Columbia Theatre presents 70s funk group 'WAR' April 3
Contact: Tonya Lowentritt
3/24/09
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HAMMOND – WAR, one of the most popular funk groups of the 1970s, is coming to Southeastern Louisiana University’s Columbia Theatre for the Performing Arts April 3.
Celebrating its 40th year, the celebrated band will perform at the historic downtown Hammond theatre at 7:30 p.m.
“We are excited that Columbia will be hosting such a legendary musical group,” said Columbia Theatre Director Donna Gay Anderson. “WAR is an iconic rock band that has recorded hit after hit. Bringing them to Columbia’s stage is an honor.”
Nominated this year for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, WAR released 19 albums and achieved 10 top “Billboard” pop and rhythm and blues singles during the past four decades.
WAR’s performance at the Columbia will include classic hits such as “Cisco Kid,” “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” and “Low Rider.”
Created in the late 1960s by Jerry Goldstein and Eric Burdon of The Animals, WAR’s career skyrocketed in the early 1970s. In the tumultuous eras of Vietnam, Watergate, and racial strife, WAR’s music resonated with millions of Americans.
“The diversity of influences on us was not only musical, but social as well. As a result, we tried to be entertaining while also spreading the word of peace, harmony and brotherhood,” said singer-keyboardist Lonnie Johnson, a member of the group since its beginning.
“Our instruments and voices became our weapons of choice and the songs our ammunition,” Johnson added. “We spoke out against racism, hunger, gangs, crimes and turf wars, as we embraced all people with hope and the spirit of brotherhood.”
The band’s songs have been used in national advertising campaigns by companies such as Kodak, Chevrolet, Nokia, Burger King and Miller Lite. WAR songs can also be heard in motion pictures such as “Beverly Hills Chihuahua,” “Gone in 60 Seconds,” “Lethal Weapon,” “Boogie Nights,” and “Fridays.”
Tickets for WAR are $39, Orchestra 1 and Loge; $33, Orchestra 2 and Balcony 1; and $29, Balcony 2. They are available online at columbiatheatre.org or at the Columbia box office, 220 E. Thomas St., 985-543-4371. Box office hours are 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Monday, Wednesday and Friday, and one hour before performance times.
For information about upcoming events in the Columbia Theatre, visit columbiatheatre.org or call (985) 543-4366.
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