Rick Derringer, with a career spanning more than 40 years as one of the most prolific guitarists in America, will be appearing Thursday, April 17 at the Thirsty Parrot, 32 S. Tejon St. Doors will open at 7 p.m. and show time will be from 8 to 11p.m. Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the show. A special VIP ticket includes early admission with a reserved seat, dinner and drink for $60. Tickets may be purchased at the Thirsty Parrot or online at www.amusiccompanyinc.com.

Since bursting on the scene in 1965 with his band The McCoys, the 17-year-old Derringer wrote one of the all-time greatest hits in rock 'n' roll history, "Hang On Sloopy." The No.1 hit knocked "Yesterday" by the Beatles out of the top position. The McCoys had enjoyed four years of successful touring, when Rick merged his talents with Johnny Winter in 1969 forming Johnny Winter And ("And" referring to The McCoys).

Rick was the only producer of all gold and platinum recordings for Johnny and Edgar Winter. In '71 Rick was featured on three records, "Johnny Winter And," "Johnny Winter And - Live" and "Edgar Winter's White Trash." "And" featured the first version of Derringer's "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo," which was also released as a single, then selected again for "And - Live."

Eventually the busy Derringer joined Edgar's White Trash full-time and produced the gold LP, "Roadwork." Derringer's solo album, "All American Boy" was released in '73 with the now already popular "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo," this time as a "hit" single.

Rick was writer/producer of Johnny Winter's "Still Alive and Well" album and player/producer of the hit album, "They Only Come Out At Night." The latter featured the No. 1, Grammy-nominated monster hit, "Frankenstein" and "Free Ride."

Throughout the '70s and '80s the popular Derringer appeared on numerous albums with artists Alice Cooper, Richie Havens, Todd Rundgren and Steely Dan. The list also includes Cyndi Lauper, Barbra Streisand, Kiss, Mason Ruffner and Madam X.

In the mid-'80s, Derringer discovered Weird Al Yancovic, producing music for Grammy-winning albums and videos. Derringer's productions of the Michael Jackson parodies, the No. 1 hit "Eat It" and "Who's Fat" have been Yancovic's most successful recordings. Derringer has continued producing and appearing as a guest for many recordings through the years as well as touring continually.

"Rick Derringer is an amazing performer and one of the most respected guitarists and producers in America," explains Amy Whitesell of A Music Company Inc. "We're very fortunate to be able to have a performer of his caliber coming to Colorado Springs. This concert should sell out quickly."

Videos of Derringer are easily found on the internet site YouTube. An amazing performance of "Rock and Roll Hoochie Koo" is posted at www.amusiccompanyinc.com under calendar listings.

For more information, contact the Thirsty Parrot at 884-1094 or A Music company Inc. at 576-5945.