America brings the rockin’ ‘70s to Luhrs

Adam Beam

Asst. Opinion Editor

The Luhrs Performing Art Center 2022-23 season has been hit after hit. On Thursday, Jan. 12, the hits kept coming when the beloved British-American rock band, America, took the stage to play some of their familiar favorites.

The band consists of original members Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell, as well as new bandmates Ryland Steen (drummer), Rich Campbell (bass guitarist) and Steve Fekete (backup vocals), who sang through the vast history of the band’s discography.

The band opened the night with a performance of the 1974 soft rock tune “Tin Man.” Some of the other standout performances of the night included “Ventura Highway,” “Driving,” “Cornwall Blank/Hollywood” and even a cover of the Beatles’ song “Nowhere Man.” During their hourand-a-half set, the band also covered “You Can Do Magic” by Russ Ballard and “California Dreamin” by The Mamas & The Papas. Naturally, the night concluded with their most recognizable song, “Sister Golden Hair.” It should also be noted that this stellar performance was the band’s first concert of the new year.

America was founded in 1970 in London by the aforementioned Beckley and Bunnell, as well as Dan Peek. They released their first album titled “America” in 1971, which included tracks such as “A Horse with No Name” and “Sandman.” Their follow-up album “Homecoming” in 1972 would also be the debut of some of their most popular songs and was the album that pushed the group into stardom. With 18 albums, the band has stuck together for over 50 years and hasn’t missed a beat. Unfortunately, founding member Dan Peek highest-grossing reality shows of all time. Her sister Kendall, standing atop the same platform, has been crowned the world’s highest-paid supermodel in 2022 — a title she has held since 2018. Actress Zoe Kravitz, daughter of Lenny Kravitz, told GQ magazine: “It’s completely normal for people to be in the family business. It’s literally where last names came from,” she said. “You were a blacksmith if your family was, like, the Black family.” passed away at 60 on July 24, 2011. If you could not catch America while they were bringing down the roof at the Luhrs Center, the band will be making their next stops in Florida with two back-to-back performances in Sarasota and Jacksonville on Jan. 19 and 20. The next show to take the stage at Luhrs will be The Doo Wop Project on Thursday, Feb. 2, at 7:30 p.m. For more information and the rest of the Luhrs Center’s schedule, visit luhrscenter. com/events.

It would make sense for one to be upset after having all, if any, of their hard work suddenly diluted to rumors of a supposedly cozy upbringing. While I agree that nepotism is an unethical practice that can create a toxic work environment, I can’t say I can blame those who use their nepotism to move up in the world. After all, if you had access to such valuable connections, could you honestly say that you wouldn’t try to capitalize off of those connections in any way possible?

Critics seem to be satisfied once someone acknowledges that they have benefitted from nepotism, recognizing their privilege and earning their status by performing well in the job they are given. That said, just as many jobs should be given to hardworking non-nepo babies as well, whether it be a college acceptance or a corporate position. The two social statuses can work together harmoniously as long as Hollywood and other industries understand this: there’s a difference between inheriting family talent and inheriting a family name.