Local authors partner with new Illinois Rock and Roll Museum with their new book

Since the early 1970s, veteran concert photographer Jim Summaria of Algonquin, Ill., has captured some of the most famous classic rock-era acts at music venues in and around Chicago.

Along with friend and writer Mark Plotnick of Libertyville, Ill., the two co-wrote "Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday and Today" published by Amherst Media, Guffalo N.Y.

Following a recent meeting with the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum's founder and president Ron Romero, Summaria's exclusive photographs of Buddy Guy and Jim Peterik were chosen for the museum's permanent ground floor window banners.

The authors also arranged to give back a portion of book sales when purchased at the museum's gift shop along with funds needed for banner production and installation.

President Ron Romero recently posted, "The Illinois Rock and Roll Museum graciously acknowledges the generosity of Mark Plotnick and Jim Summaria - authors of the book 'Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday and Today.' Summaria and Plotnick have donated photographs of Buddy Guy and Jim Peterik from their book along with needed funds to complete the design, production and installation of the museum's decorative window banners that will display the museum's logo alongside images of these Illinois-based legends."

Author Mark Plotnick added, "With our lifelong passion for the music that influenced us and a generation, Jim and I are honored to be associated with this project. Ron Romero and his associates have worked tirelessly to make this much needed museum a reality."

The non-profit museum has partnered with businesses, tradespeople, municipal leaders, media personalities, musicians, and others.

Being completed in phases, the building's four levels will feature exhibits, events, concerts, radio broadcasts and other music-related activities.

Located in downtown Joliet, the museum is expected to become an important tourist destination and economic engine for the region. Future visitors will be astonished at the number of famous acts, radio stations, instrument makers and record labels with ties to Illinois.

The book "Classic Rock" is available at the museum giftshop (currently online), Amazon, and select bookstores including Barbara's Books and Barnes and Noble.

For more about the museum, visit www.roadtorock.org and www.facebook.com/IllinoisRockandRollMuseum.