Backstage Bay Area

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Emilio Castillo on Tower of Power’s Timeless Christmas Groove

Steven Roby
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Show Notes

In this festive episode of Backstage Bay Area, host Steven Roby sits down with Emilio Castillo, founder and tenor saxophonist of the legendary East Bay soul band Tower of Power. Emilio shares the story behind the band’s very first Christmas album, It’s Christmas, a soulful and funky collection that brings new life to beloved holiday classics.

From “This Christmas” to “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” Emilio talks about their creative process, working with producer Joe Vannelli, and how the band infused their unmistakable Oakland sound into each track.

We also get a behind-the-scenes look at Tower of Power’s Holidays and Hits Tour, which blends their classic hits with fresh holiday magic. Emilio reflects on their deep connection to Oakland, especially the iconic Fox Theatre, where the band will perform on December 21st. Tune in for an episode filled with music, memories, and a sprinkle of holiday cheer, featuring timeless tracks like “This Christmas,” “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” and “Silver Bells.”

Guest Information:

Emilio Castillo

Call-To-Action:

🎧 Enjoyed this episode? Subscribe to Backstage Bay Area on:

🎟 Get Tickets to Tower of Power’s Show:
Don’t miss Tower of Power’s Holidays and Hits Tour at The Fox Theatre in Oakland on December 21st!
Tickets available now at: thefoxoakland.com

Episode Playlist:

  1. “This Christmas”

  2. “Santa Claus is Coming to Town”

  3. “Silver Bells”

Key Takeaways:

  • The making of It’s Christmas: Blending East Bay funk with holiday favorites.

  • Emilio’s personal connection to songs like “This Christmas” and “Silver Bells.”

  • How Tower of Power crafts a holiday setlist that fans love.

  • The emotional importance of performing in their hometown of Oakland.

Hashtags:

#BackstageBayArea #TowerOfPower #HolidayMusic #SoulMusic #OaklandMusic #ItsChristmas #EastBayFunk #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #FoxTheatre

This episode features soulful grooves, holiday cheer, and classic hits—a true celebration of Tower of Power’s enduring legacy!

Please read our article on Tower of Power on SF Sonic.

Read the article on All About Jazz.

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The music provided in our episodes is provided by the record label, artist, or press representative for promotional purposes. We encourage our listeners to purchase the artist’s music and attend their shows.

Photo: Jon R. Luini