COEUR d'ALENE - The epic battle between good and evil will unfold when The Alliance takes the stage this summer.

The medieval-themed progressive rock band performs full-scale rock opera productions, weaving stories of kings, queens, wizards, knights and more through original music written by band founder and lead vocalist/guitarist James "King James the Lion Hearted" Trocke of Bonners Ferry.

"It takes you on a journey," Trocke said Wednesday afternoon. "That music tells a story while you see the visual being recreated in front of you."

Trocke and his bandmates, which include his keyboard-playing wife Coleen, dress to the nines in authentic medieval attire when they perform as The Alliance. Their handmade castle set provides a legitimate renaissance backdrop to accompany the king's treasure chest, dungeon wall, handcrafted stockade, suits of armor and other props that set the stage for their shows.

"It's almost like a dream come true, like a fantasy dream come true," James said.

The Alliance offers three concert options: a concert only, with the castle set and limited props; the basic production with the set, props and actors; and the full production, which includes a fully scripted theatrical performance written by James.

"I had one lady say, 'I can see this as a Hollywood movie,'" James said.

With musical influences such as Kansas, Led Zeppelin, Queensryche and Pink Floyd, The Alliance rocks a renaissance tale of a God-fearing king and a prosperous land that becomes threatened by evil forces. The story chronicles the ongoing war between light and dark, showcased in the staged battles that take place between the opposing sides. For the full production, actors play out the lyrics either on the stage or in front, where they can be more interactive with the audience.

"They're all good against evil," said Alliance drummer Robert Jibby of Post Falls. He said the music has Christian undertones as it speaks of having faith, battling the dark side and sending positive messages to audiences. "Fight for the Light," "The Kings Knights" and "Excalibur" are a few of The Alliance's 30 original songs.

James has been playing guitar and singing for 30 years. He began The Alliance back in 1992 and has been instrumental in aiding the band's evolution to what it is now. The present group has been together more than a year. The Trockes, Jibby, bassist Josh Bladzik of Moyie Springs and guitarist Mike Edmonson of Coeur d'Alene comprise The Alliance.

The renaissance rock twist on telling tales through music was the brainchild of James, who has always had an appreciation for sword fighting, honor, courage, chivalry and the many other characteristics and activities associated with medieval Europe. Coleen is an artist and lends her aesthetic talents to the sets. The costumes are authentic, each one representing a relevant era or medieval army, such as Jibby's French fleur-de-lis tunic and Edmonson's Templar Knight tunic.

Above all, James said The Alliance offers a musical, theatrical experience that is appropriate for all ages, from small children to older viewers, because the music is positive and the show is magical.

"No one that's seen any of our shows ever forgets it," James said. "How could you not like seeing things that were mystical and magical?"

The Alliance will be storming several North Idaho stages this summer, including a Bonner Street bonanza in Bonners Ferry at 6 p.m. on the Fourth of July and a band shell performance from 4-7:30 p.m. July 12 in the Coeur d'Alene City Park. The group released an album, "Writing on the Wall," last year and intends to release another in the near future.

Info: www.thealliancerockband.com or www.facebook.com/TheAllianceRocks