By Joan LaFleur
Through the years, John Knox Village has been, and still is, the home of wonderful musicians. The opening of the Tree Top Lounge, in the early 2000s became the avenue for many of them to share their talents. Roy Halldeen sang to the accompaniment of the songs on the Clavinova piano, John Rossbacher played drum and harmonica, Nancy Rossbacher, piano and Rosemary Malocsay, violin.
The Tree Top Trio was led by Bob LaFleur. Bob had been leader of a 17-piece swing band in the Albany, New York, area and he shared his talents on the saxophone and clarinet along with Shirley Coyne on piano, Ken Stirneman on bass guitar and Marianne Berkes, soprano soloist. The Trio drew a crowd to the Lounge for years, but had to stop with the COVID shutdown and now, failing health. However, Bob, who currently resides at Majestic Oaks, and Ken, whose wife also resides at Majestic Oaks, hope to play for residents there soon.