Ambrosia 

Live reviews

• Ambrosia

  I could not believe my ears when I heard the advertisement on the radio that Ambrosia was coming to Wilmington, NC! I had just relocated back to ILM a month before and though I considered myself Ambrosia's #1 fan since I had first stumbled across their 2nd album "Somewhere I've Never Traveled" back in 1978, I never dreamed I would see them live! Not in 2016! This was the band whose albums I had kept, after discarding 1200 others years before. Just Ambrosia and my original Beatles were still in my possession. "That's how much I feel" about them, if you get my drift!

  I am a huge fan of their earlier work, so I was pleased that they started their set with a song from their first album. Though their current roster is impressive, I sorely missed the fabulous David Pack. However, having Joe Puerto singing his heart out and Burleigh and Christopher doing their magic, I had to let that one go and go along for the ride. I was happy with the selection of songs they chose, though in my book, they didn't have any bad songs to pick from.

  After playing a great set, Ambrosia was very welcoming to Player, and supported the 2 person band with their creative expertise and high energy. It was especially fun having Joe call them back on stage to jam a few extra songs, because they all appeared to be having as much fun on stage as we were out in the audience! Thank you for playing "Holding On To Yesterday" - It was phenomenal!

  Afterwords, I did the fan thing at the coaxing of the couple that sat next to me. I had come alone, wanting to experience this treasured concert without the distractions of anyone less familiar with Ambrosia's work. I was wearing their t-shirt I had bought at the beginning of the evening and suddenly felt 14 again when I found myself in line behind other fans, collecting autographs (something I have never done before). But hey, this was AMBROSIA!

  So I first see Chris Noth and his face lights up when he sees my shirt and says "hey, I LOVE that shirt!" and I say, "Me too!" I hand him the bands picture for his autograph, and he asks my name, spells it out correctly then writes it on the picture" Then he asks, "Hey, would you like me to sign your shirt?" and I say "Sure" and I turn around and he signed the back of my shirt. Then Burleigh Drummond signs my back, and picture, and I tell him what a big fan I am of their band, and tell him I kept only theirs and the Beatles of all my original albums, and he smiles and says. "wow, that is cool!"

  The original members of Ambrosia were so down to earth and genuine, and still I felt 14, not 54. The new members signed my shirt, and lastly, Joe Puerto. I walked out of Wilson's Center with one of the biggest sincere grins I've worn in a very long time because they were still there for the love of the music and the fans, and that, my friend, is why their fans are still here for them! - life long fan, Laurie Starks Dowless

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  by dowlela

• The performance of the extremely talented Ambrosia was a true pleasurable experience. What a absolute treat to have the opportunity to spend a short but amazing two hours in the presence of these finely crafted musicians. Time has only polished these diamonds into a brilliance that's hard for this novice but, huge fan to explain must insist be experienced! Each member shows an expertise in his or her talent that seems to come comfortably and naturally but, with an enthusiasm that transcends into the audience's experience.

  Between numbers they entertain the audience with stories about the pieces and about each other. They share their stories as though they are letting you in on their own inside tales which very much a part of getting to know them on almost a personal level. It's wonderful to see and experience how much energy and enthusiasm each one puts into their performance which gels so well as band. Ambrosia mixes in their original classic numbers along with newer and cover pieces that keeps the audience thrilled and on the edge of their seats. The introduced their intricate and finely arranged cover of The Beatle's 1966's Elenor Rigby which featured each member's vocals. It was great to see Ken Stacy contribute not only his clear beautifully toned vocals but his guitar talents as well in the piece. Mary Harris strong and angelic, beautiful voice does an amazing job and really stood out as well!

  I could go on and on about the amazing Ambrosia performance we were honored to be apart at the Boca Raton Resort Jazzid show last night but, I'll end this review by stating that I am still floating on a cloud from being there and enjoying every moment of it!!

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  by edith4560

• The venue that I saw Ambrosia in was intimate and dimly lit. Not the sort of venue that I was expecting for the soft rock band, but it had obviously been carefully thought out, as it was perfect for the acoustics and lighting setup that they had chosen.

  Although the band first formed in 1970, had a reasonably lengthy hiatus, and reformed with a slightly different set up of band members, their sound is still fresh and exciting. Fans dislike change, and the whispers surrounding the frequent changes of singer since David Pack’s departure vary in sincerity, but each time I’ve heard Ambrosia, they seem to have it right with their set up.

  The great thing about these guys, asides from their extreme talent and dedication to the performance, is their desire to please their audience. They often work chronologically through their back catalogue of tracks, playing the old hits, combined with some of their newer tracks, and they always throw in a great cover along the way to keep everyone engaged. The lighting is always fantastic too, completing the performance value wonderfully.

  One thing I would say, if you are able to see them in a smaller venue, definitely take the chance, the whole event seems very special and more relatable in this atmosphere.

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  by yazhow

• Most people do not give Ambrosia credit when you consider how many hits they scored during the heyday and for a band to still be active over forty years after their formation is an impressive feat. The musicians are all ageing now yet the passion and devotion to their fanbase seems to energise them night after night to get onto stage and play the hits.

  There has not been any new material since 1987 as the band's lineup has altered quite regularly yet luckily the back catalogue is so strong that the setlist pretty much creates itself in a way. The musicians have really retained their instrumental qualities and ability to interact with the crowd meaning there is still a feeling of professionalism to the show. They also have hits including 'Nice, Nice, Very Nice' and 'Biggest Part of Me' to lean back on which gets the crowd onside with absolute ease. The final singalong to 'How Much I Feel' is a great example as to why Ambrosia continue touring as the whole venue is united in song and appreciation for this veteran prog-rock outfit.

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  by sean-ward

• Seeing Ambrosia playing Live for the first time since I started following them back in the 70's was awesome. I arrived at John J. Burns Park in Massapequa, New York just as they opened the concert with Nice,Nice,Very Nice. Every single song they played during this beautiful night outdoors brought back a lot of great memories of times gone by, and proving that their music stand's the test of time as well. They played How Much I Feel, You're The Only Woman, Biggest Part Of Me, Holdin' On To Yesterday, Time Wait's For No One, And so many more, they even introduced a new song titled Satellite which was great. I am really looking forward to seeing them again on Sunday, August 14, 2016 at Hoyt Farm Park on Long Island in Commack New York. Please don't miss seeing this Band as they continue to Tour our beautiful Country. Check out their Website for schedules and any information you may need about this wonderful Band. www.ambrosiaweb.com

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  by kennyreddy59

• Have you ever wanted to meet famous folks who are down to earth and approachable? Do you want to feel as though your hard earned money will be worth it at a concert? Have your ever wanted to hear live music that sounded like the original recording? If your answer is "yes" to all, then I highly recommend for you to attend an Ambrosia concert! They are dedicated performers who have NEVER let me down! Plus, they promote future musicians. What a superb concert last night and there were wonderful memories created at this event. They even raffled off a signed guitar! What a fabulous time had by all! I love AMBROSIA and I hope you will, too! Sincerest thanks to Mary, Burleigh, Ken, Joe, Christopher and Doug for another exceptional concert! My friend Tim and I plan to attend in Pasadena! Continued success!

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  by sonia-mcfarland

• Loved it. Definitely brought back the memories I was looking for. I missed David Pack, but Kent Stacey was a pure pro in his place. I could have done without the Beatle melodies(they have plenty of their own great stuff), and I didn’t hear Nice, Nice , Very Nice, but everything they played was spot-on. Drummond can still lay down a tasty drum solo, and the keyboardist would have made Ray Manzarek jealous.. Overall, worth everything that Stacey invited the audience to get up and dance to “You’re The Only Woman” , right after “ Holding on to Yesterday”... Yea, you probably had to be there, should have been there.. Thanks for the memories.

  -Hal and Lisa

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  by hal-morgan

• This has been one of favorite bands for a long time. I never seem to get sick of listening to their CD's. I have never been able to see them live. And I was worried that after 30 years and some member substitutions that they would not sound the same. I was wrong, They were as fresh and alive as the first time I heard them. They had energy and drive to make this a show I will remember for a long time. They put out the standards and some new songs. The new stuff was good enough to make me want go out and buy it. Thank you guys for coming back to tour. I hope you come again.

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  by evroom1

• Kenley Ampitheater 7/8/17...what an awesome show Ambrosia performed...lovely venue and the band was tight and extremely personable...All the hits anyone would have hoped would be played were and a few surprises were thrown in...Joe Puerta, Burleigh Drummond and Christopher North were the long time band members with Kenneth Stacey (vocals and guitar) Mary Drummond (keyboards) and Douglas Jackson (guitar) helping round out the sound...the band even came out for autographs after the show...if anyone is wondering if you should see the band the answer is emphatically YES!!!

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  by rich-lewis

• An incredible band. Vocals, keyboards, bass, drums, guitar - every member an absolute master. And then - to top it all off, the nicest people in the world. The last time I was truly blown away by a band it was Alan Parsons. In both cases I found out (30 years too late) that I had a new favorite band and a ton of albums to purchase. Ambrosia is one of those rare hidden gems. You owe it to yourself to see them if they are near. They perform Magical Mystery Tour better than the guys who wrote it and that alone is worth the price of admission!

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  by summero2