On Saturday, September 23rd I was asked to help out and take photos at a school event. I honestly had no idea what it was about. I just remember my family was excited for me when I told them about it, and the gentleman’s name that would be hosting the event. My mother told me she remembered hearing about how this man toured with Frank Sinatra, so my mind quickly assumed that there would be singing involved. After that, I did not bother to do any research and figured that it wouldn’t really be something I was interested in.
Tom Dreesen would soon become someone I could say showed me that great acts still exist. Once the night finally came, I found myself swept into a comedy act that I wish would’ve never ended. My assumption of Mr. Dreesen being a musical sensation slapped me in the face as his jokes caused me to stop taking photos from time to time, because I was laughing so much. I can’t even begin to put into words how amazing that night was and my only regret was not getting a picture with Tom Dreesen himself.
Many may question my knowledge of Tom Dreesen, but I am not writing to claim I am his number one fan. I am trying to expand my taste in the arts that came before my time, and having someone like him who grew up in Harvey, only fifteen minutes from my home, and also a former student of Thornton Junior College (now SSC) helps me to believe that everything is reachable in life. Just keep pushing forward.
Another interesting piece of information about the night: The money everyone spent on the tickets never really left the school. It was donated to the South Suburban College Foundation for students (like me) to receive scholarship. Tom Dreesen still holds a special place for SSC in his heart and I appreciate that.
I know he will probably never get a chance to read this blog, but I cannot thank this man enough for sharing his personal life stories to a packed house, and also giving us an inside look into a portion of Frank Sinatra’s life. I am now on a mission to watch as many of his acts that I can find and share them with everyone I know. Mr. Dreesen, to me, is truly a comedy legend.
