Tower of Power Celebrates 55 Years in Oct. 1 Concert at the MAC

The McAninch Arts Center (MAC) hosts the exclusive Chicago area engagement of Tower of Power, one of music’s most popular R&B, funk and soul bands, Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. Continuously performing since the band’s debut in 1968, Tower of Power now features a new lead singer, Mike Jerel, best known for appearances on NBC’s “The Voice.” He will be joining original band members Emilio Castillo, Stephen “Doc” Kupka and David Garibaldi along with longtime members Jerry Cortez, Roger Smith, Tom Politzer, Adolfo Acosta and Marc van Wageningen for this dynamic, high-energy concert.

A renowned horn-driven musical group, Tower of Power helped push the sound of brass-infused music into the rock era by playing a dynamic blend of R&B, soul, funk and AM pop. Led by Detroit-born tenor saxophonist Castillo, the group scored hits including “You’re Still a Young Man” and “What is Hip?” during the ‘70s. The band also became one of the most sought-after backing ensembles in pop music, playing on albums with Elton John, Santana, Bonnie Raitt, Aerosmith, Josh Groban, and more. Although the band members have changed over the years, Castillo remains a constant guide for the group.

“We are so looking forward to presenting this performance of Tower of Power’s 55th Anniversary Tour,” says MAC Director Diana Martinez. “I can’t think of a better way to open our 2023-2024 Performance Series than celebrating the band’s timeless legacy that reaches from the birth of the soul, funk and R&B music movements to today.”

Tower of Power has released albums through Mack Avenue Music Group, Warner Records, Sony Music Environment, Columbia Records, Epic Records, Sony Records and San Francisco Records. Every year, the band has toured the world, performing before sold-out crowds in venues around the United States, Japan and Europe. Over the years Tower of Power has sustained a large global following by continuing tours or recording. The band has received many awards including a Lifetime Achievement Award from The California Music Association, who also cited their 2003 Sony Legacy anthology “Havin’ Fun” as Soul/R&B Album of the Year. Tower of Power has been described as the world’s best rhythm and blues band by former Tower saxophonist Lenny Pickett, who is now the musical director for “Saturday Night Live.”

The McAninch Arts Center, located at 425 Fawell Blvd. on the campus of College of DuPage, presents Tower of Power Sunday, Oct. 1 at 7 p.m. Tickets are $85-$105. For tickets or more information visit AtTheMAC.org or call 630.942.4000. MAC Box Office hours are 12 noon-6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday and two hours prior to performance. WDCB 90.9FM Chicago’s Home for Jazz, is the Media Sponsor for this performance.