Peterik book brings back memories

Local rock music fans know Jim Peterik fairly well. He's been the frontman for the Ides of March since the mid 1960s, a member of Survivor and, more recently, the brains behind the World Stage music events at area theaters.

He's blasted away on the guitar for Ides' concerts at the Norris Cultural Arts Center and Arcada Theatre, and he's helped local talents like Leslie Hunt get a little more stage time at his shows.

I just finished his 2014 book, "Through the Eye of the Tiger," named after his famous Survivor song for the "Rocky III" movie.

It brought back great memories of a time when so many young people were fortunate enough to see local groups like The Ides of March, the Cryan' Shames, The Shadows of Knight, The Flock, The Buckinghams, New Colony Six and others nurturing their skills in Chicago and the suburbs.

Baby boomers in the Tri-Cities know all about this stuff, with St. Charles places like the Jaguar, which hosted The Who in August of 1968, and the Purple Carriage, which came a few years later.

Because I played the drums in a garage band during those years, I kept tabs on where and when some of my favorite WLS Silver Dollar survey countdown bands were playing. And there were always some good backup bands in the mix as well.

Peterik tells the story of when he first met his lovely wife-to-be, Karen, at a Turtles concert in 1968 at Riverside Brookfield High School. He mentions the opening act as a band called Second Story, a band I hadn't thought about in 45 years.

Around that same time, Second Story played at The Barn in Naperville, where I hung out as a teen and played on its stage with my band. I loved Second Story, mainly because they could play "Have You Seen Her Face" by The Byrds.

The book brings back tons of memories like this, not the least of which was knowing Dave Bickler when he lived in Naperville. Bickler was the lead singer for Survivor, the one who belts out "Eye of the Tiger." But he was also part of a popular local band called Jamestown Massacre.

One of my favorites from the early 1970s was Conqueror Worm, a band that appeared often in Aurora. Tri-Cities rockers had their favorites in The Boyzz and, a little later, DeLuxury.

Peterik had the talent and push to stick with music as his life's work. He often mentions working with Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys when Wilson lived in St. Charles.

The book is an enjoyable trip down this memory lane. By sharing my thoughts about it, hopefully others will remember what it was like to be young in the suburbs in the 1960s and early '70s when great bands were such an important part of our lives.

About the locals

Next week we'll take a look at a local band out of Batavia during that 1960s era. It's been nearly 50 years since what would become Gross National Product began its journey by playing at local high schools and teen parties, and eventually hitting a high-water mark by opening for an Ides of March concert. Lead guitarist and singer Jim Freedlund tells us the tale.

That new pub

After taking in "American Sniper" at the Randall 15 Theaters last weekend, we went by the new Crosstown Pub & Grill in Batavia, right across the street from the movie theater entrance.

It shouldn't take long to get better signs on the building, as anyone driving by might think the Casanova Mexican restaurant was still there. This spot also used to house El Taco Grande.

A good crowd was on hand at Crosstown, which means the location has potential. I also liked seeing in reporter Susan Sarkauskas' story about the new pub that it intends to push the sports theme of natural rivalries, such as Geneva vs. Batavia. Ever heard of that one?

It's all Honey again

People weren't quite sure why Dick Portillo closed the popular Honey-Jam Café on Randall Road late in 2013, but that doesn't matter now.

It has reopened under new owner Jim Garofalo, much to the delight of those who placed this restaurant at or the near the top of their favorite breakfast joints in the past.

It shouldn't miss a beat under Garofalo's watch, considering he also owns Honey-Jams in Bolingbrook and Downers Grove.

Sushi in spring

Some work has to take place before downtown St. Charles has a new sushi restaurant to try out. But the owners of Shakou, a contemporary Japanese restaurant, are building out the former Billy Baroo's site at 312 W. Main St. while planning a spring opening.

This spot is just a few storefronts west of the Filling Station restaurant and bar.

Area diners could be in for something special at Shakou, which has earned rave reviews for its Libertyville location.

The restaurant also touts its Shakou Cares program, as it hopes to get involved with area nonprofits and their causes.

dheun@sbcglobal.net