Pleasanton, Calif. More compelling than ever, Ambrosia hits the Firehouse Arts Center in Pleasanton for two concerts, January 22 and 23, both at 8:00 p.m. (no openers). The iconic band is now 6-members strong, and exploring new musical territory while continuing to wow life-long fans and win new converts. (www.ambrosialive.net)
Reserved seating tickets are $36-$46. Purchase online at www.firehousearts.org, by phone at 925-931-4848, or in person at the Firehouse Arts Center Box Office, 4444 Railroad Avenue in Pleasanton. Free parking every day in lot.
The goal: smooth-rock style, fusing progressive, classical and world influences, yet rooted with the soul of the blues and R&B. The result: 5 Grammy Nominations, 5 Hit Singles, heavy FM airplay, plus sold out concerts across the globe. With three original members: Joe Puerta (bass and vocals), Christopher North (B3, keys, vocals), and Burleigh Drummond (drums and vocals), plus six-string guitar ace Doug Jackson, the amazing Mary Harris on soulful keys and vocals, and Ken Stacy with powerful lead vocals and acoustic guitar.
The band rocked the Jimmy Fallon show (”that’s how you do it!” says Fallon) and has shown its musical versatility with the ability to play a progressive set of music with Yes and Genesis, and glide into their own pop hits such as “How Much I Feel” and “Biggest Part of Me” with romantic soul. In 2015 the group released a new single, and is well into recording an album of all-new material set for release in 2016.
Formed in SoCal in 1970, and originally labeled as America’s answer to the British invasion of such acts as Yes and King Crimson, the group quickly proved it was all that and much more as its albums painted aural landscapes covering the gamut of musical styles (hence, the moniker “ambrosia,” to represent their vision of their music: all shades, textures, colors and genres.) They have attracted the collaboration of such cultural icons as Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr., Alan Parsons, Bruce Hornsby, and most recently Michael McDonald, among many other notable artists.
Amazingly, most of the original band members have been active with the group continuously, and today the band is more vibrant and cool than ever.
Says drummer Burleigh: “What’s exciting now is the future and the energy and passion in Ambrosia is once again going full steam and ready to roar, with new recording and touring… After a long time bathing in the art of music I realize I am still barely past the starting line and the wealth of knowledge, experience, and emotions to be experienced is endless and will take many lifetimes. AND I CAN’T WAIT!”
The Firehouse Arts Center is dedicated to inspiring passion through the arts. The center is comprised of the 227-seat Firehouse Theater, the 2000 square foot Harrington Gallery, classrooms and rehearsal space, the grand atrium lobby, and the famous interior glass bridge. With world-class performing and visual arts, exciting interactive programs for all ages, and a state-of-the-art venue which opened in 2010, we combine the sophistication of the culturally rich Bay Area arts landscape with the hospitality and intimacy of our own home town. The Firehouse Arts Center is located at 4444 Railroad Avenue in downtown Pleasanton. Media: Jane Onojafe, jonojafe@cityofpleasantonca.gov, or 925-931-4855
###
