Here’s wishing you a Happy New Year! And how do I plan to do that? By giving you plenty of new shows and backstage stories to go with them in 2025!
It has been quite a year! We have given you well over five hundred shows between the stages at The Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and those at the Des Plaines Theatre. Classic Rock, Oldies, Country, Comedy, R&B and Heavy Metal…Something for everybody!
But what truly gets to me are the stories our beloved customers share with us. There are so many! How the band they came to see was their first date back before they were married. Or that the band playing was the favorite of a group of guys in high school who fly in from all over the country for a class reunion each year when the band returns to The Arcada.
There are those who come because the act reminds them of better days gone by, or of their spouses who have since passed away. We recently had a lady in tears as she sat and listened to the act on stage. She sat next to an open seat, the one her husband would have shared with her on their anniversary had he not passed away a couple months before.
It is so incredibly wonderful for me to see the faces on the folks as they enter the theatres. It is a look of excitement, anticipation and happy-go-lucky. Not sure if it is the excitement of the show or the anticipation of that first refreshing beverage, but regardless, it is still a great look on their faces!
And the entertainers are also so wonderful to work with. I have had the Arcada just about twenty years now and the Des Plaines going on five. Many of the acts return year after year, some twice a year! We have close relationships with them, our kids growing up together, or just seeing each other on a regular basis. Legends including Peter Noone, Tommy James, AMERICA, Lou Gramm of Foreigner, Bret Michaels of Poison, Andrew “Dice” Clay, Danny Seraphine from CHICAGO, The Buckinghams, The Ides of March, Cryan’ Shames, The New Colony Six, Jay & The Americans, Scott Stapp of CREED, Paul Anka, Engelbert Humperdink, Wayne Newton, The BoDeans, Gino Vannelli, Howie Mandell, Frankie Avalon, Dave Mason, Gladys Knight, Carl Palmer, Air Supply…the list goes on and on! Show-Biz icons who have become part of our Rock ‘N Roll family!
As I look out into the audience, I try to imagine that guy in the fourth row in a LOOP shirt that wasn’t three sizes too small on him. Or the guy in the sixth row with a US Army shirt with AC/DC and UFO patches proudly sewn on it. How about that gal who has been to forty-seven Bret Michaels shows! It’s just fun sharing in THEIR fun!
Some of my proudest moments have come when I recognize the heroes in the audience…the nurses and doctors, the teachers, first responders, and of course, our military veterans. When I bring out the American Flag and we do the National Anthem, to see the veterans salute while we sing it has brought tears to my eyes more than once.
And along with those heroes are true heroes in my heart, my incredible staff. Beginning with my brother, Rich, who runs the sound and lights parts of our shows, he never can get enough credit. He makes us all look good!
From my amazing Executive Management Team and Executive Assistant, to the Department Heads, Security Team, Marketing Team, fabulous Servers/Bartenders and Bussers, Chefs, Box Office Staff, Production Team, Hospitality Managers, Transportation Captains, Concession crews, Special Events Department, VIP Program Manager, Finance Team, Merchandise Team, photographers and Maintenance/Clean Up Crew. I have an UNBELIEVABLE support team who truly care. I am heartfully grateful to each and every one of them. I am truly blessed with them.
The Club Arcada Speakeasy turned 90 years old this past Sunday. The Des Plaines Theatre turns 100 this coming August 9. The Arcada Theatre turns 100 on September 6, 2026. Many milestones, many memories. And over those 290 years of combined history, I think of the fans and families who have darkened our doorsteps. I remember those who we have lost, the Veterans who fought for our freedom and those pioneers who got us here.
So as 2024 comes to a close, and crazy politics, wars and world challenges remain among us, I look forward to the times when you honor me with your presence and give us at Onesti Entertainment the opportunity to take you away from it all for a couple hours. If we are able to bring a smile to your face, a comforting note or two to your ears, or a lasting memory to your heart, we would have done our job, happily.
And if I may end with the statement I make after every Anthem, “God Bless America, God Bless Rock ‘N Roll and God bless each and every one of you for supporting live music!”
May you have a happy, healthy and safe New Year filled with music…and meatballs!