About Ron Onesti
Ron Onesti is a nationally recognized entertainment executive, producer, and cultural ambassador known for revitalizing historic venues and creating unforgettable live experiences. As President and CEO of Onesti Entertainment, he has transformed two of the Midwest’s most iconic vaudeville playhouses —the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and the Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines—into thriving, state-of-the-art entertainment destinations.
Ron Onesti is a nationally recognized entertainment executive, producer, and cultural ambassador known for revitalizing historic venues and creating unforgettable live experiences. As President and CEO of Onesti Entertainment, he has transformed two of the Midwest’s most iconic vaudeville playhouses —the Arcada Theatre in St. Charles and the Des Plaines Theatre in Des Plaines—into thriving, state-of-the-art entertainment destinations.
Throughout his career, Ron has collaborated with a remarkable range of performers—from industry legends like Kevin Costner and Howie Mandel to contemporary stars such as Luke Bryan or Eric Church —earning a reputation as a trusted producer capable of bridging eras, genres, and audiences.
Ron’s deep commitment to heritage and community has led him to prominent leadership roles within multiple organizations. He serves as President of the Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans and the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, where he leads initiatives that preserve, celebrate, and advocate for the Italian American community in the Chicagoland area and across the nation.
An accomplished writer, Ron has authored more than 300 published articles and continues to share his behind-the-scenes stories through his weekly Daily Herald column, “Backstage with The Arcada Theatre’s Ron Onesti.” He is also a frequent guest on radio and television programs discussing entertainment, culture, and community leadership.
Ron has been honored with numerous awards, including Italy’s Cavaliere Ufficiale—one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions—and the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. As a producer, his PBS special earned three Emmy Awards, highlighting his artistic impact and storytelling excellence.
Born on Chicago’s historic Taylor Street in 1962, Ron grew up surrounded by the values of hard work, pride, and tradition. His father, Alberto, was a tailor, and his mother, Gabriella, a seamstress. He is the oldest of three siblings and a graduate of Weber High School, later attending DePaul University to study Marketing. Today, his brother Richard serves as Vice President of Onesti Entertainment.
With decades of achievements spanning entertainment, hospitality, media, and community service, Ron Onesti continues to celebrate the past, elevate the present, and shape the future of live entertainment and Italian American culture.
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