Crowd goes bananas for Chunky Monkey band
Published Aug 10, 2007
It was fitting that a rock ‘n’ roll band named after a Ben and Jerry’s ice cream flavor jammed Aug. 4 at a summer festival known for live performances and tasty treats.
Choir members at Roselle’s St. Walter Parish, the three spirited men of the Chunky Monkey group invited the crowd gathered under the tent at the annual Taste of Roselle to join them in singing 1960s songs from the likes of the Beatles and Herman’s Hermits.
The raindrops falling that night didn’t extinguish the blazing sounds of guitars and drums and the approving applause from the crowd smoldered out into the city streets. The people gathered were soon on their feet in the heart of Main Street in Roselle. Some were standing and clapping and others were dancing near the stage inside the tent.
“Sing it with me … You know the words,” shouted lead singer Tom Malouf, pulling out all of the stops as he worked to get people mixed up in the musical mayhem.
“They’re so fun,” said Ann Adelman, a member of St. Walter Parish in attendance at the Taste of Roselle with her family, as she reflected on the style of the band. During the evening show, her 10-year-old daughter, Emily, took the stage to chime in with the band.
Malouf later performed an original tune, called “Stuck in the ‘60s for Life.” The song describes Malouf’s affinity for the music of that decade while summing up the concept of Chunky Monkey, he told the Catholic Explorer. “We developed the show around that song,” he said.
Chunky Monkey performances are often interactive, with audience members naming a particular tune or music artist. Typically, prizes are awarded to winners, added the lead singer.
Malouf, who holds a bachelor’s degree in music education as well as a master’s degree in pastoral studies, works as music director at his Roselle parish. Looking back upon his life and career, he said he was inspired by music of 1960s bands, especially the Beatles and “has wanted to do nothing—aside from playing shortstop for the (Chicago) White Sox—but to make music with people.” To that end, the veteran musician continues to perform in church settings and at schools, parks and other venues.
The Chunky Monkey band members are accustomed to seeking participation from their audiences, Malouf said, noting the trio plays during the 10:30 a.m. Sunday Mass a the west suburban parish.
As choir members and stage performers, they try to help people “experience” music, said Malouf, a husband and father of four who also works as a teacher at St. Francis High School in Wheaton.
The band’s drummer, Bob Rubach, had put the sticks down after high school. Two decades later he began playing again during Masses at St. Walter Parish. After choir practices, he and the other two would often remain and amuse themselves with some rock ‘n’ roll, the 54-year-old sales professional told the Explorer, as he remarked about the band’s beginnings. Chunky Monkey was ultimately formed in 2000.
As a member of the band, Rubach emphasized, “It’s been really fun to bring back memories of the ‘60s to people.”
An electrical engineer, Tom Hull plays the bass guitar for the band. “We’re in it for the fun,” he told the Explorer during the group’s sound check before the show.
Hull was quick to acknowledge the band’s lead singer. “He’s the ultimate entertainer.” The guitarist mentioned he is especially impressed by Malouf’s enthusiasm for all forms of music. The performer stressed, “People usually leave their work at work. He can’t get enough music.”
In the meantime, Hull said he understands the idea of using his talents to enliven the spirits of others and to glorify God. “We’ll be playing at Mass tomorrow. I’ll be using this same guitar,” he pointed out.
