in the
proverbial “Bluegrass Band”. What followed next was a true
direction turn back to the Mother Music. Johnny joined with
friends Roger and Don to form the
Blues/Rock group “Blues For Ziffel”.
J.T. was now a
“Singer in a Rock N’ Roll Band” Home at last, Home at
last!
Currently J.T. has a full musical plate on the table. In
addition to RicoQuinn,
he also works with the popular Celtic band
“NATCHEZ AVENUE”
and the well established Bluegrass groups
“FORESTVIEW EXPRESS”
and
“JUST OVER YONDER”.
His musical talents really shine here because he plays
guitar, mandolin, drums and bass but not all at the same time. He's working on
that.
As a side note, we
nick-named him
"Johnny Thunder"
We like it!
 
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Ken

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Ken Januszyk's
musical career began at the age of 8 when his
mother asked if he wanted to take accordion lessons as
was the practice in most Polish families in the "old
neighborhood" on Chicago’s South side.
At
St. Rita
H.S.,
he was introduced to the Hammond organ playing at daily
mass in order to pay for his tuition. While Ken learned to
sing in the school choir, he spent most of his time
playing the snare drum for their championship marching
band that played at an NFL championship game. When a
broken wrist prevented him from a competition, he played
the bass drum with a full arm cast and the band took 1st
place.
With fellow musicians, the 60's rock group
"The Shy Lads" was formed
starting as a "garage band". By his senior year the band
had played at hundreds of school dances and included
playing in the finals for a rock&roll band competition at
Aerie Crown Theater in McCormick Place.
After high school, a few college music classes sharpened
his arranging abilities and the band progressed to an 8
piece show band called "Friction". His leisure time would include playing
kazoo on New Orleans street corners during the annual
Mardi Gras.
His "real" job as 35 year veteran Chicago Police Officer
saw him advance to the rank of Captain. That didn’t prevent Ken from joining their
"Drum & Bugle Corps" where
he became the Music Director
playing snare drum, marching bells, and both the baritone and soprano bugle. To
add to his versatility, Ken became a bagpiper for the
"Chicago Police Pipes and Drums".
He currently plays with
"The Pipes and Drums of the Emerald Society,
Chicago Police Department" where he has achieved the rank
of Pipe Corporal.
Ken is now retired from the Chicago Police Department!

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Rooster Is Back!




This is a "young" Tommy Cline
practicing in some unknown forest a long time ago!

Is this Tommy's
new set?!?!?
Will Dr. Ramon be
retained as Tommy's drum tech?!?

Stay tuned for the very true
story of how Tommy got trapped behind a Vox Super Beatle, a Selmer
saxaphone and a Fender Bassman amp for a full 3 hour gig. Names will be named!! |
Welcome
Tommy Cline!
Percussionist from two legendary Chicago band's
THE
SHY LADS and
FRICTION!
So it began!
Tommy Cline began his
musical journey in the Gage Park neighborhood of Chicago. He was the
“Redheaded Irish kid”
on the Polish block living directly across the street from
RicoQuinn’s own
Ken Januszyk!
Enter the “MAS”
from stage left
Eddie
Maslowski also lived across the street from Tommy and played drums. This
sparked an interest in the young budding musician. While in 3rd
grade, Tommy got a paper route and begged his parents for drum lessons. Instead
he was sent for accordion lessons on a brand spankin’ new
"Red and White Squeeze
Box” which really impressed the Polish neighbors. Forsooth Tommy, Forsooth!
Good advice
from Mom
“Save your money
for a rainy day!”’
Tommy’s goal in life was to
emulate the drummers on the 45RPM records that he listened too.
WLS AM radio was on constantly. Except for a brief
period when Tommy and his young buddies would try to meet girls on the
WLS “BEEP LINE”, it was Rock
N‘ Roll that came first!
Soon the accordion was relegated
to a corner in the attic. Tommy drowned his sorrows over not
“banging on D’ drum all day” with chocolate, magic tricks and comic books
till seventh grade. A local bully forced him to “Smoke and
Choke” on several
Lucky Strikes. As chocolate cravings diminished, garbage cans and/or anything
available were thumped on more and more. Nicotine and Rock N’ Roll coolness took
rise and The Drummin’ Plot was
Afoot! Tommy’s vocabulary increased by six words
overnight:
Gene Krupa,
Buddy Rich & Louie Bellison!
Loud Drummers
and Pirates.
Oh my BuckenEars!
Overcoming his “Cheap” gene
,Tommy decided to spend most of his saved paper-route money on a set of drums at
Carnavale’s Music Store. (This is the same place where Rico bought his first
guitar!) For 800 smackeroo’s, he bought a LUDWIG silver sparkle drum kit with
ZILDGIAN cymbals. Puurrttyy! But true to his “cheap Gene”, he still uses the same set
today with RicoQuinn!
Almost got
Maslowski'd!
Tommy set up his new drums in
the attic and when not delivering papers, played his 45 collection (LOUDLY)
trying to copy the drum beatings of true Rock N‘ Roll percussionists. Tommy was
playing "Loud and Proud" with windows wide open. The neighbors hated it,
especially Eddie Maslowski, who was now trying to study math in college!
Urban legend has it that MAS had
some heated, "Stop Bangin' On Those Cans!" conversations" with
Lil' Tommy!
Oh Tommy Boy,
The Drums,
the Drums are
calling!
Tommy went to De La Salle H.S.
and hung out with Ken and Rico who were going to St. Rita H.S. Both of the
future Rico guys were in a band called THE SHY LADS
playing all over Chicagoland. In the mid 60’s, Tommy started going on jobs with
them to help manage (to get in free) and carry equipment. It was at this time he
made a life changing discovery:
Bartenders gave
booze to the band regardless of their age!
Tommy was now a full fledged
drummer-in-training and Roadie to boot! Fate was heading towards “Tommy the
Drummer” and he didn’t even know it.
Tommy’s ticket
to “The BIG’s!”
In 1967
THE SHY LADS lost their drummer Wayne who was leaving for college. Tommy
was the logical replacement since he knew all the songs and had built a strong
back from lugging all THE SHY LADS equipment over
the years! (Tommy was seen passing out white envelopes at practice. Oh, the Chicago
way!)
Two strong brotherhoods were
being formed. First, Tommy joining the Chicago Police
Department as a 18 year old Police Cadet. (later to become a career
Police Officer along with Ken who was already on the job)
The second was a musical
brotherhood starting with THE SHY LADS, then the
legendary “Rush Street” R&B group FRICTION and
finally with RicoQuinn.
Family Man, Cop,
Musician,
Magic Clown and
Author
Tommy married the love of his
life Sandi and together had seven kids, one of each! You couldn’t throw a rock in the
school yard without someone yelling;
"You almost hit one of the Cline kids!“
He perfected his interest in
magic, clowning and entertaining as “Rooster T. Magic
Clown” to help pay for tuition. Returning to school as a 48 year old
student, he completed his BA and earned an MBA and a MAP.
Now for the
author part!
Tommy penned a side splitting,
must read book based on his 40 year experience as a
Chicago Police Officer.
Coptales Volume 1
"Never Spit in a
Man’s Face...Unless His Mustache is on Fire"
available at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Cop+Tales%2C+Never+spit&x=17&y=19
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Our
Photo Album!
Look for New Video Footage and other
Stuff! |

This is
Padraig,
the Vicious Doberman who guards
our practice area at
RicoQuinn
Productions! |

With our Friends
Tim and Tadgh |
 
Rico Doin' the SRV' "Thang"
Then and Now!
What's with that guitar strap? |

Our friends Chris, Cousin Bill
and Chris' better half, Pattie! |

Tommy is
welcomed by our friends Glenn,
George and Krissy, our own
Johnny Thunder and Debbie! |

Our friend Bill Harr at The
Rhino Bar!
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Ken sings the "Righteous Brothers"
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Ken, always thinking ahead, has
his escape route ready in case
J.T. screws up the harmony parts |

Tommy
welcomes our friends Eileen and
Dave
to
Gilhooley's |

Emerald Society piper Clint
Wagner stops in at
Gilhooley's for a cold one! |
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Our
friend Chuck tells Debbie,
George and Chrissy that he's
gonna go up on stage and
"Tickle
the Ivory's!"
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"And
now for your listening and
dancing pleasure, Direct
from Las Vegas, one of our
favorites, I hope he's one
of yours!"
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Liz
congratulates brother Chuck on a
stellar performance! |

Rico's
daughter Stephanie and
son-in-law Kyle |
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Tommy ROCKS at TC's Pub.
Johnny, where's your shorts
dude! |

Tommy and our friend Debbie
at Gilhooly's |

Our friends Jackie and Arturo |

Could this be the start of
another new group!! Yikes!!! |
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Johnny singin' the Blues! |


Johnny and Rico need beards and
sunglasses for that ZZ Top look! |

Rico with
Jay Leno on the
Tonight Show
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Pinky Ring Gang! |

Can you spot Ken at St. Jude's? |

How About Now! |
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One more time! |
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Rico in his spare time! |

Johnny Thunder in his spare
time! |
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Ken and Johnny at RidgeFest 08
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Playin' to a full house at
Grove's! |
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Elvis Lives BABY!

This is Rico's proof that
Elvis is still alive. Rico
says he
"just went back to the
Promised Land!"
Seriously, ask Rico. He'll
tell ya!
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Ken celebrates after getting his
very own
Rico Shirt!
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Johnny Workin' it at Ridge Fest! |
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THE SHY
LADS, June of 69'. 40 years ago!
Jack
Simon, Tommy, Rico, Ken, Gary
Biscan and Lloyd Ottenstroer |

Look for Rico to appear on their
next CD with the song INTO THE
FLAMES AGAN!! |

Southside Irish at
Bourbon Street!
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Rico's
Police and Fire Motorcycle
Club
The Renegade Pigs
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Some Brothers from different
Mothers!
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Bruce at Desmond's
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Steve took my Sash!
Video
Footage Here!!
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Mike, Bruce, Brian and Kevin on stage at
Ridge Fest 07' |
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Michael "Shagnasty" singin' with
RicoQuinn! |

Rico's inspiration,
James Burton
with
Ricky Nelson |
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A sad Little Rico holding his
wine bottle in a paper bag in a
Madison St. alley before he got
his first guitar! |

The very
young "SHY LADS"
with Tommy on Drums! |
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Johnny singin' Slowhand's
CROSSROADS! |

Ken at Bourbon Street |

Rooster
and Johnny Thunder battle over
who the real "RICO" is! |

"For the last time Thunder,
loose the banner. It ain't
funny!!" |
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Words fail us..... |

Rico and his son-in-law Kyle |
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With the "SHY LADS" Circa 1969 |

38 Years later on stage at
the Ridgefest! |
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Tommy, Ken
and Rico's Rhythm N' Blues Band
"Friction" Circa 1970 |

"A bunch a' Gull Durn' Hippies"
It
was the 70's! |
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Rico, Did you not check the
mirror first? Tommy, your hair
still looks red even in black
and white! |

A Very Young "Rico".
Same hair!! |

Bruce with "Tonight Show"
conductor
Doc Severinsen |

With Mr. Gerry Adams in Dublin
"Tiocfaidh Ar La"
Gerry. |
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Johnny Thunder and
JUST OVER YOUNDER.
"Johnny, You Da Bomb!" |

What's with the Les Paul? |

Rico
hoggin' the stage and camera
tryin' to look like Johnny in
the picture to the right.
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Johnny
and "Harmonica" Bill Harr
Jammin'
at Grove's! |

Bruce's Friend and Delta Blues
Recording Artist
Diamond Jim Greene
Bruce recorded bagpipes and Boudhran on Jim's Album, "Snapshoots".
Bruce's song "MacCuinn's Dawn"
can be heard at the end of
"Things About Coming My Way" |

Our First Poster! |
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"How do you get to Carnegie
Hall?"
"Join a Pipe Band!"
Sir Tom of Cody, 2003
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Johnny playin' smooth Jazz at the
Comoniwannalaya Club
in
Hawaii!
(formerly Happy Harry's Hash
House Bar and Grill) |
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Who would think our own Tom Cody
could find a new friend in
Dublin with the same hat size! |

Now this is an interesting
picture taken at Desmond's.
Bruce is watching in-coming
DARTS aimed at the dart board! |
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Pipes
and Drums of the Emerald Society
members Drum Sergeant Tony
Baumann, Founding member Tom
Cody and Pipe Major Bruce
Quintos play Amazing Grace at
Gold Star Memorial and Park. |

Chris, our Director of
Security and his crack back-up
team, Griff and Elvis
Chris quote: "Dudes, we're
workin' here. Quit muggin' for
the camera!" |

Rico on stage At the Kerry Piper
Irish Pub |

Young
"Johnny Thunder" at an early
"Gig" Woo Hoo
Johnny! |

Boy Rico, I wish I could play
like you! |

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Give it up Tommy.
Rico Wants that shirt! 
AAAAUGH! He got me! Johnny,
you're supposed to tell me when
this stuff is happenin'!
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Grove's Sports Bar & Grill,
8:30AM, Sunday Morning!
Seriously! 8:30AM!!
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Johnny at RidgeFest 07' |

The famous Bobby Sullivan
with Bruce at the Cleveland
Police Memorial, May of 1993
Rest in Peace Bobby
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Microphone: $145
Case: $4.95
"J. Thunder" shirt:
Priceless! |

Ken at Desmond's for the Law
Enforcement Special Olympics
Torch Run fundraiser! |

"I never
use my Les Paul!" Ya right! |

Ken at
RidgeFest 08 |
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Yep, Still got the logo.
Dang, got me again!
AAARGH!!!! |

"When their running ya out
of town, get at the head of
the crowd and make it look
like you're leading a
PARADE!"
Rico, 71'
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Our Schedule
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Please use the links below to find out where
we're playing.
Check back often as we are booking new shows
everyday.
We hope to see all of you soon! |
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January 2009 |
February 2009 |
March 2009 |
April 2009 |
May 2009
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June 2009
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July 2009
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August 2009 |
September 2009
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October 2009
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November 2009 |
December 2009
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January 2009
"Nollaig Shona Duit!"
Happy New Year!
December 31st
Private New Years Eve Party!
Saturday, January 3rd
Private Engagement
Saturday, January 10th
GILHOOLEY'S IS CANCELED DUE
TO A
PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT. SORRY!
We will be playing there on
January 17th and the
23rd!
Friday, January 16th
GROVE'S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL
Dance Contest Time!

111TH St. West of
Austin, Chicago Ridge Il.
10:00pm to 1:30am
Saturday, January 17th
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
AND AGAIN ON:
Friday, January 23rd
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
January 24th
PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT!
Saturday, January 31st,

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
10339 S. Ridgeland, Chicago
Ridge Il.
10:00PM TO 1:30AM |
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February 2009
  
Friday, February 6th
T.C.'s Pub!
This great pub is owned by
Rico's friend Vince O'Grady.
Vince is a long-time Police,
Fire, Special Olympics and
Emerald Society supporter.
Let's try and make this a
special night!
10:00pm to 1:30am
9700 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn
Il.
Friday, February 13th,
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
February 14th
Private Engagement
Happy Valentine's Day!
Friday, February 20th,
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
Saturday, Feb.21st
PRIVATE ENGAGEMENT
Friday and Saturday, Feb.
27th and 28th.
Special Olympics Law
Enforcement Super Polar
Plunge!
Rico and his crazy buddies
will plunge into Lake
Michigan 24 times in 24
hours!
www.firstgiving.com/brucequintos
 
February 27th to March 1st, RicoQuinn is on VACATION!

J.T. on vacation playin' smooth Jazz at the
Comoniwannalaya Club
in
Hawaii!
(formerly Happy Harry's Hash
House Bar and Grill)
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MARCH 2009
HIGH HOLY DAYS ACOMETH!
    
  
Sunday,
March 1st,
Private Engagement
Friday, March 6th
10:00pm to 1:30am

Oak Forest Il.

Saturday, March 14th!!
And so it Begins!!

111th and Pulaski, Oak Lawn
Il.
9:00pm to 12:30am
Sunday, March 15TH, 2009
 
SOUTHSIDE IRISH PARADE
"AFTER" PARTY! 4:00PM TO
6:00PM
March 16th,St. Patrick's Day PARTY!!
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
7:00pm to 10:00pm
COME FOR DINNER AND STAY FOR
THE SHOW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
March 17th
ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARTY!!!!

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
10339 S. Ridgeland, Chicago
Ridge Il.
6:00pm to 9:30pm
Friday, March 20th
GROVE'S SPORTS BAR AND GRILL
Dance Contest Time!

111TH St. West of
Austin, Chicago Ridge Il.
10:00pm to 1:30am
Friday, March 27th,
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
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April 2009
Friday April 3rd
10:00pm to 1:30am

Oak Forest Il.

Saturday, April 4th
NEW VENUE!!!!
Larsen's Corner
1329 W. Jefferson, Joliet
Il.
9:45pm to 1:15am!!!!

Saturday, April 11th
Bobby McGee's Good Times
Pub!

10149 S. Harlem, Chicago
Ridge Il.
10:00pm to 1:30am
Saturday, April 18th,

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
10339 S. Ridgeland, Chicago
Ridge Il.
10:00PM TO 1:30AM
Friday, April 24th,
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
9:00pm to 12:30am
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May 2009
We're
on the Road:
May 6th and 7th
Illinois Police Memorial,
Springfield Il.

Sunday, May 3rd, 11:00am to
4:00pm
TIM SMITH BENEFIT
BUZZ BOMB, 6301 W. 73rd St.
Bedford Park Il.
Tickets: $15.00
For more info: Chuck Feager
babybambam711@yahoo.com
May 14th-17th
National Police Memorial,
Washington D.C.

and the
Cleveland Police Memorial,
Cleveland, Ohio

Saturday, May 23rd
Private Engagement
Saturday, May 30th,

All are welcome.
This is going to be a Dance
Party!
Sunday, May 31st
Private Engagement
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June 2009

June 5, 6 and 7th

We're off to New York, Ya,
Baby!!!
Friday & Saturday, June 12th
& 13th
Private Engagement Road
Trip!
  
Friday, June 19th
T.C.'s Pub!
This great pub is owned by
Rico's friend Vince O'Grady.
Vince is a long-time Police,
Fire, Special Olympics and
Emerald Society supporter.
Let's try and make this a
special night!
10:00pm to 1:30am
9700 S. Cicero, Oak Lawn
Il.
Saturday, June 27th
ALLSTARS SPORTS BAR
8000 S. Roberts Road,
Bridgeview, Il.
9:00pm to 12:30am
This is a great Rock/Blues
Roadhouse Bar!!
Sunday, June 28th
Chicago Police Memorial
Foundation
Fund Raiser!

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July 2009
Friday, July 3rd,
Private
Engagement
Thursday, July 9th,
9:00pm to 12:00am
Welcome to St. Catherine's
Men's Club!
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
Friday, July 17th,
9:00pm to 12:00am
  
3901 W. 103rd St. Chicago, IL
773-233-2200
July 25th,
Private Engagement
Sunday, July 26th
CHICAGO RIDGE FEST!
4:45pm to 6:30pm
RidgeFest Pic's!
Watch for SPECIAL GUESTS!!
Friday, July 31st
10:00pm to 1:30am


Oak Forest Il.
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August 2009
Saturday, August 1st,

OUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME!
10339 S. Ridgeland, Chicago
Ridge Il.
10:00pm to 1:30am
Saturday,
August 8th,
Bobby McGee's
Good Times Pub
10100 S. Harlem, Chicago
Ridge Il.
Outside under the stars in
the brand new Tiki Bar Patio
Lounge!!
Sunday, August 9th,
St. Gerald's Parish
Carnival!
9300 S. Central, Oak Lawn
Il.
We are the closing Band
starting at 6:00pm!
August 14th, 15th and 16th,

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday, August 22nd,
Private Engagement!
August 29th,
Private Engagement! |
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September 2009
September 11th, 12th and
13th
Johnny Thunder is on a
Bluegrass Travelin' Road
Trip
with

JUST OVER YOUNDER!
(we're not!)
September 25th, 26, and
27th,
Road Trip!
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October 2009

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