Concert Court: Florence LaRue & The 5th Dimension
By Pennman
Thursday, October 29, 2009 11:57 AM CDT
Being a child of the 50s, I was barely in double digits when the original 5th Dimension had their first hit in the mid-60s. But having bought my first 45 at the ripe old age of 9, the 5th Dimension, who received plenty of radio and TV play in those days, is one of those solid gold 60s groups that had an early and lasting influence on me. Though they’re not at the top of my 60s playlist these days, I was excited to be seeing them so close to home. I am happy to report that they did indeed quench my 60s thirst, not only with their own impressive list of hits but with quite a few other pop classics from that era.
The concert was a benefit for Orchestra Kentucky, so of course the orchestra backed up the group splendidly. This was no surprise as we in Bowling Green have seen this many times before in Orchestra Kentucky’s Retro and VIP series of shows, which happen regularly throughout the year. Popular music genres (Beatles, country, Motown, etc.) performed by talented local performers, paired with Orchestra Kentucky performing Jeffrey Reed’s orchestral arrangements, always makes for a great night of entertainment. This was a special event so a dinner and concert package was available, and judging by the occupancy of the tables, the dinner was a big success. Since I am not a food critic I passed on the dinner. The room was nicely decorated (the “Up, Up, and Away” balloons at each table was a very nice touch), so in a word I would say the setting was elegant. As the 5th Dimension made their way onto the stage it was apparent they were displaying a certain level of elegance themselves.
They opened with Earth, Wind, and Fire’s “September”, which asks the question “Do you remember?” That set the memories theme for the night, as they proceeded to belt out hit after hit from days gone by. Next up was “My Girl” which is just so timeless it never gets old. The third song was the first of their many hits, “Up, Up, and Away”, which was performed pretty true to the original, and was followed by another 5th Dimension classic, “Wedding Bell Blues”. The latter was arranged a bit differently from the original. I think there are predominantly two types of audience preferences regarding classic pop performers; those that like the original arrangements versus those that prefer the songs a bit updated. On this night both techniques were employed. In any event the audience reaction seemed to be extremely positive throughout the evening.
The mix of their own hits with other 60s classics continued all night long. As a 5th Dimension fan you heard pretty much everything you came for as they played all of their hits. These tunes included “Last Night”, an expressive “One Less Bell to Answer”, and of course, a glorious “Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In” (from Hair). The latter two were done quite true to the original. That left one of my personal favorites, “Stoned Soul Picnic”, which was so much more upbeat than the original that for me it lost, well, its’ soul. Also, the song was interrupted when Miss LaRue decided it was time for some audience participation and brought some audience members up to dance. This was my one major disappointment.
Other 60s hits, many of which were parts of medleys, and as such, shortened (wish they wouldn’t do that), included “Worst That Could Happen”, “Never My Love”, We Are Family”, and “MacArthur Park”. Each of these featured a different member of the group on vocals. Another segment of the show, which was very timely considering the recent weather we were having locally, was a rain medley. We heard “It’s Raining Men”, “Rain Drops Keep Falling On My Head”, “Rainy Days and Mondays”, “I Wish It Would Rain”, “I Can’t Stand the Rain”, “Fire and Rain”, and “Stormy Weather”. Miss LaRue, noting that she is old school, performed the standard “Someone to Watch Over Me”.
As the group left the stage the audience got on its’ feet and applauded appreciatively. So the group came out for an encore, recognized the various sections of the orchestra (who all did a superb job), and proceeded to perform “I Know I’ll Never Love This Way Again”, and an energetic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough”. This was an evening with an impressive set list, orchestra, and headlining group. Miss LaRue and company really know how to work a room and also know how to work an orchestra. Several audience members I spoke to all said it was a highly enjoyable evening. I would have to agree.
UPCOMING ORCHESTRA KENTUCKY EVENTS
Young at Heart Series –
- Halloween Spooktacular – Oct. 31 – Capitol Arts
- Disney In Concert – Jan. 30, 2010 – Living Hope Baptist Church
Retro Series –
- Country Madness – Nov. 6, 7 – Capitol Arts
- Christmas Madness – Dec 18, 19 – Capitol Arts
- Best of Retro – Feb. 5, 6 2010 – Capitol Arts
And many more in the VIP series. For more info go to
www.orchestrakentucky.comFlorence LaRue & The 5th Dimension played at Sloan Convention Center, Bowling Green, KY on 10/17/2009
Pennman bought his first 45 at age nine and has been hooked on rock ever since. He has spent much of his disposable income on music, especially live performances. He writes reviews of the shows he sees and keeps a keen lookout for upcoming shows in or near Bowling Green. He has a BA in Communications, specializing in journalism, and has dabbled in music himself, both as a player and instructor. Find more of Pennman's work at www.associatedcontent.com/user/165511/pennman.html or visit him at www.myspace.com/pennman_bg or www.facebook.com/pennman
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