Backstage with Ron Onesti:

Exclusive super-fan experiences

Today I’m proud to announce our exclusive marketing partnership with Chicago WTTW Channel 11’s “Soundstage” television show. We are now able to offer exclusive, meet-and-greet experiences with artists who will perform on future episodes of “Soundstage.”

Fifty years ago, Stephen Stills met Judy Collins, known for her piercing ocean-blue eyes. Their tumultuous love affair would later be immortalized by Stills with his composition “Suite: Judy Blue Eyes,” performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash on their landmark debut. Both artists would go gone to shape modern music with visionary approaches, but Stills and Collins’ short, fiery union remains a transformative era for the two artists

The two will reunite for the first time in 50 years with a very special songs and stories, live-band show Tuesday, Oct. 17, at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles.

This very special show has been hailed all over the country as a heartwarming, all-hits-and-more experience that combine the best of Buffalo Springfield, CSN&Y and Judy Collins’ legendary songs. Fans will experience an exclusive behind-the-scenes look as the legendary duo prepare for an upcoming PBS taping. Limited premium seating is available with an exclusive meet-and-greet opportunity attached.

As part of our marketing partnership, Onesti Entertainment is also offering opportunities to see intimate and exclusive live concert experiences of “Soundstage,” taped in Chicago for television specials at the PBS station’s Grainger Studio. Only 290 tickets will be sold for these incredible, ultimate-fan experiences. Premium seating will be available for these 7:30 p.m. tapings and include rare meet-and-greet opportunities.

I could not be more excited to be a part of WTTW and “Soundstage.” Working with both entities is a rock ‘n’ roll dream for me as I grew up with both of them on my TV at home!

The first show in this “Soundstage” series will be on Tuesday, Oct. 31, with Richie Sambora and Orianthi. It’s not surprising that when Sambora and Orianthi first met four years ago, they clicked immediately.

Songwriters Hall of Fame and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Sambora is a founding member of the multiplatinum, Grammy-winning band Bon Jovi. Australian-born Orianthi is a virtuoso rock guitarist who has shared stages with Santana, Prince, ZZ Top, Steve Vai and Carrie Underwood, among others, and she was enlisted by Michael Jackson for his “This Is It” concert tour. She was also the first female member of Alice Cooper’s band. Together, it is a match made in guitar heaven!

On Nov. 7 and Nov. 8, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame band Chicago will tape its new PBS special at Grainger studio, also with only 290 tickets available for each of these two exclusive and intimate concert experiences. Premium seating is available with meet-and-greet opportunities attached.

From the signature sound of the Chicago horns, its iconic vocalists and a few dozen ever-classic songs, the band is celebrating its 50th consecutive year of touring!

Hailed as one of the “most important bands in music since the dawn of the rock ‘n’ roll era,” the legendary rock horn band came in at No. 9, the highest charting American band, in Billboard Magazine’s recent Hot 200 All-Time Top Artists. And Chicago is the first American rock band to place on Top 40 album charts in six consecutive decades.

The legendary and groundbreaking music series “Soundstage” will soon return to PBS with a new season of star-studded concerts. “Soundstage” presents spectacular performances from musicians across pop, rock, country, soul, bluegrass and folk genres. Throughout the years, “Soundstage” has presented the greats, up-and-comers and artists of the moment.

• Ron Onesti is president and CEO of The Onesti Entertainment Corp. and The Historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. Celebrity questions and comments? Email ron@oshows.com.