Legendary soul and funk supergroup Tower of Power to headline Concert Under the Stars

One night each year, John Street, adjacent to Cafe at Adele’s in Carson City is transformed into an intimate music venue for Concert Under the Stars, and for a few precious moments the air is filled with great music, a lot of love and laughter in order to raise money that continues the The Greenhouse Project’s mission of educating the next generation of farmers and feeding the under served in the community.

Thursday, July 14, GHP welcomes Tower of Power, who for nearly 50 years has been creating and performing hit songs that are woven into the lives of a generation. Enjoy an evening of timeless classics such as “So Very Hard To Go,” “What Is Hip?” “Down To The Nightclub,” and “Soul With A Capital ‘S’.” Theirs is an extensive catalog of horn-based Rhythm and Blues showcasing the gift to the world that grew out of Oakland, Calif. and is often referred to as East Bay Funk. Call it what you will, Tower of Power’s music will have you grooving.

Ironically, both T.O.P. Drummer and one of the group’s core members, David Garibaldi and Chef Charlie Abowd at different times, have cited the show at Fillmore West as one of the high points of their musical lives. The three-night run took place in 1971, and has gone down in history as one of the great events staged by promoter Bill Graham.

“That was a big moment for us ... I mean it was Aretha (Franklin) and King Curtis & The King Pins ... all of our heroes. It was amazing, thrilling, we were so hungry and with musicians who graciously gave us their time,” David said. “It was another step in the journey; we wanted to be successful in what we were doing and in that moment we were.”

“I am an Oakland native, and that show was beyond amazing,” Charlie said. “I carry pieces of Oakland, that show and The Greenhouse Project in my heart every day, so this year’s concert is even more special than usual for me.”
Tower of Power’s longevity is rooted in an innate creative process that allows each performance to be delivered in fresh and innovative ways.

“Honestly, (the band) had it going on before I joined them when we were 18 years old, and now we all have it,” David said. “They had their own vibe and sound ... all I did was get on the train that was already moving, and things never really stopped for us.

“We are a family...we went from being kids to band mates to brothers and now we’re an organism.”
It is this approach to creating in which members are committed to excellence and continued growth that shows in everything they do, and has lead to Tower of Power’s longevity and loyal following.

“Emilio (Castillo, T.O.P. founder) lets people be themselves and instinctively he was doing that even then,” David said. “He has an ability to put people together and to lead, we all enjoy music, each other and it is true - this is a lifestyle; it is not a separate part of who we are.”

When new talent is brought in to play with Tower of Power, there is a vetting process much like would be undergone for a job requiring high security clearances, David said.

“People come in who love the band and love the music, but being Tower of Power is different than listening to Tower of Power,” he said.”We do things differently, we interpret the music differently, and they have got to be able to make it through the learning curve and hang together on the bus.

“We have an amazing new lead vocalist, Marcus Scott, and even though he is a great talent and is doing the work, he is still in that vetting process...people have to prove they are able to hang together and be part of the family where we love and care for each other, which are some of the characteristics of our guys (that contributes to the band’s cohesiveness and success).”

David in discussing his development as a drummer and percussionist, attributes an early teacher with imparting to him the importance of work and dedication to the craft leading to success and achievement.

“In the early days of Tower I had a great teacher, fellow musician and mentor who taught me to focus on what it was I was going to do, to put in the work, and once I got it, everything changed ... It was the first time in my life I felt I had achieved success as a result of effort, and that has never left me,” David said. “I mean we were kids and you don’t really plan things when you’re young - we were learning the music, creating our own music and wanted to be like our heroes and to be successful in what we were doing, but we were also in the moment.

“Once I understood my effort would turn into success it changed everything for me - how I was living, how I approached the music, my role in the band ... I have had other teachers since who have made all the difference.”
David’s love for continued learning and his affinity for teachers — “I always thought they were cool,” has lead him to become a teacher as well, as he fits occasional drumming clinics into his touring schedule and also has published a line of instructional books and DVDs, individually and with Talking Drums (with world-renown drummers Michael Spiro and Jesus Diaz). Many of Tower’s members pursue individual projects in addition to their “regular” gigs.

“Medical doctors are required to complete a certain number of continuing ed courses to keep their skills up and it shouldn’t be different for any of us,” he said. “If you want to keep growing and to be at the top, it is necessary and Tower of Power still has that - we rehearse, and we put in the work.”

David also has wise words for young people wanting to pursue a career in music.

‘It’s simple: be yourself, don’t get loaded, stay away from dope and don’t think you gotta drink to be cool,” he said. “You gotta be smart and realize that when you develop an addiction it is not going to take you or your family to a good place and will become more important than your art, your relationships - all of it.”
Tower of Power has always brought a high-energy, happy message and continues to do so.

“People who believe life is good create a good life ... Surround yourself with people who are smarter, happier, fitter, who make better music and that gives you more ways to go,” David said. “It works, and wouldn’t we rather be around people who like to be inclusive and together?

“The Tower of Power environment creates more positivity and unity, which is something we can all use.”
To keep up on T.O.P.’s latest projects, touring schedule and more, visit them at www.towerofpower.com or on Facebook at Official Tower Of Power Band.

In addition to the live auction which takes place at the event (see sidebar) proceeds which go to GHP and the silent auction benefiting Capital City FFA, a Memorial Scholarship honoring Chile Bartel is being established this year. Chile was a young man active in the arts and part of ChileBop productions, which is responsible for the annual Concert Under the Stars event that benefits The Greenhouse Project. John Procaccini and Kitty McKay are donating $500 toward a local music scholarship in Chile’s name (Chile Bartel’s Music Awareness Program). TGP will be taking pledges to match that donation.

Corporate sponsors include NVEnergy, Carson Tahoe Hospital, Northern Nevada Toyota Dealers, Hop & Mae Adams Foundation, Gold Dust West Casino & Hotel in Carson City, and Cafe at Adele’s.

Remaining tickets cost $30 on sale now at www.carsoncitygreenhouse.org. Gates open at 5 p.m. Show starts at 6:30 p.m. Cafe at Adele’s is located at 1112 N.Carson St., Carson City. More information, 775-882-3353.