Tower of Power Kicks Off Park Theatre's 5th Anniversary Season

Known for their unmistakable funky soul sound blending seamlessly with powerful horns and meticulous bass-guitar lines, American Rock/R&B sensation Tower of Power will get the Park Theatre’s milestone 2014—2015 season started on Sunday, September 28.

Representing the 5th Anniversary of the Park Theatre being reborn as Rhode Island’s newest state-of-the-art performing arts center, the new season will feature a wide-range of shows including jazz, comedy, reggae, international music, vocalese, magic, and more. Along with its new shows, the Park will also host a number of Anniversary-themed activities and special events for people of all ages, highlighted by free outdoor performances.

Tower of Power’s musical odyssey began in 1968 when Stephen “Doc” Kupka met Emilio Castillo during an audition at Emilio’s house. As “Doc” played his signature baritone sax, Emilio’s father called him into the kitchen and offered simple advice, “Hire that guy; he’s got something.”

From that moment on, the Oakland, California-originated band would go on to play an integral role in defining the music of the Bay Area.

After releasing their debut album, “East Bay Grease,” in 1970, featuring original compositions written by Castillo and Kupka, Tower of Power got their big break when signed to the Warner Brothers recording label in 1972. Their sophomore album, “Bump City,” led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs fans come out in droves to hear, even to this day.

The band’s impressive collection of work spans more than 40 years and 19 albums that have sold copies by the millions. Their biggest hits include “You’re Still a Young Man,” “So Very Hard to Go,” Soul Vaccination,” “What is Hip?” and more. Earlier this year, the band released “Hipper than Hip: Yesterday, Today, & Tomorrow—Live On-the-Air & In the Studio 1974.”

Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA.

Tower of Power will take the stage at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 28. Tickets are $35, $45 and $55 and available by calling the Park Theatre Box Office at (401) 467-7275 or online at www.ParkTheatreRI.com. The Park Theatre is located at 848 Park Avenue, Cranston, RI 02910. Free parking is available for all shows.

Photo credit: Ray Greene