Folk Singers Appear at SPAC

by Marilyn Nason, The Post-Star, August 29, 1970

Guthrie, Judy Collins Draw 15,000 Fans

Arlo Guthrie and Judy Collins made a return appearance to Saratoga Performing Arts Center Saturday night and drew some 15,000 adoring fans. To say these two young folk singers-guitarists have matured since their previous appearance here would be putting it mildly.

Guthrie has become a Will Rogers folk-teller with the timing and deadpan delivery of a Bill Cosby and his far-out tales of “I’ve been thinking—” are so ridiculous, their humor becomes even more delightful because of it. In fact, it appeared Saturday night that the young entertainer is looking strongly to more of these intriguing “tales” and less toward singing and playing as the direction for his talents.

Backed by drums and two guitars, he talked, played and sang some of his own tunes, as well as the familiar folk works of the day. He is a quiet, stand-up singer, as is Miss Collins, and both are a far cry (and the pun is intentional) from the electronically-aided shriekers. Both possess fine voices, Miss Collins has an especially pure quality which she has fortunately pampered rather than misused and abused.

Both did encores and could easily have remained for hours, judging from the affection displayed by the audience.

For some reason, Guthrie performed first, giving an hour and a quarter show before intermission. Then Miss Collins appeared with piano, bass and drums for backing. Especially interesting here was the fact the drummer was a young gal named Susan Evans, who did quite well.

As Miss Collins began her hour-plus portion of the show, the usual logistics problem of getting “the star,” in this case, Guthrie out of backstage, up the driveway and off the SPAC grounds became a mental tug-of-war between law officials, SPAC administration and the thousand or so milling around the entrance. But the escape
was effected calmly as it always is and there was no disturbance as Miss Collins sang.

Here is a lovely voice with a beautiful quality that is worthy of hearing for hours. She stays true to tone and breathes seemingly effortlessly, whether doing straight folk, some jazz and even some spirituals, the latter, judging from Saturday night, particularly suitable to her voice. She wore a flowing white long-sleeved gown with embroidered tucking all over the bodice, creating a pretty effect as the spotlight changed colors during her performance.

Again Saturday night, the lawn crowd continued the “game” they have unofficially been playing all summer: i.e., “which of the five ways to enter SPAC grounds without paying did you take?” Eventually this will be curbed by officials, one hopes, for SPAC entertainment, whether it be ballet, symphony or rock specials, can not be a for-free fare for the public. At least, this certainly cannot be true until SPAC becomes solvent. And no one can expect that from a cultural center a mere five years old. Perhaps in time, free performances will be possible and those close to SPAC’s administration know that nothing would please these dedicated men and women more than to be able to offer free entertainment. But that is not meant for now and the publicof all ages, artistic interests and fiscal condition should accept this.