days until
Saturday, August 31st and Sunday, September 1st
Haven’t purchased your tickets? No worries!
Club Members: VIP tickets are SOLD OUT for Saturday!
Tower of Power’s Core: 5 Superstar Horn Players
Tower of Power’s musical odyssey actually began in 1968 when Emilio Castillo met Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of that year. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Emilio’s house, Emilio’s father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice: “Hire that guy, he’s got something.” Doc and his signature baritone sax sound were now in the band, and on August 13, 1968, Tower of Power, as we know them today, began playing gigs, and soon became very well known in the area.
After playing at a Tuesday night audition at the Fillmore in 1970, Tower was signed to Bill Graham’s San Francisco records and their first album, “East Bay Grease,” was recorded. All of the compositions were original tunes written by Castillo and Kupka. Their next album, “Bump City,” was recorded on the Warner Brothers label, and this led to a string of hits and memorable albums that include many of the songs that TOP fans come out in force to hear, even to this day. Over the years, the Tower of Power Horns have recorded with hundreds of artists as diverse as Aerosmith, Elton John, Little Feat, Phish, Santana, Heart, and many others, forever infusing the radio airwaves with Tower’s musical DNA.
The Tower of Power horn section has received acclaim as an independent group as well. They have appeared on a number of other artists’ recordings, including one of the most highly regarded early live albums: a performance with Little Feat in 1977, one of the three inaugural acts to perform at the newly-opened Rockpalast studios on the song, “Rocket in my Pocket”.
Other performers supported by the Tower of Power horns include innovative electric slap bass guitarist Larry Graham’s Graham Central Station, The Monkees, The Grateful Dead, Santana, Elkie Brooks, Cat Stevens (on his Foreigner Suite), Luis Miguel, Elton John, Linda Lewis, rad. (Rose Ann Dimalanta), Jermaine Jackson, John Lee Hooker, Helen Reddy, Rufus, Rod Stewart, Jefferson Starship, Mickey Hart, Heart, Damn Yankees, Huey Lewis and the News, Spyro Gyra, KMFDM,[5] Lyle Lovett, Poison, Phish, Toto, Pharoahe Monch, Brothers Johnson, and Aerosmith, among many other acts.
The Horns:
Emilio Castillo
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
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.
Tom E. Politzer
Tom E. Politzer is TOP’s lead tenor sax player. Tommy fills that role totally, not only as an outstanding soloist, but also as a part of the five piece Tower of Power horn section.
Born in Detroit and raised in Palo Alto, California, Tom contributes to the band’s complex sound with his first tenor sax, alto sax, flute, and clarinet. Tom’s musical background and his switch from playing the clarinet to the baritone sax chair (inspired, in part, by Tower of Power’s “Squib Cakes”), set the stage for him to become the professional musician he is today. “Being in the band has definitely made me a better musician. It’s just something that happens when you’re around great musicians. It’s like a minor league ball player making it to the majors. Your game just gets better. Plus, I get a lot of creative energy from our fans. Their enthusiasm really feeds me,” he says.
Adolfo Acosta
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.
Sal Cracchiolo
“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.
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Other useful Beaverstock information:
What is there to eat?
We have lined up some of the central coast’s best food vendors for you. Select one or visit all of them!
- Haute Skillet
- Kun Fusion
- The Pairing Knife
- Gypsy Flame Pizza
- Elly’s Sweet Tooth
- Leo Leo Gelato
- Bella Pops
And to drink…
Castoro’s own Dam Fine Wine and Sangria!
Toro Creek Brewery will be serving up handcrafted beers
Complimentary water stations throughout the festival along with non-alcoholic options for the kids!
And for the kids…
Young beavers are called Kits. Beaverstock is an all ages event and kids, aka “kits” are welcome to attend. Children 10 and under and complimentary with an adult. There will be a special area with activities for the kids including arts and crafts in the shade of the meadow.
Haven’t purchased your tickets? No worries!
All Club Members must RSVP for Beaverstock! You must complete your online reservation prior to showing up to the event. Lost the link we sent you? No worries contact Ryan at wineclub@castorocellars.com or Rhiannon at events@castorocellars.com and we can resend it to you.
Festival style seating so don’t forget a chair.
No ins and outs.
No pets please.
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