Ral Donner Jr.'s Friday Night Dance Party

Born in Chicago, Ral Donner was already playing music while still in his teens. Donner had four Top 40 hits in his career, including “The Girl of My Best Friend,” a cover of an Elvis Presley song. Despite being born several years after the release of that song, it has always been one of my favorites. Unfortunately, I never had the chance to see a live performance by Ral, who died in 1984.

A few years ago, my friends Paul and Lori Myers invited me to a performance by Ral Donner Jr. Having not seen Ral Jr. perform, I jumped at the chance.

After meeting Paul and Lori at a west side restaurant, we settled in to enjoy Ral's set and enjoy it I did! I was really impressed. While I heard his father's influence in his singing, Ral made all the songs his own. Much to my delight, he not only performed “The Girl of My Best Friend,” he acknowledged me afterwards.

Since then, I have seen Ral perform several times in other locations. Each time, I find myself amazed. This is Ral Donner Jr. I loved his father's music and now I am loving his music.

While Ral performs regularly all around the area, he is about to start a new project. The Friday Night Dance Party starts next Friday, August 4. Ral and the American Legion Post 159 are partnering to present a great night of music on the first Friday of every month. There will be food, drinks, raffles and, of course, live entertainment.

The doors open at 5:30 and the shows run from 7:00-10:00 at the American Legion Post 159 at 9757 Pacific Avenue in Franklin Park. After Ral takes the stage August 4, the next scheduled musicians are Bonnie Bridges on September 1 and The 3 Aces on October 6.Each show will be different, but each will provide the same great level of entertainment.

Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of interviewing Ral about all of this. Ral talked a bit aboiut his late father, before giving me all the details on the upcoming Friday Night Dance Party.

The more Ral talked about the events, the more excited I got. Starting off with a night of Ral, then continuing with other great singers, this will become a regular hangout for many of us music fans. We don't have to travel the area to see a variety of music. Ral is bringing it to us in Franklin Park every first Friday.

Opening night is one week away and I can't wait. I hope to see a lot of my friends there and to make new friends, all while enjoying Ral's great takes on songs covering several decades.

I thank Ral for his time. I encourage all to check out The Friday Night Dance Party. Follow Ral Donner Jr. on Facebook to get all the news and updates on these shows and other projects from Ral.