ROCK ‘N’ ROMANCE ‘N’ ROLLING WAVES

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In March, we returned to the Caribbean by way of the “70’s Rock And Romance” cruise. On this one, you play either the “first half” or the “second half”, and we were on the latter leg. We flew into Cozumel’s nifty little Airport (how cool it is to descend the “old school” staircase and see the massive aircraft up close). After a night’s stay at the incredibly posh “El Presidente Intercontinental” Hotel we boarded the Celebrity Summit the next morning. We had a number of friends on this leg of the cruise: John Lodge from the Moody Blues, The Jefferson Starship, and Danny Seraphine first and foremost. New friends included the gents from “Toast”, a stellar tribute to the group “Bread”, and the “Who Generation”, who did a great sendup of the Who’s hits. The folks from the production company “StarVista” were also glad to see us, remembering us from cruises past.

We played 2 shows in the “Pool Area”: the first a late-night party (11pm!) in the cool night air. 2pm on Friday found us back on deck with a packed crowd. Weather was a bit overcast, but that was actually a blessing, for we were spared the blazing tropical sun and its relentless heat. Our old pal Cathy Richardson from the Starship joined us onstage for the powerful duet with JP on “Blue Storm Rising” from our latest “Play On” Album. Always a treat to jam with C.R.!
We also did a fun Q&A session and “meet/greet”, which was taped and ran on the ship’s TeeVee system. It was great to meet fans from all over the world, and wouldn’t you know it, more than a few from the Chicagoland area.

All-in-all, 2 fine voyages. If you haven’t been on one of these, we recommend you try one-(especially if we’re featured). Keep an eye on our website…

CONCERTS AT SEA? WHY NOT!

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The first quarter of the year has been an “ocean breeze” for the IDES. Literally! We’ve been on 2 cruises-“Concerts At Sea” in January, and “70’s Rock And Romance” in March. Both voyages were great fun for the band, and brought our music to the fans old and new.  The January sojourn found us in good company with the Platters, the Coasters, Chubby Checker, Chris Montez, and Gary Lewis and the Playboys. What a joy it was to see, hear, (and hang) with some of the architects of Rock and Roll. The “Sea Princess” was a luxurious ship, and the “staff” musicians were wonderful to hear, perfect accompaniment to after-hours nightcaps. We played one show in the Theatre to a rousing audience, and the folks certainly let us know how much they appreciated  it. The “Concerts At Sea” cruise has been going now for over 30 years-it was started back then by Mark Lindsay of “Paul Revere & The Raiders”. Unlike the other cruises we’ve been on, this group was only about 1/3 of the entire ship’s population, and there is a warm, familial vibe running through it. There are folks who have been on every sailing, and the folks who run it couldn’t have been more welcoming to us. We’ve made a whole bunch of new friends, and it wouldn’t surprise us if we weren’t back on “Concerts At Sea” in the near future.

60 Years And An Orchestra!

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THE IDES OF MARCH (Featuring JIM PETERIK), as part of their Diamond Anniversary Tour, celebrating 60 years with all the original members, announce a very special concert on the Ides Of March (March 15th) 2024, at the Delora A. Norris Cultural Arts Center in St. Charles, Illinois.

On that evening, The Ides will be accompanied by the “Eye Of The Tiger” Pops Orchestra shining a new light on the beloved songs written or co-written by JIM PETERIK, such as “The Eye Of The Tiger”, “Vehicle”, and “Hold On Loosely” which have become evergreen favorites far and wide.

The Orchestra Project is a collaboration with noted Chicago Musician ED VODICKA who has arranged the Ides’ tunes for strings, woodwinds, brass and percussion; complementing the band’s rock instruments, and legendary singing voices.

This event is a “can’t miss”, for Ides Fans, Classic Rock aficionados, and all those who love the music that continues to inspire and excite generations of all ages.

Tickets on sale now online at https://norrisculturalarts.com/tickets/
The Ides Of March online: https://www.theidesofmarch.com
Jim Peterik online: https://www.jimpeterik.com

You Can Be Thankful For Rock’n’Roll

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You’ll be over your turkey coma and ready to rock when the Cornerstones featuring the Ides return to the Arcana Theatre on November 25! Bring everyone along and rock with us! Details here: https://www.arcadalive.com/event/cornerstones-of-rock-20231125/

Christmas Continues In Des Plaines

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Grab a second helping of Christmas Spirit as the Ides bring the Christmas Extravaganza to the Des Plaines Theatre on December 9th for a matinee show! More details here: https://desplainestheatre.com/events/the-ides-of-march-christmas-show-407/

Christmas Season Starts At The Acorn!

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The Ides Of March Christmas show is really 2 shows in one. The first half features the Ides’ distinctive original Christmas songs, mixed with choice traditional Carols. Each member of the band is featured, including the Ides stellar Brass section. Mostly “unplugged,” the tunes weave a warm Christmas/Holiday vibe – sometimes humorous, sometimes spiritual, but always entertaining and full of the Season’s cheer. The second half of the show is pure rock and roll, with a mix of Ides favorites and the top-ten hits Jim Peterik is famous for, including “Vehicle,” “Hold On Loosely” and “The Eye Of The Tiger.”

Get your tickets now at https://www.acornlive.org/events/the-ides-of-march-christmas/

THE IDES ROCK THE ILLINOIS STATE FAIR!

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The Ides of March to Rock the Illinois State Fair (and eat funnel cakes!)

Beware! We’re excited to announce that on Monday, August 15th, The Ides of March will be playing the Illinois State Fair’s Grandstand Stage!

Held almost every year since 1853, (the exceptions being 2020 and … World War II) the Illinois State Fair is a convention of agricultural innovation, excellence, and amusement. The Ides are honored to perform on the same stage as other headliners Demi Lovato, Willie Nelson, Disturbed, Sammy Hagar, and others scheduled for the fair this year. Best of all, the Ides concert is free with admission to the fair!

Jim Peterik’s World Stage Performance Jan 25th Naperville, IL

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It was another sold out, stellar night featuring The Ides of March, Dave Jenkins of Pablo Cruise, David Pack (formerly of Ambrosia,) blues master Anthony Gomes, Toby Hitchcock of Pride of Lions, Colin Peterik and Steely Dan tribute band Brooklyn Charmers, Yvonne Gage, Riley Pettrone and special surprise guest, Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake, Trans Siberian Orchestra, and Cher making his triumphant return to World Stage.  (He was there for the first eight seasons of World Stage starting in 2000.)

The show rocked for three-plus hours, as Jim and the World Stage Band joined the guest artists to thrill the packed house with classic songs and great new music. This was the 21st annual World Stage show Jim has piloted through the years, and always proves it is never one to miss!

THE BIG 55TH ANNIVERSARY SHOW W/ SPECIAL GUESTS MARK FARNER, CATHY RICHARDSON, AND BO BICE

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The Ides will celebrate the release of their latest album, “Play On,” along with their 55th Anniversary year at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan, Illinois on Saturday, October 26th. Joining the Ides will be special guests Mark Farner (formerly of Grand Funk Railroad,) Cathy Richardson (longtime friend and current lead singer of Jefferson Starship) and Bo Bice (American Idol finalist and former lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears.)

Tickets available here: https://www.geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/the-ides-of-march

55th ANNIVERSARY SHOW IS COMING UP!

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Our big 55th Anniversary Bash is coming soon! Join us at the Genesee Theatre in Waukegan as we welcome special guests Mark Farner, former lead singer of Grand Funk Railroad, and Bo Bice, American Idol finalist/former lead singer of Blood, Sweat & Tears! This will be one you won’t forget!

https://www.geneseetheatre.com/events/detail/the-ides-of-march