EAO Looks to Attract Bill Murray with World's Largest Drum

For the second year in a row, the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO) hopes to entice its inspiration, actor and comedian Bill Murray, to lead the group in the Elmhurst, Illinois St. Patrick’s Day parade on March 8, 2014.  Last year the EAO built what it claims is the World’s Largest Drum in honor of Mr. Murray.  His likeness adorns each ‘skin’ of the 9 foot diameter drum.

The group was founded in 2009 by a group of Elmhurst business leaders who were looking to entertain the crowd at the annual rite of spring in Elmhurst.  The ‘Orchestra’ consists of a group of approximately 50 men who play familiar tunes on kazoos, bucket-drums, washboards, vuvuzelas, stumpf fiddles and cowbells.  They were inspired by Bill Murray’s character John Winger in the movie Stripes.  In the movie, Murray leads a rag-tag bunch of Army recruits in hilarious parade exercises.

EAO charter member, Scott Ahlgrim notes, “Our group’s dream is to have Mr. Murray lead us as we provide great fun for parade watchers.  He inspired us and we would be honored to have him lead us.” 

This year the group debuts retired DuPage County Judge George Sotos on ‘the Handzoo’.  Men interested in joining the EAO in this year’s parade may contact them at eao@communityelmhurst.com.  The parade steps off at noon on March 8th from the intersection of Wilson and Spring in Elmhurst.  For more information on the parade visit www.elmhurststpatsparade.com or call Parade Chair Jim O’Connor at 630-834-0300.