[Wait a second ... is that even a word??? And if it is, how is it only ONE word?!?!]
Sorry ... no nitpicking allowed ...
This show was simply AMAZING!!!
The Ides Of March are celebrating their 55th Anniversary and have done so in high fashion by releasing a brand new CD of all new music called "Play On" ... and they used Saturday Night at The Genesee Theatre to house the celebration. (Now I don't know if I've seen The Ides Of March 55 times in 55 years ... but I'll betcha I've come close ... easily 30-40 times for sure ... and this just may have been the best, most electric performance I've ever seen yet!)
[How is it that this band ... after 55 years ... just keeps getting BETTER?!?! It's like this whole experience has re-energized them ... and every member of the group has upped their game and risen to the challenge. The way they played Saturday night, I'd put them up against ANYBODY! ... not only mesmerizing the crowd with their own material but also blowing us away with all the NEW music they had to learn to accommodate the artists participating in this particular show. It was jaw-dropping!]
The "Special Guests" list was amazing ... Bo Bice, 4th Season American Idol Runner-Up to Carrie Underwood (who then went on to serve as lead singer for Blood, Sweat and Tears for six years), Cathy Richardson (who has portrayed Janis Joplin on stage and now is the OFFICIAL Female Lead Singer of Jefferson Starship ... fully endorsed by Grace Slick herself) and Mark Farner, mastermind genius behind the success of Grand Funk Railroad ... ALL of whom also contributed their talents to the new Ides CD.
The night provided the perfect opportunity to delve deep into the new album, featuring at least half a dozen tracks as well as all of their best known, best loved greatest hits ... plus music that Jim has written for .38 Special and Survivor ... AND Cathy Richardson belting out an absolutely KILLER version of "White Rabbit," Bo Bice taking both BS&T tunes "Spinning Wheel" and "You've Made Me So Very Happy" to church (as well as handling the lead on Grand Funk's #1 Hit "We're An American Band" and dueting with Peterik on their "shared" chart-topper "Vehicle") plus Mark Farner taking us through an absolutely stirring version of "Closer To Home (I'm Your Captain)" and "The Loco-Motion."
The group ensemble finale of "Eye Of The Tiger" was nothing short of electrifying as The Ides and all of the headliners were joined on stage by Guitarist Mike Aquino, Keyboardist Colin Peterik, Violinist Anne Harris (who added magical fills to several songs throughout the night ... especially "Closer To Home") and overnight YouTube sensation Meagan McNeil, whose vocals were so over the top that even Cathy Richardson (who can out-sing the best of them!) watched in awe as she hit some of those notes! (This girl was "Rape / Murder" good, if you know what I mean!!!)
An INCREDIBLE show, start to finish ... and the filled theater absolutely loved it. Truly one of the best shows I've EVER seen. (kk)
PHOTO GALLERY:
WE'RE AN AMERICAN BAND - Full Ensemble - photo by Karen Peterik
BO BICE with JIM PETERIK and THE IDES OF MARCH - photo by Frannie Kotal
BO BICE: photo by Marlene O'Malley
(How do I NOT call this one JimBo???) photo by Frannie Kotal
BO BICE - photo by Frannie Kotal
JIM PETERIK and THE IDES OF MARCH - photo by Karen Peterik
MARK FARNER - photo by Marlene O'Malley
JIM PETERIK - photo by Karen Peterik
Be sure to check the website tomorrow for even more photos from this outstanding event!
More Ides Events:
Members of The Ides of March will be at the Oak Brook Barnes & Noble for an album and calendar signing on Saturday, November 9th, at 2 pm.
This is your chance to get autographed copies of their brand new "Play On" album in both CD and double vinyl format. It will also mark the premier release date of Jim Peterik’s Stars & Guitar’s calendar for 2020- 2021 , featuring photos from the Ides' shows and many more of Jim’s appearanes through the past ten years shot by Kristie Schram and other top photographers.
You can ALSO catch The Ides as part of the next Cornerstones Of Rock Show at The Arcada Theatre on Saturday, November 30th ...
As well as the Annual Ides Of March Christmas Show (also at The Arcada) on Saturday, December 14th. (It looks like Jim Peterik's World Stage Show at Wentz Hall in Naperville ... on January 25th ... another annual event ... has already sold out.)
And, have you watched that new television series "Perfect Harmony" yet? We decided to finally check it out Sunday afternoon and the first episode features the choir performing a rousing version of "Eye Of The Tiger" ... it's a whole lotta fun and available on Xfinity "On Demand" if you'd like to see it! (kk)
