http://www.dailysouthtown.com/southtown/yrtwn/seast/111seyt5.htm
Thursday, August 11, 2005
By Steve Metsch
Staff writer
Ray Manzarek, former keyboardist for the Doors and a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, comes home tonight.
Manzarek and some special guests will play an outdoor concert at 8:30 p.m. on the baseball field of St. Rita High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., Chicago. Manzarek graduated from St. Rita in 1956.
"We got him because the timing is right. He's touring the Midwest right now and was able to play here," Peggy Strocchia, publicity director for the high school, said. "He's eager to come back and visit."
Manzarek was a multi-sport athlete, musician and glee club member at the Southwest Side school. Four years ago, Manzarek played keyboards with the St. Rita Jazz Band when it visited California during spring break.
Tonight's fundraising concert kicks off of a 100th anniversary celebration weekend for St. Rita. A golf outing, dinner dance and Mass are planned.
The Larkin and Moran Brothers, who play Celtic folk and rock music, take the stage at 7 p.m. The band also has a St. Rita connection, with Dan Larkin from the Class of 1982, Mike Larkin from the Class of 1989 and Joe Larkin from the Class of 1992.
Garry Meier, a former radio personality in Chicago, will be master of ceremonies tonight.
Gates open at 5:30 p.m. If you plan to attend, bring lawn chairs and blankets. Coolers are not allowed, but there will be a beer garden and concession stands.
Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for high school students and children. High school students should bring their school ID.
Other 100th anniversary events include a golf outing Friday at Gleneagles Golf Course in Lemont, a dinner dance Saturday night at the Chicago Hilton, and a mass at 3 p.m. Sunday at the school.
Tickets remain for the golf outing at $110 per person, and the dinner dance at $175 per person. For more information, call (773) 925-5029.
Manzarek will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday with The Doors of the 21st Century at the Congress Theatre, 2135 N. Milwaukee Ave., Chicago.
Steve Metsch may be reached at smetsch@dailysouthtown.com or (708) 633-5996
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