America brings its timeless music to town

Whether by a nameless horse, a fair-haired muse or the need for heart in Oz, the Grammy-winning band America – live Saturday at The Old Town Amphitheater in Rock Hill – specializes in casting an evocative spell of scintillating soft rock driven by expert musicianship and ethereal vocals.

Their trademark is well-crafted classic pop/rock, woven with a storytelling flair and enough emotional staying-power to invoke vivid memories.

Celebrating the 46th anniversary of their self-titled debut, America is led by original members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell. They are joined by current band members Rich Campbell, bass/keyboards/vocals; Ryland Steen, drums and Bill Worrell, guitar/keyboards/ vocals.

In more than 100 live concerts a year, they share their string of hits that include “Horse With No Name,” “Sister Golden Hair,” “Ventura Highway,” “Tin Man,” among others – all marked with their lush timeless style.

From Los Angeles in 1970, America’s sound was unique, veering away from the British-invasion influences and hard rock staples into different territory inhabited by lush landscapes, unusual characters and upbeat ideals. Six certified gold and/or platinum albums attest to their popularity and range even considering occasional references to somewhat unorthodox, unusual characters and landscapes.

The band picked up a Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972 with a sound that offered finesse in a somewhat chaotic decade. In 1974 they tweaked that style further by working with famed Beatles producer George Martin, and Geoff Emerick, a team that would record 7 America albums with several Top Ten hits. America’s fame has continued with multigenerational fans making their music and concerts an all-ages/family experience.

Currently on the road, America will hit town here coming from a Friday night concert in Charleston. Other recent shows have picked up glowing reviews for “a great evening” featuring “all the good stuff you want to hear.” It’s considered “timeless music” by modest, humorous guys “who love what they do.”

Expect an energy-filled all-ages evening of “pure musicality.” Also touted was the whole band’s skills at making their audience feel like a part of the show, especially poignant to those longtime fans hearing songs they grew up with, from the 70’s. Their varied repertoire highlights not only their melodic pop rock but reveals many other elements from folk, jazz, a little bit country and lots of rock.

Explore the musical, mystical legacy of America Saturday at The Old Town Amphitheater, 144 E. Black St. Gates open at 6 p.m. Find more concert info at onlyinoldtown.com and on Facebook. For more on the music visit venturahighway.com and find the band on Facebook.

Friday: Oneppo Brothers Band at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; Well Known Strangers at SandBar Grill, Rock Hill; Ben Gaitlin Duo at McHale’s On Main, Rock Hill; Iron Possum at Empire Pizza II-Newport, Rock Hill; Jeremy Ray, Ben Trickey, Greg Ellis, Chris Gervais at Newsstand Records & Books, Rock Hill; Songwriter Showcase & Open Mic at Ledo Pizza, Rock Hill; The Hyde Band at The Handle Bar Tavern, Catawba; Acoustic LJTT at Hobo’s, Fort Mill; SRO at Madison’s on The Corner, Fort Mill; Trial By Fire–Journey Tribute at The Bowl ‘n’ Bounce, Lake Wylie; Chubby Knuckles at T-Bones on the Lake, Lake Wylie.

Saturday: Ashley Peeples at McHale’s On Main, Rock Hill; Catawba River Monster at WingBonz Live, Rock Hill; Soakin’ Wet at Luke’s Sports Bar & Grill, Rock Hill; David Payne Band at Ledo Pizza, Rock Hill; BentWater at Original Empire Pizza, Rock Hill; Matt Tucker Band at Palmetto Sports Bar, Rock Hill; Dirt Poor at T-Bones on the Lake, Lake Wylie; Sticks & Stones at Pineville Tavern, Pineville.

Sunday: Carolina Nation at The Handle Bar Tavern, Catawba; Kenn Schnedetz at T-Bones on the Lake, Lake Wylie.

This story was originally published July 7, 2016 at 3:54 PM with the headline "America brings its timeless music to town."