America brings folk-rock hits to Tuacahn

However, since his bandmate Dewey Bunnell wrote the lyrics to "A Horse With No Name," Beckley says he can't comment on why the poor horse didn't have a name.Beckley is songwriter behind the band's other No. 1 hit, "Sister Golden Hair."

the folk-rock band behind "A Horse With No Name," "Sister Golden Hair," "Ventura Highway" and "Tin Man" - will take the stage at 8 p.m. in what is arguably one of the most appropriate venues in the nation to play their desert-inspired hit song."That sounds ideal," says Gerry Beckley, one of the two original members of the band, upon hearing about the red rock venue.

He says the song came at advantageous time for the group because it was on the fifth album, well into the band's nearly 40-year career. It was also the second album produced for the band by legendary Beatles producer George Martin.America formed in 1970 in England. The three core members, Beckley, Bunnell and Dan Peek were sons of American servicemen and British mothers. "A Horse With No Name" catapulted them into the spotlight in the United States in 1972 when the group released its self-titled debut album.

Jason Velez, a Washington City resident and America fan, plans to attend the show on May 15 with his wife Kimberly. He's been a fan for about 30 years and saw them live in Los Angeles in 1991.

"They were great," he says. "They played with Three Dog Night."

Velez says "Sister Golden Hair" is one of his favorite songs but also enjoys the overall sound of the band. He thinks the ambiance of Tuacahn will match America's music.

He also attended the Rick Springfield and Foreigner shows at Tuacahn earlier this year and says the venue is doing a good job of bringing in quality concerts this year.