EDITOR'S PAGE

FLASH-BACK

Hope you have enjoyed the site so far.  On this fine day with the temperatures in the 90's, I have been sitting here basking in the hot sun, working on the bio's and masterminding new ideas.  I decided to have an editors page to let you know what's on my mind.
Looking back at this picture I recently had taken with Jim at a Morton College function, reminded me of the time we first met 30 years ago as students there.  My association with the Ides dates back to '68 when I was just a freshman at the local community college.  I remember seeing a student with long hair walking the halls and never gave it much thought.  I figured with that hair, he had to be in a rock band.  One day a group of my friends decided to see the Ides of March playing at the local teen club, called the Blue Village.   Standing there on stage in front of me was that same student I had seen countless times, Jim Peterik. 

That night I was blown away with their showmanship, brassy sound, beautiful harmonies and Jim's gutsy voice.  There he was jumping and running all over the stage like a wild man.  His rapport with the audience was amazing.  In all my years of going to concerts, I have never seen a performer with that much energy as Jim has.  That night I became an Ides fan forever.

During the two years that Jim was at MC, he became something of an institution.   He made going to school fun with his impromptu concerts at the "bench" and going to Miss Paulas's American Lit. class with a guitar instead of books. Going to Jim's two solo performances (student center) was one of the highlights of the school year.   It was a golden opportunity to hear some of Jim's rare and early works that the public would never hear. ( I was very fortunate to experience this early stage in Jim's career and will always cherish those moments.)

His shows included everything from rock, folk, country, commercials he wrote and even a comedy satire on bubble gum music.  Jim captured the audience with his charm, humor, sing alongs and songs like; "Freedom Sweet," "Higher Then The Ground", "Maxwell's Silver Hammer", "Obladi, Oblada", "A Little Bit of Honey", "Vehicle", and my favorite "One Woman Man."    

Jim always received a standing ovation after each show.  The audience loved him and never wanted him to stop.  We are all put on this planet for a purpose and I believe Jim's place is to perform.  Entertaining is in his blood and there's no denying it.  Watching the way he draws any audience into his moods is astounding.   He gets the audience where he wants them with his magnetism and hooks them into coming back for more.  Jim is colorful, energetic and persuasive just like the sign he was born under a Scorpion.         .

              Stay tune for more and J. Mikota thanks for taking the picture of Jim and I.

                                                                                           Joyce Paliulis