Ann Good Lord has served as emcee for the Naperville Municipal Band for 63 years!
In December 2020, Ann Lord had considered stepping down from her historic role on stage to emcee Naperville Municipal Band Concerts. In fact, during an interview, she said that timing just seemed right as she anticipated celebrating her 90th birthday on Jan. 18, 2021.
Then she was inundated with birthday cards and well wishes from many band fans she didn’t even know. The love she felt from the community as a representative of the band changed her mind about retiring. And thanks to her friend, Vicki Keller; son Steve and his wife, Pat; and daughter Cathy, all of whom have provided transportation to and from rehearsals and concerts, Ann hasn’t skipped a beat.
During a recent phone call, we again were energized by Ann’s way of sharing her secrets to a good life. We laughed together. Ann took a few moments to reminisce about how much she’d enjoyed watching comedienne Betty White throughout her long television career of more than seven decades. Ann said she’d especially liked White’s portrayal of Rose in the TV series “Golden Girls.” Betty White passed away at age 99 on Dec. 31, 2021. Her 100th birthday would have been Jan. 17, 2022.
The longtime emcee with the Naperville Municipal Band turns 91 years old on Jan. 18, 2022, and PN again had plenty of questions for the woman known for taking the stage with her entertaining narratives that lead into songs. But we resisted! We didn’t want to give Ann a chance to tell us she’s thinking retiring!
Ann did say, however, as long as she has a ride, she’ll continue to share her memorable narration at every Thursday evening summer band concert in Central Park and indoor concert on stage at the Wentz Concert Hall. “My son, Steve, and his wife enjoy the band concerts. They always go,” Ann said. “They’re happy to see that I get there.”
And Ann Lord is forever grateful for all the well-wishes. Cheers!
Kindly note, additional stories featuring Ann Lord with many photos are featured on the Positively Naperville website. A special video of her 90th birthday parade organized by the Naperville Municipal Band also is online. Simply search “Ann Lord” at www.positivelynaperville.com.
