Ambrosia & Friends program

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Friday, October 25, 2024 at 8 PM

ABOUT THE SHOW

“Yacht Rock the Dock” features the original artists in concert playing some of the most iconic hits from one of Rock’s greatest eras.

Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, Peter Beckett (The Voice of Player), and Elliot Lurie come together for a magical night performing all of their 1970’s and 1980’s Billboard Top 40 Hits.

These songs are the soundtrack to a generation. Today’s so called smooth yacht rock music scene would not be yacht rock without the contributions of these Grammy-winning artists. What emerged primarily from southern California during one of the greatest periods of music is a classic rock radio staple across the United States. You cannot turn on the radio without hearing many of these songs every day. As younger generations of music fans fall in love and embrace these classic rock/soft rock hits, everyone realizes that these songs are becoming bigger now than at any time since their heyday. Get ready to YACHT ROCK THE DOCK!

MEET THE ARTISTS

Ambrosia, the band known and loved by a multitude of fans since the 1970’s, is now more alive and compelling than ever. This 5-time Grammy nominated ensemble is exploring new musical territory and bringing an exceptional musical performance to stages everywhere.

In 1970, four young musicians from the South Bay of Los Angeles came together to create a new moving and invigorating style of music. Joseph Puerta, Christopher North, David Pack and Burleigh Drummond produced a sound that was immediately recognized. Today, Ambrosia is three of the original members with the addition of guitarist Doug Jackson, contributing keyboardist Mary Harris, and powerful lead vocals of Kipp Lennon (from the band Venice).

Always exploring the possibilities of progressive, classical, and world influences – with tangled roots of soul, rhythm, and blues – Ambrosia is continuing to entertain their original fans while still engaging newer audiences.

Originally labeled as America’s answer to the progressive invasion of English acts Yes and King Crimson, the group quickly proved itself with a unique blend of aural landscapes. Their musical styles attracted the collaboration with cultural icons Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, Michael McDonald, Edgar Winter, Dave Mason, Gary Wright, Al Stewart, and others. Ambrosia also toured extensively with Fleetwood Mac, Heart, and the Doobie Brothers.

During Ambrosia’s early recording history they garnered 5 Grammy nominations, received frequent radio airplay, and gained the admiration and respect of the musical community – in addition to their sold out concerts around the world. Ambrosia achieved 5 Top 40 hit singles on Warner Bros. Records, released between 1975 and 1980, including How Much I Feel and Biggest Part of Me . In 2015 the group released a new single, Hopes and Dreams , which was featured on the series called The Sparrows that aired on the Fox television channel.

John Ford Coley is most revered as half of the Grammy nominated duo England Dan and John Ford Coley. Churning out many memorable hits during this era, some of John Ford Coley’s songs are: Love Is the Answer, Gone Too Far, I’d Really Love To See You Tonight, We’ll Never Have To Say Goodbye Again, Nights Are Forever Without You, and Sad To Belong.

Peter Beckett, known as “The Voice of Player,” is the original lead singer and songwriter of the band Player. Player was voted by Billboard magazine’s honor roll as Best New Single Artist for 1978 for their international #1 hit Baby Come Back. As a follow-up on the record charts, Beckett and Player also enjoyed great success with their hit This Time I’m In It For Love.

Elliot Lurie, renowned for the hit Brandy (You’re A Fine Girl) by Looking Glass, captivated audiences with his vocals and guitar in 1972. The song soared to the top of charts, remaining timeless, covered by artists like Kenny Chesney and featured in iconic films. Lurie’s musical journey continued with hits like Jimmy Loves Maryanne, followed by solo ventures and later, a successful career in music supervision for film and TV.

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