The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
America takes the Warner stage
TORRINGTON — The Warner Theatre will welcome perennial classic-rock favorite America to the main stage on March 30 at 8 p.m., sponsored by Bearingstar Insurance Charitable Fund.
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 including, “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People,” and “Sister Golden Hair.”
America’s journey has found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of Beckley’s melodic pop rock and Bunnell’s use of folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with Peek’s more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.
America’s albums displayed a fuller range of the trio’s talents than did their singles. Their material encompassed an ambitious artistic swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, America displayed a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains.
From its formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America’s audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group’s enduring appeal.
To purchase tickets, call the Warner box office at 860-489-7180 or visit warnertheatre.org.