There are concerts that remind you why certain bands have endured for decades, and then there are shows like America’s appearance at Vernon Downs on July 5, 2012—a performance so warm, so musically rich, and so perfectly paced that it felt like stepping directly into the heart of classic FM radio. For two hours, the legendary soft-rock trio turned quartet filled the New York racetrack-turned-concert venue with harmonies that shimmered like sunlight on water, taking a packed crowd on a journey through some of the most beloved songs of the 1970s and beyond.
I’ve been a fan of America’s music for as long as I can remember, and walking into the show that night, I wasn’t looking for pyrotechnics or big rock theatrics. What I wanted—and what the band delivered in spades—was pure songcraft: those unmistakable acoustic textures, those velvety harmonies, and that easy, unhurried vibe that makes you feel like the world outside can wait.
Starting Strong with Familiar Friends
From the moment the band walked onstage, guitars in hand and smiles on their faces, the crowd was ready. They wasted no time, diving straight into “Tin Man.” That breezy, hypnotic groove instantly transported the audience back to 1974, its playful lyrics and circular chord changes wrapping around us like an old friend. Dewey Bunnell’s voice sounded every bit as smooth as it did on the original record, a testament to both his talent and his care in preserving it over the years.
Without missing a beat, they followed with “You Can Do Magic,” the Russ Ballard-penned hit that gave America a fresh chart resurgence in the early ’80s. It’s a song with just enough pop polish to get even the casual fans clapping along, and Gerry Beckley’s lead vocal soared over the jangly guitars with effortless charm. By the end of those first two numbers, it was obvious: this was a band that still loved what they do, and that love radiated through every note.
Early Gems and Deeper Cuts
America has always balanced their hit singles with a rich catalog of deep cuts, and the Vernon Downs show was a perfect example of that thoughtful setlist construction. “Don’t Cross the River” brought a rustic, almost country-rock feel to the proceedings, with intricate acoustic picking and tight harmonies that showcased the band’s roots in the Laurel Canyon era.
Then came “Daisy Jane,” a song so delicate and beautiful that it felt like the night briefly stopped to listen. Beckley’s tender piano intro set the mood, and when those harmonies kicked in—soft, wistful, and perfectly blended—it was pure magic. Couples leaned into each other, eyes closed, lost in the gentle sway of the melody.
The upbeat “Riverside” and the slightly trippy “Three Roses” followed, both drawn from the band’s 1971 debut album. These songs, though not as well-known as the monster hits, reminded everyone just how strong America’s early songwriting really was. There’s a freshness to those early tracks that still feels alive, and the band played them with the energy of musicians who haven’t grown tired of their own history.
Heartfelt Moments and Crowd Favorites
Midway through the set, the mood softened with the yearning “I Need You,” a song that remains one of their most emotionally direct ballads. Beckley’s vocal carried a quiet ache that resonated beautifully through the outdoor venue. “Here,” another early number, deepened that introspective mood before the unmistakable opening chords of “Ventura Highway” sent a ripple of excitement through the crowd.
Few songs capture the feeling of open roads and endless summer quite like Ventura Highway. When Bunnell sang “alligator lizards in the air,” the audience erupted, singing along as if the phrase were the most natural thing in the world. The band stretched out the guitar parts, giving the song a slightly jammy vibe without ever losing its crisp, driving rhythm.
Next came “Chasing the Rainbow,” a later-career track that showed America isn’t content to simply rest on their laurels. The newer material fit seamlessly alongside the classics, proving that their knack for melody hasn’t faded with time.
Paying Tribute and Mixing It Up
One of the unexpected pleasures of the night was America’s willingness to pay tribute to their influences and contemporaries. Their cover of “Woodstock,” the Joni Mitchell classic made famous by Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, was a revelation. Stripped of its heavier rock trappings, America’s version leaned into their signature harmonies, creating a haunting, almost ethereal rendition that brought a hush over the crowd.
The band then launched into a medley of “Cornwall Blank” and “Hollywood,” two lesser-known tracks that showcased their more adventurous side. Both songs had a playful energy, with rhythmic shifts and unexpected chord changes that kept things interesting.
The surprises didn’t stop there. “Ride On” came next, a deep cut that felt like a hidden treasure for longtime fans. Then, in one of the evening’s biggest curveballs, America offered a beautifully faithful take on the Gin Blossoms’ “Til I Hear It From You.” It was a bold choice, bridging generations of melodic pop, and they nailed it. Their signature acoustic interplay gave the ’90s hit a fresh sparkle without losing its bittersweet charm.
Building Toward the Classics
With the crowd thoroughly warmed up, America eased into “The Border,” a moody mid-’80s single that pulsed with understated tension. “Woman Tonight” followed, its funky rhythm getting heads nodding, and “Only in Your Heart” brought back that early-’70s folk-pop feel.
The covers continued with “California Dreamin’,” the Mamas & the Papas classic. If any song could be considered a spiritual ancestor to America’s own style, it’s this one. Their version honored the original’s lush harmonies while adding a slightly more laid-back groove.
Then came the ever-poignant “Lonely People,” written by the late Dan Peek. Hearing this song performed live was a reminder of the band’s ability to tackle heavy themes—alienation, searching, hope—while keeping the music buoyant and uplifting.
As the night edged toward its climax, the band broke into “Sandman,” a song that’s always carried a darker, moodier undercurrent. Live, it became a showcase for their instrumental chops, with extended guitar passages and a simmering intensity that had the audience transfixed.
A Golden Finale
Of course, no America concert would be complete without their biggest hits, and they saved the biggest for last. “Sister Golden Hair” brought the entire venue to its feet, the opening acoustic strums instantly recognizable. The crowd sang every word, their voices blending with the band’s harmonies in a joyous, communal release. Beckley smiled throughout, clearly feeding off the energy as the song’s sunny chorus rolled across the night sky.
The band briefly left the stage, but everyone knew what was coming. When they returned for the encore, the opening notes of “A Horse With No Name” sent a thrill through the crowd. There’s something timeless about that hypnotic, two-chord progression and those enigmatic lyrics. Hearing it live, with thousands of voices joining in, was like being part of a shared dream. Bunnell’s voice, earthy and calm, carried the song with a quiet authority that reminded us why it remains one of the defining tracks of the 1970s.
The Setlist
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Tin Man
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You Can Do Magic (Russ Ballard cover)
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Don’t Cross the River
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Daisy Jane
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Riverside
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Three Roses
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I Need You
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Here
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Ventura Highway
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Chasing the Rainbow
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Woodstock (Joni Mitchell cover)
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Cornwall Blank / Hollywood
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Ride On
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Til I Hear It From You (Gin Blossoms cover)
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The Border
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Woman Tonight
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Only in Your Heart
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California Dreamin’ (The Mamas & the Papas cover)
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Lonely People
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Sandman
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Sister Golden Hair
Encore:
22. A Horse With No Name
Musicianship and Atmosphere
What struck me most about America’s performance was how gracefully they’ve aged. The core duo of Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell played with the confidence of musicians who know exactly what makes their songs special. Their harmonies were as pristine as ever—rich, full, and perfectly balanced. The interplay of acoustic and electric guitars created a lush sonic bed, while the rhythm section provided just enough punch to keep everything moving without overpowering the subtleties of the arrangements.
Beckley’s voice remains a marvel, warm and elastic, capable of both tender ballads and upbeat pop numbers. Bunnell brought his own distinct timbre, slightly huskier but no less captivating. Together, their vocals created that unmistakable America sound—something no amount of studio trickery can replicate.
The band’s stage presence was understated but engaging. There were no flashy visuals or over-the-top antics, just a group of seasoned musicians clearly enjoying the act of making music together. Between songs, Beckley and Bunnell shared brief stories and jokes, creating an easy intimacy that made the large outdoor venue feel like a living room jam session.
A Timeless Connection
Looking around during the show, I was struck by the diversity of the audience. There were fans who had followed America since the early ’70s, parents introducing their kids to the music they grew up with, and younger listeners who had discovered the band through classic rock radio or streaming playlists. Everyone seemed united by a shared affection for these songs—proof that great music truly transcends generations.
When the band launched into “Ventura Highway” or “Sister Golden Hair,” you could feel that connection in the air. People smiled at strangers, sang along with abandon, and for a couple of hours, the worries of daily life melted away. That’s the power of music, and America still wields it with quiet, unassuming grace.
Final Thoughts
As the final notes of A Horse With No Name faded into the warm July night, it was clear that America’s music remains as vital as ever. This wasn’t a band coasting on past glory—it was a group of master craftsmen sharing songs that continue to resonate because they’re built on timeless truths: love, longing, wanderlust, and the simple joy of melody.
Walking out of Vernon Downs, I felt the kind of contentment only a truly great concert can bring. America gave us more than a night of nostalgia; they offered a reminder that beautifully written songs, played with heart and care, never go out of style. Over forty years into their career, they still have the magic. And on July 5, 2012, under the lights of a racetrack-turned-concert hall, they proved that some music really is forever.