The Band is Back in Town

After a several-year hiatus, and after touring multiple venues ranging from country clubs to city stages, the Sun City rock band, Old’s Cool, is coming back home.

Formed in 2006, the musical group was first established by TR Kerth and Hans Stucki when they became neighbors. After comparing their musical backgrounds at a Del Webb neighborhood block party, Kerth and his now former band invited Stucki to join them in a few songs. The two hit it off instantly.

Old’s Cool. (Photo provided)

“It happened in the Del Webb way of happening. People all move in about the same time, and they get to be pretty good friends,” said Stucki, who is a keyboardist and guitarist for Old’s Cool.

At present, Old’s Cool contains five members (Kerth, Stucki, Dennis Baier, Bob Noble, and John Montgomery), three of whom reside in Sun City. Since its inception, the band has seen a few changes in membership (they recently acquired a new drummer), but Kerth views this as a positive situation.

“It’s nice to say hello to new people because they come up with new ideas,” said Kerth.

Like the band’s players, its performances and music styles also vary. Not only do the band members adapt their shows to their audiences, but they also experiment with impromptu song medleys and mash-ups.

Performing hits from the 50s, 60s, 70s, and early 80s, the band has a repertoire of roughly 150 selections, according to Stucki. Old’s Cool has performed for country clubs, weddings, birthday parties, and even downtown Chicago events. A few weeks ago, the band entertained at the Palmer House in the Empire Room, a renowned venue that has hosted musicians such as Frank Sinatra and Liberace.

“Playing at the Palmer Housewas one of my favorite memories,” said Kerth, who joked that the staff at the venue allowed the band members to feel like divas by giving them celebrity accommodations. “It was glorious and elegant. All of these famous people have played there, and you could feel it seeping through the walls.”

This wide range of experiences has helped the band prepare for anything.

“You always have to adapt to what the crowd is doing,” said Stucki. “If the crowd isn’t dancing as much at the beginning, and all of a sudden they start dancing near the end, we’re not going to stop.”

This chemistry also occurs between members of Old’s Cool, as evidenced by their subtle winks and nods that they exchange to communicate onstage, according to Stucki.

“There’s a communication among musicians onstage that is mostly unspoken that is really kind of amazing,” he said.

When is the next glimpse of this “amazing” act?

Old’s Cool will perform on Tuesday, September 9, at 7pm in Drendel Hall. Advance tickets are $12 per resident and $17 for non-residents.

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