FOLK-ROCK FESTIVAL HELD AT SPA
The Glens Falls Times, July 5, 1967
The first annual folk-rock festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center was held Monday and Tuesday evenings.
Heading the list of American folk entertainers Monday was Theodore Bikel, best known for his starring role opposite Mary Martin in “Sound of Music.” Other performers on the card were Ian and Sylvia, a pair of highly-talented young Canadians; Tom Paxton, singer, composer, and guitarist, who was making a “return” performance to the Spa, and the Paul Butterfield Blues Band, a folk- rock group.
Last evening’s performers were the Lovin’ Spoonful, a leading national rock ‘n’ roll troupe; Jim Kweskin and the Jugband, whose musical instruments consisted of washboards, pipes, washtubs, molasses, jugs, etc.; and Spanky and Our Gang, a new group which has proved its versatility with an unusual repertoire of old tunes and the tunes of today while being able to capture the fancy of the younger generation.
The two-day festival was part of a cross-section of entertainment and contemporary theatre which Richard Leach, executive director of SPAC, is bringing to the center.
Friday night at the SPAC will mark the opening for the season of the New York City Ballet directed by George Balanchine.
Mr. and Mrs. Theodore Bikel backstage at SPAC Monday night before the international authority on world folk music made a special guest appearance.
Keying his ear and string to perfect pitch, Tom Paxton works backstage on Monday night on his guitar prior to his “return engagement” in Saratoga Springs, headlining the first annual folk-rock festival at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. More than 8,000 viewed the performance with Mr. Paxton crediting his international success today with his training at Cafe Lena, Saratoga Springs, starting in 1960 there.
Recent Comments