Publications & Sites 
Rock star takes the stage for a night in Western Springs
Western Springs, IL - November 10, 2012: Saracen member Frank Glas (Lombard) sings a tune while warming up for Saturday night's concert at The Corral. | Steve Johnston~for Sun-Times Media
Updated: December 23, 2012 6:05AM
WESTERN SPRINGS — Reprising his role as a rocker has proven to be more fun and rewarding than Frank Glas suspected. The 1968 graduate from Lyons Township High School performed in a benefit concert for his alma mater Nov. 10 at The Corral in Western Springs, formerly a teen hangout, when he cruised the streets of La Grange. Glas, a former teacher and insurance manager from Lombard who now drives a school bus, joined three original members of Saracens and a new drummer for a ’60s-style sock hop and trip down memory lane for many.
Q. Who are the members of your group?
A. Class of 1970 members Bill Trombello of Wheaton on rhythm guitar and Art Erdman of DeKalb on lead guitar and 1971 graduates Don Musillimi of Lemont on bass and newcomer Rich Harris of Brookfield on drums, replacing Steve Sims, who suffered a fatal heart attack several years ago.
Q. How did Saracens get its name?
A. Bill got it from a class at LT. It’s a British fighting vehicle with a lot of guns and big tires used in the desert, the British version of the Hummer today.
Q. How did you all get together?
A. I went to a Facebook page with people remembering things about La Grange, like the Prince Castle across the street from the old YMCA. I talked about coming in third place for a Battle of the Bands, when they blocked off the streets. Bill asked me, “Where have you been for 40 years? We’ve been looking for you.” We’ve been rehearsing a little over a year now.
Q. How was the concert?
A. It was a little smaller crowd because of the football playoff game, but everybody who showed up really got into the music. We felt like we were 16 again. Family and friends who’ve heard us before said they never heard us play so good. Everybody was dancing and singing along with us.
Q. What songs do you play?
A. We’re like a cover band for every band in the ’60s, from the Shadows of Night to the Allman Brothers, as well as the Beatles and Stones, probably my favorite groups. If we liked their music, we tried to play it, the greatest hits of all times.
Q. Where did you grow up?
A. We moved to Hinsdale on the Cook County side when I was 8 years old while the Tri-State was under construction, and I went to St. John of the Cross in Western Springs.
Q. What are some other high school memories?
A. I played football and baseball at LT. I was the place kicker and went for field goals and extra points. I can’t kick anymore, but I still have the square-toe shoes with the steep tip.
Q. What are your future plans?
We hope to keep going as a group after playing at a few bars and the Taste of Wheaton. We’re having so much fun doing this. People our age in the 60s don’t want to sit home and watch TV, if they could hear our music.
