Trombonist Brings Melodies To Rogers Park

Henry Pressler slowly lowered himself onto a bench at Rogers Park, placing a golden trombone on the table in front of him as he adjusted his black fedora and positioned himself for another day of performances. Quickly after they married, the two moved to Las Vegas to pursue Pressler's dream of playing in a big band on the strip. Pressler spent the next three decades living out that dream, playing at the same clubs as the likes of Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett and touring the country, sometimes as a band leader. When they returned, Pressler continued to play music around the area, still traveling to places like Galveston for gigs. Familiar faces wave to him and a family out celebrating a birthday party will occasionally bring him a slice of pizza or cake. Children frequently buzz around him, asking questions about his instrument and asking him to sing.