'70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts - Author Discussion & Book Signing

Step into the electric energy of 1970s Chicago—when legendary bands ruled the stage and every concert felt like history in the making. Join us for a one-of-a-kind evening with local authors Mark Plotnick and Jim Summaria as they bring those unforgettable nights to life through stories, photos, and behind-the-scenes moments from their book, '70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts.

After a lively conversation and Q&A with the authors, we’ll open up a signing line so you can meet them and get your copy signed. Admission is free, and copies of the book will be available at the event for purchase.

About the Book

'70s Chicagoland Rock Concerts

A Portal to Rock 'N' Roll History. During the 1970s, Chicagoland venues hosted an eclectic mix of legendary rock 'n' roll acts that thrilled audiences. Fans flocked to historic venues like the Auditorium Theater, International Amphitheatre, Arie Crown Theatre, Kinetic Playground and B'Ginnings to forge relationships and hear music that shaped their youth and endured a lifetime. Acts like Led Zeppelin, the Who, Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Wings, Genesis and so many others took the stage here during rock's most prolific and memorable era. Jim Summaria and Mark Plotnick bring those mind-blowing performances back to life with exclusive concert photos, histories, trivia and more.

About the Authors

Jim Summaria began professionally photographing rock concerts in 1973 at the age of nineteen when he became the staff photographer for the Chicagoland concert promoter Flip Side Productions. His rock ‘n’ roll photos have appeared in magazines, books, documentaries and at exhibitions, performing venues, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Grammy Awards, Christie’s Fine Art Auctions, the Smithsonian and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, England. Along with Mark Plotnick, he cohosts the radio program That Rock Show with Jim and Mark that airs weekly from the Illinois Rock and Roll Museum on Route 66 in downtown Joliet, IL. Recently retired journalist and market researcher Mark Plotnick draws from his years as a nonprofessional keyboards player and devotee of classic rock-era music to write about the music and performers he loves. In 2019, he coauthored Classic Rock: Photographs from Yesterday & Today with his longtime friend Jim Summaria. Both their books are part of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum’s Library and Archives Collection used for education, research and the preservation of rock ‘n’ roll history.