Article published August 6, 2001

Barbara Hendel

Barbara Hendel - Columnist for the Blade
Spotlight
Couples tripped the lights fantastic at Centennial Terrace Saturday evening with Johnny Knorr Orchestra. It was a special gala celebration to honor the Knorr Orchestra's 40th anniversary.

The terrace, noted as the country's largest outdoor dance floor at 10,000 sq. ft., sparkled under a full moon as a crowd of more than 770 guests packed the place, which normally draws 250 to 300 per night.

Fans, friends, and family crowded onto the floor to swing, cha-cha, rumba, tango, foxtrot, and waltz amid lighted trees, a giant gazebo, and the orchestra pit.

Several long timers recalled the days when everyone brought their own table cloths, hors d'oeuvres, and drinks: Now a concession stand provides refreshments. But no one seemed to mind as they were too busy enjoying the romantic evening.

Johnny Knorr started the band in 1961, with his son Jerry, then 18, at his first gig. Centennial Terrace, which was built in 1939 by an Italian craftsman was host to many big band celebrities including Benny Goodman, Tommy Dorsey, and Glenn Miller. But for the past 40 years at Centennial Terrace Johnny Knorr Orchestra has had a draw of its own. Mr. Knorr, a Toledo boy, who graduated from Libbey High School, and Ohio Northern University, recalls playing with Les Brown, Jimmy Dorsey and other popular musicans.

Mr. Knorr received a crystal piece from the band presented by vocalist Gay Hobbs, and former band vocalist Mary Ann Russo sang "I Love Being Here With You." Ed and Bobbie Shabnow made and presented a special anniversary cake. Merle Gore, 89, who greets guests as they arrive came to the stage and congratulated Johnny, too. Master of ceremonies and big band buff himself was Don Edwards.

In honor of the occasion the Knorr band provided free dance lessons by Sharon and Bruce Hunt from Dancehill Farm, Manchester, Michigan. And, the Knorr clan was there in full force: Johnny's wife Jane and their daughter and son-in-law Janice and Orville Wilcox, and their children Rosie Wilson, Monica Thompson, Sara Jane Wilcox, Katie Wilcox, and Buster Wilcox as well as Jerry's wife Emily and their son and daughter-in-law Jeremy and Renee and their daughter Janee, 20 months, who flew in from Atlanta as a surprise to dad and granddad.