Photos by Andy Argyrakis

Delays be damned, acoustic rockers America were going to properly celebrate its 50th anniversary, even if the clock has since crept towards the group’s 52nd year in the game.

No matter how the math adds up, there sure was a lot of music when the duo comprised of Dewey Bunnell and Gerry Beckley, along with their bold backing band, packed the glorious and historic Genesee Theatre to the gills.

“Tin Man” kicked off the comprehensive set list that pulled from a slew of birthday releases, which include various hits and deep tracks compilations, plus the “Live At The London Palladium” DVD.

“You Can Do Magic” came in quick succession, demonstrating America’s evolution from stripped down troubadours that ruled the charts throughout the 1970s, towards easygoing rock trendsetters in the early 80s.

The smash singles were too numerous to count, but early editions of “Daisy Jane” and “I Need You” have endured in a timeless tradition, thanks in part to members’ skillful songwriting and tender blend of harmonies.

No matter how many trips they’ve taken down “Ventura Highway,” it continues to come across with blissful enthusiasm that was also one of many instances where the audience sang along.

That wasn’t as much the case when America explored some overlooked gems from the 1990s and even more distant past, but the quality of their craftsmanship was just as apparent, despite the lack of commercial popularity.

In addition to all the audio history lessons, concertgoers were given a visual summary of the last half-century of the guys on the big screen behind them, including glimpses of their late great third member Dan Peek.

All the while, the classics kept coming, such as “Lonely People,” “Sandman” and “Sister Golden Hair,” culminating with “A Horse With No Name” (complete with Chicago’s own openers The Buckinghams as special guests) as America rode off into the sunset for now, but with enough gas to keep going well into the future.

For additional information on America, visit VenturaHighway.com.

Upcoming concert highlights at the Genesee Theatre include Hairball (Feb. 18); Collective Soul (Feb. 20); 80s Night Out (Feb. 24); Grand Funk Railroad (Feb. 25); Purple Reign: The Prince Tribute (Mar. 26); Night Ranger (Apr. 1); Here Come The Mummies (Apr. 8); Ben Folds (Apr. 21); Brit Floyd (Apr. 22); Alan Parsons Live Project (Apr. 23) Dionne Warwick (Apr. 24); Air Supply (May 5); The Fray (May 14) and Glenn Miller Orchestra (Jun. 3). For additional details, visit GeneseeTheatre.com.

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