’70s band Ambrosia performs

By Lori Porter porter@theacorn.com

NECTAR OF THE GODS-Ambrosia, the '70s rock band nominated for five Grammy Awards, comes to Seaside Park in Ventura County on Jan. 9. The concert will benefit the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County, an organization that assists youth groups and peace officers.

Depending on how old you are, you may have heard of Ambrosia, a progressive rock band from the early ’70s. But young or old, everyone will have the opportunity to hear Ambrosia live, Sun., Jan. 9 in a concert at Seaside Park in Ventura.

The 28th annual concert, a benefit for the Peace Officers Association of Ventura County (POAVC), promises the best Ventura County has to offer in terms of music. Highly accomplished guitar soloist Robby Longley will open for Ambrosia and will be accompanied on percussion by Ambrosia’s drummer, Burleigh Drummond.

Ambrosia is celebrating 35 years together. Past hits include the songs "Holdin’ On to Yesterday," "Time Waits for No One" and "Nice, Nice Very Nice." The band has been nominated for five Grammy Awards.

"We were originally America’s answer to bands such as King Crimson, Yes and Genesis," said Drummond, talking about a time in rock ’n’ roll history when those British bands introduced progressive rock to the world.

Three of the seven musicians performing Jan. 9 are original Ambrosia band members, including Drummond, Joe Puerta on bass and vocals and Christopher North on keyboards and vocals. Joining the three originals will be David Lewis on keyboards, Doug Jackson on guitar, and the band’s newest member, Robert Berry, on guitar.

Drummond, a Thousand Oaks resident for the last 12 years, formed another band with his wife, Mary Harris, who plays keyboards and sings lead vocals. In addition to the two bands, Drummond owns and operates a recording studio in Thousand Oaks.

Drummond’s son Micky, 17, also plays guitar, and Drummond and Harris have a daughter, Sierra, who is 8 years old.

Drummond says he’s excited about the opportunity to play with Longley, a unique and innovative guitarist.

Longley’s style has been called nuevo flamenco, or world guitar. In an interview earlier this year, he said, "I choose to use the flamenco guitar technique to play a guitar style that is not flamenco." Longley’s passion for guitar was inspired by flamenco virtuoso Carlos Montoya.

Longley has performed at The Baked Potato, The Troubadour, the Roxy Theater and The House of Blues and has opened for jazz greats Dave Koz, Acoustic Alchemy, Michael Franks and Sheila E.

Alan Bice, president of POAVC, is excited about the upcoming concert and thankful that such great talent has offered to help his association, which has been assisting youth organizations and peace officers for nearly three decades.

According to Bice, there are three areas into which the organization channels its funds. They give to several youth charities, especially those that encourage kids to get involved with sports. In addition, POAVC funds the Peace Officer’s Memorial Wall near the front of the government center in Ventura. They also have a special fund that provides financial aid to families of slain peace officers.

POAVC represents all law-enforcement agencies, including the FBI, CIA, local police and sheriff’s departments and the district attorney’s office. POAVC is not affiliated with any political group or organization.

"We want every peace officer to feel that they want to be part of POAVC," said Bice. Peace officers are invited to make a $5 donation, which allows them to be lifetime members of POAVC.

Anyone wishing to make a donation to POAVC can call Bice at (888) 855-1442 or (805) 986-7482.

Tickets for the Ambrosia concert are $10 each and can be purchased by calling Diamond Star Productions at (805) 659-1522.