Once again, the Peabody Auditorium in Daytona Beach, Florida beckoned those of a “certain age” to let their hair down, wear flowers and tie dyed clothes, feel the love and dance to the music at the Hippie Fest on June 16th. And once again, a comfortably dressed and smiling crowd did just that.
Prior to the show, the street outside the auditorium provided the colorful sites and sounds to a rejuvenated generation enjoying themselves and each other in dance, song, conversation, sites, memories, and more. Tie dye clothing and other reminiscences of the 60’s and 70’s lined the street and tunes from a live band filled the air.
At 7:30 pm within the auditorium, two original members of Cyrkle reunited on the stage to provide their first performance in five decades. Channeling their younger selves and with a couple back-up musicians, they provided excellent renditions “Red Rubber Ball”, “Paperback Writer”, “Turn Down Day” and more – and had a obviously great time in the process.
Multi-colored Hippies could not sit still and danced to tunes and lyrics as Peter Rivera, the voice and drummer of Rare Earth, lead “I Just Want To Celebrate” and other favorites.
Paul Revere’s Raiders likewise did not disappoint as seasoned rockers took the stage and captured an engaged audience with “Good Thing,” “Kicks,” “Indian Reservation,” “Just Like Me”. Original members of the 1910 Fruitgum Company provided authentic renditions of “Simon Says” and more.
To round out the evening, The Grass Roots got the crowd moving with “Temptation Eyes,” “Where Were You When I Needed You,” “Midnight Confessions,” and “Sooner or Later”.
Both the music and the event were truly amazing and smiles were found in all directions. It was also an opportunity to experience some awesome bands you may have not been able to see so many years ago – and appreciate a live performance by original band members.
Proving definitive proof that Rock & Roll does indeed keep you young!
More shows coming to the Peabody in Daytona soon! Peabody Event Schedule
Barb – After reading about the Hippie Fest in Daytona, do I ever feel old and out of date. Where was I when these various bands were playing? I heard of very few of them. Did they really play in the northern states. I assume that you and Kevin went and did the hippie scene.I don’t think I ever did any hippie stuff. In Pittsburgh, John and I did go to a party where they were putting pretend LSD on sugar cubes. We didn’t stay at the party very long. You are really with it. You go, girl. Jan
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