“The Search Is Over” when Jim Peterik & World Stage pass the “Eye Of The Tiger” to Des Plaines Theatre

Jim Peterik Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Since the turn of this century, Jim Peterik & World Stage went from a locally grown series of collaborative recordings and concerts to an internationally-recognized institution of all-stars and newcomers alike, which at this point is too numerous to tabulate.

Even so, home continues to be where the Grammy Award-winning leader’s heart is, making the meticulously restored Des Plaines Theatre the site of his latest “Roots & Shoots” stop,” also featuring R&B/pop superstar Ray Parker Jr., progressive turned soft rock legend David Pack (formerly of Ambrosia), fellow Pride Of Lions peer Toby Hitchcock, solo artist son Colin Peterik and surprise singer/saxophonist Mindi Abair.

Jim PeterikThe jazzy Abair was the first to flawlessly join the master of ceremonies, iconic songwriter and The Ides Of March/Survivor co-founder, starting with the former’s “Friends Like You” and the latter’s “The Search Is Over,” all supported by the ace World Stage band and background vocalists.

Hitchcock came next to lend his dynamite vocals to Pride Of Lions’ “Sound Of Home” and “Gone,” alongside Survivor’s “Burning Heart” and “I Can’t Hold Back,” mirroring the late Jimi Jamison and clearly matching if not surpassing many of the other 1980s greats.

Both Peteriks teamed on the reflective “Trains” prior to Colin taking the “Spotlight” and ensuring the future is more than capable hands, followed by Pack, Abair and the whole gang transporting everyone to the soulful side of the ‘70s to beautifully deliver “You’re The Only Woman,” “Biggest Part Of Me” and “How Much I Feel” exactly like the crisply-produced recordings.

After intermission, Peterik proudly introduced singer/guitarist Parker Jr., who was similarly reverent in returning the praises before biting off ageless Raydio and individual grooves such as “The Other Woman,” a slice of “A Woman Needs Love (Just Like You Do),” “Jack And Jill” and “You Can’t Change That.”

The whole multitude of artists assembled for the cancer-themed battlecry “Fight Of Our Life,” then stayed for an incredibly rare occurrence of easily the two most enduring soundtrack selections ever assembled in the presence of the actual originators.

First up, Peterik called upon Parker Jr. to unleash “Ghostbusters” in all its green, gooey and danceable glory, then personally directed his “Rocky” anthem “Eye Of The Tiger” as a total knockout end to another once-in-a-lifetime World Stage experience.Jim Peterik


For additional information on Jim Peterik & World Stage, visit JimPeterik.com.

Upcoming concerts at the Des Plaines Theatre include The Fab Four (Oct. 4); Kashmir (Oct. 5); “Ricky Nelson Remembered” featuring Matthew & Gunnar Nelson (Oct. 6); Wayne Newton (Oct. 9); Masters Of Illusion (Oct. 11); The Musical Box (Oct. 12); Paul Anka (Oct. 14); The Vampire Circus (Oct. 15); Martin Barre (Oct. 16); Hotel California (Oct. 17); Vertical Horizon (Oct. 18); Micky Dolenz (Oct. 19); The Mancini Centennial (Oct. 20); Chris Ruggiero (Oct. 20); Mike Marino (Oct. 24); Hollywood Swinging (Oct. 25); Warrant (Oct. 26) and “The Beat Goes On” featuring Lisa McClowry as Cher (Oct. 27). For additional details, visit DesPlainesTheatre.com.