Final night time was an evening to recollect as rock icons and hometown heroes Rock And Roll Corridor Of Famer Sammy Hagar and Jay Buchanan, frontman of RIVAL SONS, took the stage collectively on the Stage Purple Fontana Youth Music Basis‘s inaugural gala offered by Earl Minnis Presents at Stage RED Theater at 8463 Sierra Ave. in Fontana, California.
The 2 powerhouses introduced the group to its ft with a rousing set that included a heartfelt rendition of LYNYRD SKYNYRD‘s “Easy Man”, a track each artists devoted to their moms. Hagar‘s emotional efficiency honored his late mom, whereas Buchanan‘s tribute was made further particular by his mother’s presence within the viewers. The night time continued to rock with high-energy hits, together with Hagar‘s VAN HALEN hit “End What Ya Began” and a number of other fan favorites that showcased the enduring chemistry between the 2 frontmen.
Hagar, joined by his spouse Kari Hagar, and Buchanan, joined by his spouse, Caitlyn Buchanan, shared the stage in a celebration of music, neighborhood and mentorship. Metropolis of Fontana Mayor Acquanetta Warren welcomed visitors and led the night’s program.
The unforgettable occasion commenced with a cocktail reception that includes creations made with Hagar‘s award-winning spirits, just like the Santo Dawn crafted with Santo Mezquila and the tropical Macadamia Piña-jito made with Sammy’s Seashore Bar Purple Head and Platinum Rums.
Offered in partnership with the Metropolis of Fontana, the occasion marked the official launch of the Stage Purple Fontana Youth Music Basis, which goals to empower native youth by offering funding for devices, sources and music training alternatives. The night additionally honored Anthony Allmond, longtime music director at Kaiser Excessive Faculty, for his many years of management and impression on younger musicians. The Kaiser Excessive Faculty Marching Band set the tone early, main a spirited procession down Sierra Avenue to kick off the night time.
In a shifting announcement, the Grammy Museum Grants Program revealed it should ship two native Fontana college students to Grammy Camp, providing them a unprecedented alternative to discover their musical passions on the subsequent stage.
The occasion was made potential because of the beneficiant assist of sponsors, together with Earl Minnis Presents and Gibson Provides, which donated a surprising cardinal-red Les Paul guitar for public sale, in addition to the Metropolis of Fontana. Collectively, Hagar, Buchanan and their neighborhood proved that the spirit of rock and roll and the love of music training proceed to thrive in Fontana.
Hagar commented: “Final night time Stage Purple Fontana was stuffed with Fontana soul. Was nice to have one other homeboy Jay Buchanan there to assist elevate funds for younger musicians from our hometown. To get them musical devices at school and packages to offer them a greater likelihood to meet their desires — I am so comfortable and proud that Jay and I’ve the identical objectives in thoughts and got here from the identical material. That is a miracle in itself. Not solely is he an amazing singer, he is an amazing human being. See you subsequent yr!”
Stage RED Theater, previously referred to as Heart Stage Theater, is a premier efficiency venue in Fontana, California. Renovated and rebranded in 2024, the venue is called in honor of Sammy Hagar, Fontana’s native son. This state-of-the-art facility options a few of the newest expertise in audio, video, lighting, and presentation. Moreover, the theater boasts an entire banquet and catering menu and a full bar. Stage RED Theater is offered for concert events and personal occasions. For extra info, go to StageRedFontana.com.
For over 4 many years, Grammy Award winner and Rock And Roll Corridor Of Famer Sammy Hagar has been one in every of rock music’s most dynamic and prolific artists. From his breakthrough with MONTROSE to a multiplatinum solo profession and his years fronting VAN HALEN, CHICKENFOOT, THE CIRCLE, and now THE BEST OF ALL WORLDS BAND, Hagar has bought over 50 million albums worldwide and delivered anthems like “I Cannot Drive 55”, “Proper Now” and “Why Cannot This Be Love”. In 2024-’25, his “Greatest Of All Worlds” tour grew to become one of many yr’s top-grossing rock runs, main into a success Las Vegas residency at Dolby Dwell at Park MGM and the upcoming dwell album, “Sammy Hagar & The Greatest Of All Worlds Band: The Residency”.
Past music, Hagar is a pioneer within the spirits and life-style area, having based Cabo Wabo Tequila and led award-winning manufacturers together with Sammy’s Seashore Bar Rum, Santo Spirits with Man Fieri, and Purple Rocker Brewing Co. His restaurant ventures embody Sammy’s Seashore Bar & Grill areas at airports in Honolulu, Maui, Las Vegas, Cleveland and Charlotte, in addition to Cabo Wabo Cantinas in Cabo San Lucas and Las Vegas, and Cabo Wabo Seashore Membership in Huntington Seashore, California.
A No. 1 New York Occasions bestselling writer, TV and radio host, and philanthropist, Hagar has additionally earned quite a few honors, together with a Grammy Award (1992),induction into the Rock And Roll Corridor Of Fame (2007),recognition as the primary Honorary Ambassador to Los Cabos (2022),and a star on the Hollywood Stroll Of Fame (2024).
Jay Buchanan is the electrifying frontman of RIVAL SONS, the Grammy-nominated rock band celebrated for reviving and redefining traditional rock. With a number of chart-topping albums, sold-out world excursions, and performances alongside legends resembling BLACK SABBATH, AEROSMITH and THE ROLLING STONES, Buchanan has solidified RIVAL SONS as one of the crucial highly effective forces in fashionable rock. Jay started chasing his musical dream in Fontana, singing within the FUSD Elementary Faculty Honor Choir and the Fontana Center Faculty Madrigals. He spent his teenagers taking part in espresso retailers and busking all through the Inland Empire, recording his first studio tracks at simply 16. In January, Jay will launch his sixteenth studio album and first solo document, “Weapons Of Magnificence”.
