ROAD TRIP! OHIO INVASION!

The IDES recently went “On The Road” to points east, specifically the beautiful state of Ohio. In a new fashion, instead of a fleet of cars, the band rented a Mercedes 12-passenger “Sprinter” and that was the Mothership for the voyage. It is not known if Jimbo broke out the Acoustic Guitar for a rousing chorus of “Hundred Bottles Of Beer On The Wall,” as a busful of itinerant lads sometimes do, but a fine time was had by all, sans the sometimes anxiety a 400-mile drive can precipitate.

The first night was a stop in downtown Cleveland and a visit to the ROCK AND ROLL HALL OF FAME. For lifelong rockers like the IDES most every step in the building held some sort of interest. and it was surely a treat to see so many significant items from so many legendary stars. Jimbo has had a guitar of his on display from time to time, but it was not up during their visit (the items rotate.)

Up early the next morning for the short drive to the ROBINS THEATRE in Warren, Ohio, where the IDES shared the bill with THE RASCALS.   Our Hotel was located in a century+ vintage building and proved to be a fine base. The Robins is also a landmark, wonderfully restored with a modernized dressing room area. That dressing room was shared with the Rascals, and the conversations were lively. Rascals second keys BENNY HARRISON got into a hot jam with Jim singing duets of a bunch of classic rock and r&b tunes. Rascals leader FELIX CAVALIERE was his usual effervescent self, and we were happy having the chance to hang with a bonafide Legend. 

Our set went very well, and we received a warm welcome and response from the Ohio crowd. The Rascals followed, with Felix in excellent voice and steaming hot hand on his Hammond Organ, his excellent band falling right in line, hit after hit after hit.

A well-earned night’s sleep, and back to Chicago, but there was little time to rest.