Classic-rock band America comes to ��ӽ紫ý Riley Center May 23

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MERIDIAN, MS—Celebrating 49 years together, the band America will bring its easygoing folk-rock sound to the ��ӽ紫ý Riley Center on Thursday, May 23, at 7:30 p.m.

Since Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell founded the group in 1970 (along with the late Dan Peek), their music has worked its way into pop music’s universal soundtrack. Starting with “A Horse with No Name” in 1972, America has produced a long list of classic-rock mainstays, including “I Need You,” “Ventura Highway,” “Don’t Cross the River,” “Tin Man,” “Lonely People” and “Sister Golden Hair.”

New generations keep discovering America. The band has more than 1.4 million monthly listeners on Spotify, with eight songs topping 2 million streams.

Onstage, Beckley and Bunnell, both still in fine voice, share the lead vocals. “We still do between 90 and 100 shows a year,” Beckley said. “That takes us all over the world. It’s been a fascinating life.”

Tickets are $64 and $58 at the ��ӽ紫ý Riley Center Box Office, which is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets can be purchased online at or by phone at 601-696-2200.

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