“Yacht Rock the Dock” featuring Ambrosia brings the vintage sounds of soft-rock to Anderson’s Paramount Theater.

By: Kevin Vickery 

Let’s start with the term, “Yacht Rock” and make sure we’re all on the same page.  It’s a term that’s been coined since 2005 to describe the sound and style of the music from the 1970s-80s that back then we would have called, “soft-rock ”, “light-rock”, or even, “adult-oriented rock”.   The emphasis of this style of music is more on clean vocals and light, catchy melodies.

Also known as “The West Coast sound” because the songs tend to focus on nautical themes like Christoper Cross’, “Sailing” and Rupert Holmes, “Escape (The Pina Colada Song), there’s always a common thread of smooth jazz and R & B influenced melodies with mostly acoustic guitars, slow-to-mid-tempos, and as much electric piano as you can stand.  Suffice to say, Michael McDonald is considered one of the most influential of this style enjoyed by yuppie yacht owners looking for a smooth sound while sailing.

Over the last ten years or so, the genre has taken a new life as bands specializing in this genre will tour the country, particularly during the Summer months performing these classics to Yacht Rock enthusiasts who sport white Captain’s hats, and sip fancy cocktails, as if they were were on their yacht in the Pacific.

I’ll admit that I went to “Yacht Rock the Dock” at the Paramount Theater in Anderson, I didn’t fully understand what the show was going to be.  I assumed it was a cover band performing all the greatest Yacht Rock hits from that era like is so commonly done these days.  Turns out it was actually Joe Puerta, and Burleigh Drummond, both original members of the band, Ambrosia as well as Peter Beckett, and John Ford Coley, who both have had their own successful careers since the 1970’s.

The group along with a few other side musicians, including Drummond’s wife, Mary Harris on key boards soft-rocked their way through Ambosia classics like, “How Much I Feel” and “You’re the Biggest Part of Me”. 

The crowd was also happy to hear Coley’s hit, “I’d Really Like to See You Tonight”, and “Baby Come Back” which he and Beckett wrote and recorded with the band Player.  I enjoyed the show and found that even I can find my inner-yacht-rocker spirit when hearing those classics performed authentically.  But I’m not wearing the Captain’s hat, no matter how good they sound.

I ran into friends, Jim and Nikki Smith from New Castle and was able to get their thoughts on the show.  Nikki said, “Love it – It takes you back to the good old days when music was music.” And, “It’s just a good, mellow vibe – for me, remembering all the good times.” Her husband Jim added, “it’s a nice time to reminisce about the songs we grew up on.”

Jim said that this was at least the tenth show they had seen at the Paramount Theater and said, “The decor is just fantastic, and it’s always a good experience.”  Nikki agreed saying, “I love it here.  I don’t think there’s a bad seat in the house.”

If you’re unfamiliar with the Paramount, it sits at 1124 Meridian Street in downtown Anderson. The theater has a rich history since its opening in 1929 and has a beautiful interior appearance that was designed as what is known as an “atmospheric theater” and made to resemble a Spanish Courtyard at night. It has gone through serious renovation throughout the years to keep it alive and thriving and it has most certainly been well worth the effort. 

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working many events there in various capacities including performing there a few times. It’s a super-cool venue and a show like this offered a great experience for all those in attendance.

For more information about events at the Paramount Theater you can check out their facebook page or their official website at: andersonparamount.org

To keep up with Ambrosia, find them on Facebook or visit their official website at ambrosialive.net