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The city of Peoria signed the legendary Tower of Power to headline next year’s Somos Peoria festival on Sept. 25, 2021.
Since originating in Oakland, California, in 1968, the horn-based Tower of Power has defined funk, soul, R&B and Latin music with more than 30 albums. The current lineup features three members from the original group: Emilio Castillo (tenor saxophone, backing and occasional lead vocals), Stephen “Doc” Kupka (baritone sax) and David Garibaldi (drums, percussion).
At least 60 musicians have toured or recorded with the band during its 50-year history. The group's highest chart hit was “So Very Hard to Go,” which reached No. 17 on Billboard in 1973.
“We are so happy to have Tower of Power for next year’s event in Old Town Peoria,” Peoria arts and events manager Marylou Stephens stated in a news release. “Be sure to save the date for Somos Peoria 2021.”
Somos Peoria (formerly Fiesta Peoria) is the city’s annual multicultural celebration of National Hispanic Heritage Month in the heart of Old Town Peoria, at 83rd and Grand avenues.
This city-sponsored family-friendly signature event features live music and entertainment, local arts and crafts vendors, carnival rides and an array of traditional foods, as well as a beer garden for those age 21 and over.
While concerns for the health and safety of Peoria residents during the COVID-19 pandemic kept the city from celebrating this year, Somos Peoria will return with a full lineup of activities and entertainment in 2021.
More information will be forthcoming on event entertainment and other details.
Contact Ernestina Arvizu earvizu@arvizu.com or 602-279-4669 ext. 106.
Steve Stockmar has been with the Independent Newsmedia team since 2017. An NAU alum and Peoria resident, Steve’s community journalism pursuits focus mostly on arts & culture, education, and profiles of neighbors making a difference. In his spare time Steve plays in a vintage baseball league using uniforms and rules from the 1860s, and also acts (badly) in community theater. In addition, he has an unhealthy obsession with baseball and the Chicago Cubs.
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