Monarch Landing of Naperville hosts world class Artist Series

Monarch Landing's Artist Series Features Opera Star Amanda Halgrimson

John Torri would prefer professional entertainers come to his home, rather than traveling into the city to see them.

The resident of Monarch Landing Retirement Community in Naperville is co-chairman of the Entertainment Committee and coordinator of the Artist Series.

The six-show Artist Series which runs over the course of a year, stars professional entertainers from around the world.

On July 19 at 7:30 p.m., Monarch Landing's Artist Series will feature world class soprano and recording artist Amanda Halgrimson. The performer, who is a former soloist with Deutsche Opera and presently lives in Berlin, Germany is a native of Naperville. Her Naperville friends know her better as Cindy.

The idea for the Artist Series came about from Marlin Reishus, co-chairman of the Entertainment Committee and Monarch Landing resident, who travels to Florida each winter.

“He works with a church there, and would come back every year raving about the entertainment he'd seen,” said Judy Torri who works with her husband on the Entertainment Committee. “Eventually, he started talking to the talent in Florida to find out when they'd be in the Midwest. We decided we'd book them for our own shows.”

Judy Torri said that each season of entertainment includes great variety. “We started this year with a Lyric Opera soprano. We've had a comedian, a blue grass band, and we've scheduled a soloist and a woman's singing group,” she said. The remaining 2012 shows include impressionist Win Roberts on Aug. 13 and Village Vocal Cords on Oct. 28.

Each Artist Series performance is open to the public.

Tickets are available for $15 and must be reserved in advance.

“I enjoy having the professionals come here. These are people I'd typically have to get into the car and drive to see in downtown Chicago. Now I can just walk down the hall. That's very exciting,” Judy Torri said. “On the other hand, I'm also probably seeing shows that I wouldn't otherwise get to see because I wouldn't bother to drive to their performances. I'm thrilled with the diversity of entertainers that we are able to offer the residents and the community as well. That's the fun part of it.”

Monarch Landing is located at 2255 Monarch Drive in Naperville.

For ticket information call John or Judy Torri at (630) 778-3798.

For additional information about Monarch Landing visit www. Welcomemonarchlanding.com.

Monarch Landing is a maintenance-free retirement community on a scenic 80-acre campus in Naperville, Illinois - named "one of America's best places to live and retire" by Modern Maturity.