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James Darren and the Cowsills, opening night attractions at the 1970 State Fair, were given a warm reception by the younger and older generations alike Sunday evening as they kicked off the first of a series of promising grandstand shows.
Veteran actor, singer and recording star, Darren, gave the first performance, presenting a program of romantic ballads plus a few faster paced pop tunes in his well modulated tenor voice. He gave his performance with an easy manner and mature quality that tells why a talent such as his endures.
Following the first act, Bob, Bill, Barry and John Cowsill stepped in with a lively number and kept up the pace throughout most of the program. Among their selections were three of their big hits, “Hair,” “Indian lake’ and “We Can Fly.” Adding to the family fun, mom, Barbara Cowsill, performed a folk tune and gave supporting harmony whenever and wherever needed as did little sister, Susan.
The brothers stood in the background for a couple of numbers and accompanied Susan as she sang two popular Burt Bacharach hits. Drummer, John, even stepped into the limelight with a couple of western numbers, “Folsom Prison Blues” and “I Walk the Line” to the delight of avid country and western fans.
The spontaneity and dynamic quality of the Cowsills teamed with the diversified balladry of Darren added up to an evening of real musical enjoyment. No one should have walked away disappointed.
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