'Tower Of Power' showed up and out in JAX

If you live in the Jacksonville Florida area and you’ve never been downtown to the Florida Theatre, then you are missing prime entertainment.  Recently this writer had the pleasure of going down memory lane with the 10-member-70s-hit group “Tower Of Power.”  If you appreciate great music from a HammondB3 organ, different types of Saxophones, Trumpets, Flugelhorn, Bass & Lead Guitars and an ‘in-the-pocket Drummer’; then you should have been in the audience to hear the best of TOP.  As long as your flash was off, the crowd was encouraged to take all the videos and pictures that they wanted; and social media was probably flooded.

On April 22, for one night only, attendees were dancing in their seats as the horn-driven funk band Tower of Power played many of their hits like: “Don’t Change Horses, What Is Hip, Diggin On James Brown, So Very Hard To Go, You Got to Funkifize, What Happened to the World That Day?, You’re Still a Young Man, So Very Hard to Go, This Time It’s Real ” and MORE.  The show was ‘All That’ and then some!

Original Recording Artists: Emilio Castillo (Tenor Sax), Stephen “Doc” Kupka (Baritone Sax), Francis Rocco Prestia (Bass), {David Garibaldi (Drums) was unavailable}, and new member to the group Marcus Scott (Lead Vocals) - were on hand at the end of the show to sign memorabilia, tee shirts, records, and tell us about their upcoming CD.  To round out the group there was: Adolfo Acosta (Trumpet & Flugelhorn), Roger Smith (Keyboard), Jerry Cortez (Guitar), Tom E. Politzer (Tenor Sax) and Sal Cracchiolo (Trumpet).  Lead singer Marcus Scott, who joined the group in 2016, does a fantastic job since Lenny Williams left the group in 1975.

Tower’s musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of that year.  When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio’s house, Emilio’s father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: “Hire that guy, he’s got something.”  Doc and his signature baritone sax sound were now in the band, and on August 13, 1968, “Tower Of Power”, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well-known in the area.

Take a look at the Tour Dates because they could be coming to a venue near you.  And don’t forget to see if you remember “What Is Hip”.  Enjoy!

“Florida Theatre events April 2017”
LOCATION: Florida Theatre
      128 E. Forsyth St.
      Jacksonville, FL 32202

Musical group 'Ambrosia' will be in JAX for 1 night

In their continued effort to maximize intimate settings, offer exciting entertainment to their guests, and celebrate their 50th Anniversary season, the Alhambra Theatre & Dining is hosting the popular 70’s rock band, “Ambrosia”.  With its roots in the California rock scene, Ambrosia had five hit singles which included: “Biggest Part of Me,” “You're the only Woman” and “How Much I Feel,” each of which were nominated for Grammy® Awards.

Back in the year 1970, four young musicians from the South Bay of Los Angeles, came together to create a new invigorating style of music.  Exploring the possibilities of progressive, classical and world influences, yet rooted with the soul of the blues and R&B, Joseph Puerta, Christopher North, David Pack and Burleigh Drummond created a new sound that was defined and recognized as “Ambrosia.”

Originally labeled as America’s answer to the progressive invasion of such English acts as “Yes” and “King Crimson,” the group quickly proved it was much more as its albums painted aural landscapes covering the gamut of musical styles and attracting the collaboration of such cultural icons as, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Alan Parsons.

In its brief recording history, “Ambrosia” garnered five Grammy® nominations, five hit singles, heavy FM airplay and the admiration and respect of the musical community.  All this was in addition to sold out concerts around the world.  Today, the band is more alive and compelling than ever.  With three of the original members plus the addition of guitar ace Doug Jackson on electric guitar and backing vocals, Mary Harris contributing amazing keyboards and vocals, and the powerful and contemporary lead vocals and acoustic guitar of Ken Stacey, Ambrosia is exploring new musical territory and continuing to impress life-long fans and new converts alike.

 Alhambra After Dark

   “Ambrosia”

DATE: Monday May 8, 2017
SHOW TIME: Show starts at 7:50 p.m.  Doors open at 5:50 p.m., and dinner will be served until 7:20 p.m.
DRESS: “Business Casual” or “Concert Best”

TICKETS: Regular pricing for tickets is $69.  Ticket prices include: a plated dinner served to your table, an incredible show and prime parking.  Price does not include gratuity or orders from the bar.
LOCATION: Alhambra Theater & Dining
       12000 Beach Blvd.
       Jacksonville, Florida 32246
       (904) 641-1212

Check here to see if the group will be coming to a venue near you.