Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st

Emilio Castillo plays second tenor sax, as well as providing background and lead vocals. Emilio was born in Detroit, Michigan on September 24, 1950 and is of Mexican and Greek parentage. During his transition from Detroit to Fremont, California, Emilio discovered his interest in music stemming from the likes of Roger Collins, The Spyders, and Sly and the Family Stone – masters of soul. In 1967, Emilio started his own group called the Motowns which would became Tower of Power in 1968, the same year that Emilio met the Funky Doctor (Stephen Kupka). He is a self-proclaimed homebody and enjoys spending his time when not touring with TOP with his wife Suzanne and children, Christian, Isabella, Dominic, Ariana and Katina. He spends much of the time with his family at their local church, and makes it a habit of telling and showing them that he loves them every day. “I’ve learned from experience that God has a plan for me, and that it’s better than mine! I just try to remember that, no matter what comes down the pike,” he says.

Stephen “Doc” Kupka is not only a founding member of Tower of Power, but along with Emilio Castillo has written most of the TOP song catalog. His baritone sax is an integral part of TOP’s sound.

Growing up in Berkeley, California, he loved the Coasters’ “Searchin’” and Bobby Bland’s “Turn On Your Love Light.” His dream was always to play well but to also help craft songs, like “What Is Hip?,” “Only So Much Oil,” “Recapture The Magic,” “So Very Hard To Go” and “Willing To Learn.” After meeting Emilio Castillo over the July 4th weekend in 1968, and shortly thereafter becoming a member of Tower of Power, Doc and Emilio began writing songs, performing, recording and touring the world with TOP. Some of Doc’s favorite band mates have included Lenny Pickett, Chester Thompson, Mic Gillette and Greg Adams; but thinks the current line up is the best one yet! “I’d compare us to the great big bands in that we’ve got our own style, we’ve been doing it a long time and there’s no end in sight,” he says.

Born and raised in Santa Barbara, CA, Adolfo has been a member of Tower Of Power since July of 2000 playing the second trumpet and flugelhorn parts. Prior to joining TOP he was a member of the famed University of North Texas One O’Clock Lab Band and also spent two years on the road touring with jazz trumpet legend Maynard Ferguson.

“Tower of Power is delighted to announce Sal Cracchiolo as our newest member. Sal is a “world class” lead trumpet player. Super exciting!!! He has an incredibly high range, plays with power and finesse, his soloing technique is unparalleled, and he’s one of the nicest guys I’ve ever known. He’s a great addition to the T.O.P. family.” -Tower Of Power Band Leader Emilio Castillo.