The comedy of Cheech and Chong and the music of Tower of Power and War will combine at the NYCB Theatre at Westbury on Wednesday, Aug. 14
The iconic comedy duo of Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong defined an era with their irreverent, satirical, counter-culture comedy routines.
Marin and Chong’s success began on the stand up comedy circuit which led to nine comedy albums and eight films, breaking box office records and comedy album sales along the way.
Cheech and Chong were nominated for four Grammy Awards, winning the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album with their third album, “Los Cochinos,” released in 1973. Their streak of comedic success transitioned to film in 1978 with their first movie, “Up In Smoke,” the highest grossing comedy of 1978, topping $100 million at the box office.
Tower of Power’s musical journey began when Emilio Castillo met Stephen “Doc” Kupka in July of 1968. When Doc auditioned during a band rehearsal at Castillo’s house, Castillo’s father called him into the kitchen and offered the following advice, “Hire that guy, he’s got something.”
Tower celebrated their 40th anniversary in 2008 at a special reunion show at the Fillmore in San Francisco.
In addition to the ten current members of the band, another 20 musicians and vocalists that at one time held a position with the band appeared with them. The show is available on DVD. Of the 10 current members, Castillo, Kupka, Rocco Prestia, and David Garibaldi are four of the band’s founding members. Their dedication to the music, their writing, and their vision still guides Tower of Power.
2009 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame nominees, War, will also be joining the lineup.
Current members include Stanley Behrens, Francisco “Pancho” Tomaselli, Stuart Ziff, Marcos Reyes, David Urquidi, Sal Rodriquez, and founding member, Leroy “Lonnie” Jordan. They will perform hits such as “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” “Low Rider,” “Cisco Kid,” “Summer,” and “All Day Music.”
The show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $39.50 to $49.50 plus applicable service charges and are available now online at www.ticketmaster.com, charge by phone at 800-745-3000 or at the Westbury box office.
Event, date and time are subject to change. For more information, visit: www.thetheatreatwestbury.com.
