The Buckinghams in Concert

Everyone who is a fan of the band The Buckinghams can easily name all the songs that were Top 10 hits, Top 20 hits, and Billboard Top 100 chartmakers. You have several songs that have personal, special meaning for you. But the song that took the native Chicagoans out of the basements of the band members' homes was the one USA Records released last, almost as an afterthought. "Kind of a Drag" has the distinction of being the song that took this band to the national level. Many wonderful bands are part of Chicago history, and they are as beloved today as they were in their time. But this one song, "Kind of a Drag" took flight and went to #1 on Billboard 50 years ago today, February 18, 1967. Imagine what it was like for five young men to hold a copy of "Billboard" in their hands. For a few years, Carl and Jon-Jon had gone to the newsstand each week, buying a single copy of "Billboard" and reading it cover to cover. These days you hear about ...

This story is one for the archives! On Valentine's Day 2017, the ultimate entertainment producer and grand host, our very good friend, Ron Onesti, welcomed Chicago natives back into his "home stage" in St. Charles, the one and only Arcada Theatre. Thanks to Pamela Pulice of the Dick Biondi Film Project for sharing a photo of the marquee. The music of Jimy Sohns, Jim Peterik, Ronnie Rice, New Colony Six, the Cryan Shames, The Ides of March, Colin Peterik, Ted Aliota, and The Buckinghams was heard to another sold-out crowd and even the Dick Biondi Film Project team was on hand, doing live broadcasts from the Arcada for people to enjoy on Facebook. Snapshots of each group performing were shared so people who couldn't get there would be included in the fun. Ron writes as well as he produces concerts, so we'll share the first three paragraphs and then give you the link so you can read the original article for its own beautiful self. Ron, as always thanks so much f...

Just when you think you knew where to find "all things Buckinghams" you might be surprised and pleased to see one more. One of The Buckinghams' most dynamic music supporters and history preservationists is a very wonderful lady, Lesley Clack. On her initiative, and with permission from the band, she started a new Facebook Group, "Picture the Buckinghams" and the page link is: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1791834574391351/ Anyone can view the page, but in order to share your photos on the page, all you have to do is request to join the group, and that's it! One request button. For a long time, Lesley has been taking photographs from very good perspectives at concerts, as she's often very close to the stage because she gets her tickets the first day they go on sale. In fact, here's a photo of Lesley in action taking pictures in Las Vegas as longtime fan and friend Terri D'Talia snapped this one: Lesley is based on the West Coast and she...