Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra Wants Bill Murray to March With Them at St. Patrick's Day Parade

For the second year in a row, the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra hopes to entice its inspiration, actor and comedian Bill Murray, to lead the group in the Elmhurst St. Patrick’s Day parade this Saturday. 

Last year the armpit orchestra built what it claims is the World’s Largest Drum in honor of Murray, according to a press release from the Elmhurst Armpit Orchestra (EAO). The words "Our Inspiration" are printed underneath a photo of Murray on 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.  

The armpit orchestra was 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.

“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," said EAO charter member Scott Ahlgrim. 

This year the group debuts retired DuPage County Judge George Sotos on ‘the Handzoo’.  

The parade steps off at noon on March 8 from the intersection of Wilson and Spring in Elmhurst. Patch.com has more information on the parade here. 

Men interested in joining the EAO in this year’s parade may contact them at eao@communityelmhurst.com. 

Source: EAO press release