Some might say the most noteworthy thing about The Association is that the California pop band was the first in history to open a rock festival, specifically the Monterey Pop Festival in 1967. (Long before Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo, Lollapalooza, OzFest, the US Festival or even Woodstock, there was 1967’s Monterey Pop Festival, and The Association was the first act to take the stage.) Others might say the band’s claim to fame are its four biggest singles—“Along Comes Mary,” “Windy,” “Cherish” and “Never My Love” (the latter three of which are certified platinum). But when you examine the totality of the group’s history, the grandest achievement has to be survival.
Not only has The Association’s music endured for more than five decades amid the industry’s ever-shifting swirl of tastes, it has done so with a revolving cast of characters. Since forming in 1695, the band has seen 40 musicians come and go (and, in many cases, return), resulting in 42 different lineup versions. The most recent is a six-piece outfit, highlighted by original members Jim Yester and Jules Alexander. These days, the two guitarists/vocalists lead a six-piece band across the country and beyond, bringing smiles to the faces of fans who still appreciate unique vocal harmonies and a foot-tapping good time.
Golden Nugget, 8 p.m. Jan. 19, starting at $20.71 plus tax and fee. 866.946.5336
