The iconic multi-platinum-selling group America will celebrate their 55th anniversary with a series of tour dates in 2025. Billed as Encore Tour 2025, it makes a stop on March 8 at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading.
Known for their timeless magic and powerful performances, the Grammy Award-winning perennial classic-rock favorite will draw on their deep catalog of hits including signature song “A Horse With No Name,” a No. 1 hit on Billboard’s Hot 100 in 1972.
Tickets are on sale at ticketmaster.com.
On their way to becoming a global household name, America's journey found them exploring a wide variety of musical terrain. Their best-known tunes, which also include “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don't Cross The River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People” and “Sister Golden Hair” were cornerstones of 1970s Top 40 and FM rock radio.
Yet beyond their impressive catalog of hits, listeners would discover there was always much more to America than surface perceptions. The combination of melodic pop rock and folk-jazz elements, slinky Latin-leaning rhythms and impressionistic lyric imagery contrasted well with other more traditional country-rock leanings and highly personal lyrics.
America's albums — six certified gold and/or platinum, with their first greatest hits collection, “History,” hitting four plus million in sales — displayed a fuller range of the trio's talents than did their singles.
Their material encompassed an ambitious artistic swath; from effects-laden rockers to oddball medleys to soul-bearing ballads, America displayed a flawless blend of disparate genres and styles as wide-open as the great American plains.
Enjoying much success early in their career, America earned their stripes as musical soldiers on the battlefield amidst the excess, craziness, and chaos of the '70s. The trio won the Grammy for Best New Artist in 1972 and began working with George Martin and Geoff Emerick in 1974. This successful team went on to record seven albums and several Top 10 hits, including “Tin Man,” “Sister Golden Hair” and “Lonely People.”
Their growth as singers, songwriters and musicians has continued as illustrated by landmark releases such as 2000's “Highway” three-disc box set, 2002's “Holiday Harmony,” an album composed of seasonal classics and live showcases, 2007's “Here & Now,” 2009's “Live In Concert: Wildwood Springs,” 2011's “Back Pages” and 2015's “Lost And Found” and “America: Archives Vol. 1.”
In 2020, the band released their ultimate eight-disc anniversary box set, “Half Century” (America Records) and streamed their concert special “America — Live at the London Palladium” for the first time (it is available as a DVD and CD).
The year 2020 also saw the release of the book “America, the Band, An Authorized Biography” by Jude Warne. She weaves original interviews with the band and many others into a dynamic cultural history of America, the band, and America, the nation. Billy Bob Thornton wrote the foreword.
As further testament to the band’s staying power and influence, America's recordings have been licensed for a multitude of placements in films (including “American Hustle,” “The Nice Guys,” “The Last Unicorn” and “Girl Most Likely”), television shows (among them “The Sopranos,” “Friends,” “Breaking Bad” and “Saturday Night Live”) and video games (including “Grand Theft Auto”).
From their formative years, America has been a band capable of transcending borders with its uplifting music and positive message. Embracing a rainbow of divergent cultures, America's audiences continue to grow, comprising a loyal legion of first, second and third generation fans, all bearing testament to the group's enduring appeal.
The Santander Performing Arts Center also has announced the following events:
• Golden Girls: The Laughs Continue, March 19, 7 p.m.
• Yellow Brick Joel: Face To Face Tribute, March 28, 7:30 p.m.
• We Are Messengers — Where the Joy Is Tour, May 4, 7 p.m.
Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com.
Art
The GoggleWorks Center for the Arts in Reading has reopened its main entrance with a landscaped, artfully designed courtyard and is kicking off the new year with an extensive, diverse catalog of art classes.
Running from January through April, the catalog offers over 100 classes and workshops across, ceramics, warm glass, hot glass, fine metals, heavy metals, woodworking, fiber arts, printmaking, drawing and painting, photo and film and more. Nationally renowned instructors will teach people of all ages and skill levels, urging them to unleash their creativity.
February brings added excitement with Valentine’s Day Maker Dates — a creative, unique night out experience for couples. Each Maker Date combines art-making with a social twist, featuring beer, wine, and light fare for a memorable evening. For those looking to celebrate in style, GoggleWorks will host a Valentine’s Day Dinner on Feb. 14, giving couples a special way to enjoy food, fun and artistry together.
This season, GoggleWorks will welcome four acclaimed visiting wood artists, each bringing a unique skill set that promises unforgettable learning opportunities for both beginner and advanced woodworkers:
Dan Zobel will teach “Beyond the Basic Bowl,” helping students refine their turning skills and take their woodwork to the next level.
Steve Latta will lead “Making a Card Table Leg,” sharing his expertise in classic furniture design and intricate woodworking techniques.
Derek Weidman will present “Sculpting Wildlife with the Lathe,” perfect for those inspired by the natural world.
Dave Heller will guide students in “Painting with Wood — Pictorial Marquetry,” a detailed workshop on crafting intricate wood inlays.
“Having these renowned artists join us this season is an incredible honor,” said Jesse Futter, marketing director at GoggleWorks. “Their diverse skills and artistry offer an invaluable opportunity for woodworkers of all backgrounds to learn directly from some of the best in the field. It’s a must for anyone interested in woodworking.”
GoggleWorks is also committed to engaging and inspiring young artists and families. Mini-Makers classes, for children ages 7-12, allow families to explore art and create lasting memories together.
For teens, Homeschool Classes are available specifically for ages 13-17, providing a supportive and creative environment for young minds.
Every Friday, parents and children ages 2-6 are invited to Create With Me — a fun, hands-on program that lets little ones explore their creativity with the help of their loved ones.
With so much to explore, GoggleWorks promises an immersive, inspiring art experience this winter and spring. Everyone is encouraged to join, try something new, and discover the joy of creation. Spaces fill quickly, so early registration is recommended.
For more information and to view the full class catalog, visit https://goggleworks.org/events-calendar/category/classes.