For several years now, I have used words in this column to share my “Backstage” experiences with all of you.  That’s why it’s so ironic that I am at a loss for words at this very moment as I bid a bittersweet farewell to all of you.  This is my last column in The Daily Herald.

It has been quite a journey that I have taken since I began my career in the business of entertainment some forty years ago, my involvement with The Arcada Theatre twenty-five years ago and my renovation of The Des Plaines Theatre six years ago.

During these times I have presented thousand of artists on several stages.  Along with the wonderful memories each has provided for the concert fans, it has been these magical behind-the-scenes situations that have created the most memories for me.

There were the Hollywood legends who really gave me those speechless moments, just by being in their presence.  Shirley MacLaine, Debbie Reynolds, Barbara Eden, Rich Little, Mickey Rooney, Martin Short, Hugh Jackman, Dana Carvey…oh yeah, and that young upstart, Kevin Costner.

Musically speaking, it has been a literal “History of Rock and Roll” rollercoaster ride for me.  We have had just about every Rock legend from its origins.  Tommy James and the Shondells, Peter Noone’s Herman’s Hermits, Neil Sedaka, Paul Revere, Bobby Rydell, Frankie Avalon, Buddy Holly’s Crickets, Chuck Berry, Little Richard, James Brown, Martha Reeves and the Vandellas, The Supremes’ Mary Wilson, Brian Wilson and Al Jardine of The Beach Boys, Danny Seraphine of Chicago, Eric Burdon of The Animals, The Temptations, The Spinners, The Four Tops, and many more.

What we call, “The Heritage Acts” have also provided once-in-a-lifetime experiences.  Frank Sinatra, Jr., Deana Martin, Engelbert Humperdink, Paul Anka, Patti Paige, Wayne Newton, Connie Francis, and a few others made us all feel as if we were in a dream.

And the pop icons were always the most fun.  The Monkees’ Davy Jones and Micky Dolenz, Taylor Dayne, Sheena Easton, Richard Marx and Rick Springfield were the biggest “jokesters” of the bunch!

Rock legends were plentiful, Gene Simmons of KISS, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Ann and Nancy Wilson of Heart, KANSAS, Blue Oyster Cult, members of JOURNEY and BOSTON, Dennis DeYoung of STYX…the list goes on and on.

Although I never worked with Elvis himself, I still have had incredible “Presley” experiences.  In-depth question and answer sessions with Priscilla, shows with Lisa Marie and Elvis drummer D.J. Fontana.  Incredible!

So many of the shows have resulted in great friendships, and some of my best friends were part of that Midwest phenomenon known as, “Garage Rock.”  The Buckinghams, The Ides of March, The Cryan’ Shames, The New Colony 6, Jimy Sohns of Shadows of Knight-so many of these local legends have graced this stage!

We have had country superstars including Luke Bryan, Eric Church, Josh Turner, Loretta Lynn, Kenny Rogers, Trace Adkins, Randy Travis, Ronnie Milsap and Charlie Daniels, just to name a few.

80s “Hair” and Heavy Metal bands are some of our favorite party experiences.  Bret Michaels of Poison, Warrant, 38 Special, Night Ranger, Winger, Slaughter, Quiet Riot, Y&T, Lita Ford, Queensryche, Firehouse, Steelheart, Vixen, and Vince Neil of Motley Crue are just a few of the metal-maniacs who have performed here.

I could go on and on, as these lists barely scratch the surface of the 25 years of shows.  And each had a story.

However, my greatest take-away from these experiences are the interactions and friends-who-became-family relationships I have had with the fans.  It really blows me away as to how many times some of our supporters have attended shows…some come 3 or 4 times in a single week!

It has brought me great pleasure to share these stories with you.  I thank you all for coming on this journey with me.  I also thank The Daily Herald for allowing me to give its readers a dose of backstage magic.

Although the new owners of The Herald, The Chicago Tribune, do not have space for my weekly roundup of my world, I sincerely wish them all the best.  Both the music and newspaper businesses have had its ups and downs, and I still look forward to opening up a newspaper for the daily run down.

Maybe you will see this column return, either here or somewhere else, if anyone is interested in experiencing what I experience, week after week.

But if not, just know that I sincerely appreciate the love, support and the positive feedback you have all given to me over the years.  Keep subscribing and support local newspapers.  They are the historic backbone of our community.  And maybe, just maybe, I will one day share another “Backstage with The Arcada Theatre’s Ron Onesti” column with you again!  Hope to see you at a show soon…I will keep on rockin’!

I would love to know if you enjoyed this feature (or if you haven’t!), so please stay in touch….Ron@ oshows.com