Too many death announcements. How am I going to be able to get to a Happy Together Tour concert tonight? I WANT to see it. That drives me to get into my car and drive the 49 minutes to Stamford, CT, on June 18th.
Stamford is a major city, but thankfully the Palace Theatre is close to I-95 so I don't feel toooooo overwhelmed. The parking garages are massive! It's OK, Shelley. You made it into the theatre, which is beautiful and has many bathrooms! For concert goers that is important, as we never want to miss any of the show.
The Happy Together Tour announces itself as a musical party where the best acts can perform 4-5 of their top songs for an appreciative audience.
Tonight was all of that and more. If the previous shows have been similar, then we have all been serviced well. I must address the fact that we have heard that missing performers have been glossed over, and indeed, not even mentioned during the show. Not so tonight. I can attest to hearing verbal announcements from the participating performers giving us insight to past, and missing members. I will elaborate as I continue here.
There is an announcement about 13 minutes before the show begins that Mark Volman will not be appearing due to medical issues. That was made very clear BUT if you are not yet seated, you will not have heard it. There will be other references. Just hang on.
Around me are the most enthusiastic audience members! As the night progresses, I can see the whole audience is much the same. This is the first time for the Happy Together Tour to hit The Palace Theatre in Stamford. The second time I see them will be in the much-visited Oakdale Theatre in Wallingford. I am curious to see any differences. I actually think all audiences get caught up in this action and just let loose and enjoy.
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN ... the pre-recorded introductions have begun. Here come The Cowsills.
The Rain the Park and Other Things
We Can Fly (For everyone in the balcony)
Indian Lake
Love American Style (Didn't record it for sale, couldn't even stay up and watch it)
Hair (But they could sing this? From a rebellious musical?) BTW I love the music from this show.
Paul Cowsill is still jumping off drum platforms, announcing songs now and during the finale, and covering the entire stage with movement. Susan is very close to doing the same, making sure to be where Paul is not and the two of them throw in sibling antics that gets Bob shaking his head. As for Bob? Someone has to stand still and hold the guitar.
The man next to me asks, "Would you happen to know if any of The Vogues are original members?" While I explain it to him, read my response ...
Troy Elich and his father Stan both sang with Bill Burkette and Hugh Geyer (original members) Hugh stopped touring with them and Stan Elich passed away. Stan had been the one who owned the name and so Troy Elich inherited the name and has continued on following Bill Burkette's passing. GOT IT?
Five O'Clock World
My Special Angel
Turn Around, Look at Me
You're the One
Around me I hear the audience reactions. "That has been good harmonies so far." "The humor is great!" "The way the world is right now, we need to hear more harmony." "I thought this was going to be a bunch of 50s songs. This is great!"
Huh?! No one asks me if this is the original Gary Puckett. "He is going to be 83. So what if his voice tremors. He is still great!"
Lady Willpower
Over You
This Girl's a Woman Now
Woman Woman (So interesting that this is Gary's favorite. He does say that everyone goes through this sometime)
Young Girl
The three groups thus far have included the audience in their songs; asking us to join in on choruses and sometimes letting us take the lead. This really is a party with the hosts changing every 4 or 5 songs
Intermission
Oh yes, this IS the original Little Anthony. His back-up singer, trumpet player and joke partner is named Johnny Britt and he has a new album out. That is B-R-I-T-T. Just repeating the words from the stage. We were already told that Anthony is a showstopper. I have told this to the people around me and now I hope I have not over-stated the claims.
Tears On My Pillow
Shimmy Shimmy Ko-Ko Pop (from Anthony: "This song is just stupid!") But he dances along in good humor
Hurts So Bad
Going Out of My Head
"He's a showman!" He definitely is!
Jay and the Americans opened up about their roster. Although they didn't mention Marty Sanders (nee' Kupersmith), I know that he is mending and recuperating. They did, however, mention Jay 1 and Jay 2 (Traynor and Black) and gave credence and background to Lenie Colacino and Darren Dowler, who are on stage with them now. Sandy Deanne (nee' Yaguda) is back for east coast shows. By giving credit to everyone on stage and also to the two Jays who have passed, Jay Reinke (Jay 3) and the Americans put their audience in the palms of their hands.
Only in America
Let's Lock the Door
Cara Mia (Jay Black's signature song)
Come a Little Bit Closer
This Magic Moment
Darren takes Marty's place with the guitar. This is vital when they get to 'This Magic Moment,' as the origin of the song revolves around Marty's guitar plinking.
The intro of The Turtles seems excessively long when you realize that no original Turtles will be coming out. I think some word changes to express more appreciation for what The Turtles have already done and represented for music would work.
"Well, Mark won't be here, but Howard will." I explained that Howard has not toured for many years.
She'd Rather Be With Me
You Baby
It Ain't Me Babe (SING LOUD: NO NO NO)
Eleanor
Happy Together
Wait! During this set, Ron Dante talks to Mark, saying how much they miss him and stating they hope he gets well fast and returns to the stage. If you hold on to this theory of Mark returning, then you can't change the intro as it fits well to having Mark clown-step to the mic waving a tambourine. I would like to believe this could happen, but it just seems improbable.
Ron Dante and Godfrey Townsend do a wonderful job singing, playing and representing the legacy of The Turtles. They are the kings here of THE SHOW MUST GO ON. They need capes to help them enhance their superpowers.
The Finale!!
The Cowsills
The Vogues
Gary Puckett
Little Anthony
Jay and the Americans
Ron Dante jumping in and around everyone. Godfrey rejoins his band.
The Godfrey Townsend Band:
Manny Focarazzo on keys
Greg Smith on bass and vocals
Chris Camillari on drums
Godfrey Townsend on lead guitar and vocals
The band are onstage the entire show backing each act and watching for stage cues. May be the most demanding job that being Happy Together produces.
I hope this was not a one-off in high quality nor so appreciated by me due to recent deaths, but though I did not realize it, I needed this concert, and I needed to feel happy ... by myself or together.
Shelley J Sweet-Tufano
NE Correspondent
Forgotten Hits
