Peter, Paul and Mary Sing Before More Than 8,000 In Performance at SPAC

by Don A. Metivier, The Glens Falls Times, July 29, 1969

As more than 8,000 of their fans roared approval, Peter, Paul and Mary ran through their repertoire of folk songs and protest music last night as a special attraction at Saratoga Performing Arts Center. The famed folk trio ran the gamut from the novelty, “The Wonderous Toy,” through their famous protest vehicle “Blowing on the Wind,” and Peter Yarrow effectively put down a national news magazine’s efffort to “read in” a narcotics theme to the delightful Yarrow
composition “Puff, the Magic Dragon.”

Playing some of the finest guitar sounds in the business today, Peter and tall N. Paul Stookey showed they are on top of the professional folk ladder, selling records by the millions and packing in huge crowds at personal appearances.

The three are musicians and their playing and singing reflect their talent and no side effects, such as kicking equipment and psychedelic light shows, are necessary for them to “communicate” with their appreciative fans.

Stookey was most effective with several guitar solos, Yarrow showed an ability to converse with his audience, a faculty which many singers just don’t have, and Mary Travers’ clear tones filled the huge shell.

The trio performed many of its well-known record hits and also found time for several lesser known numbers. The warmer, drier, older audience seated inside the shell really enjoyed the well-known “I Dig Rock and Roll Music,” but the youngsters, huddled under plastic and cardboard shelters on the soaking wet grass, wanted the protest songs.

Yarrow conducted a singalong that would have made Mitch Miller proud, as he led the audience through his hit, “Take My Hand My Son,” and an 8,000-voice chorus is really first class.

The rain did little to dampen the spirits of the throngs on the lawn, especially the youngsters bussed in from area summer camps, who identify closely with Yarrow, a former counselor at Camp Algonquin.

Another special attraction is scheduled this evening with a performance by the Cowsills and the Checkmates Ltd.