Rock legend America coming to the Stanley

America will headline a concert and benefit fundraiser at The Stanley for the first time ever.

UTICA, N.Y. » For the first time in their 48 year career, the legendary group America will headline a concert at The Stanley Theatre in Utica on Friday, May 11, at 7:30 p.m.

The concert will be a benefit fundraiser for The Stanley and The Herkimer County Historical Society, sponsored by Steet-Ponte Chevrolet.

Founding members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell (along with former band mate Dan Peek) met in high school in London in the late 1960s and quickly harmonized their way to the top of the charts on the strength of their signature song “A Horse With No Name.” America became a global household name and paved the way with an impressive string of hits following the success of their first No. 1 single.

America’s journey has found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, include “Ventura Highway,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Tin Man,” “I Need You,” “Don’t Cross The River,” and “Lonely People” were cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio. The trio won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972 and began working with George Martin and Geoff Emerick in 1974. This successful team went on to record seven albums and several Top Ten hits, including “Tin Man” and “Sister Golden Hair.”

By the mid-70s, interband conflicts combined with an exhaustive touring and recording schedule exacted its toll on the group. With Peek’s departure from the fold in 1977, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell rose to the challenge and carried on as a duo. A renewed dedication to the craft of songwriting helped rocket America to the upper reaches of the pop charts in 1982 with their smash single, “You Can Do Magic.” Their recent recordings have continued as illustrated by releases such as 2000’s “Highway” 3-disc box set, 2002’s “Holiday Harmony,” an album comprised of seasonal classics and live showcases, 2007’s “Here & Now,” 2009’s “Live In Concert: Wildwood Springs” and 2011’s “Back Pages.”

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the box office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., call 315- 724- 4000, or visit Ticketmaster.com. For more information about America, visit VenturaHighway.com.

PHOTO BY MATT SAYLES — INVISION FOR THE SOCIETY OF SINGERS — AP IMAGES Dewey Bunnell, left, and Gerry Beckley, of the band America, perform at The Society of Singers’ 21st ELLA Awards on Thursday in Beverly Hills America will perform at the Stanley in Utica on Friday at 7:30p.m.