This Saturday, June 30, Fayetteville will be treated to an evening of vocal excellence with the stylings of the classic West-coast pop group, The 5th Dimension; with opening act, The Sock Hops.
The 5th Dimension has released over a dozen hit albums and received 14 gold records, six platinum records, seven Grammy Awards, and numerous other awards. Their classics include such hits as: “One Less Bell to Answer,” “Wedding Bell Blues,” “Stoned Soul Picnic,” “Last Night I Didn’t Get to Sleep,” and “Aquarius/ Let the Sun Shine In.”
Things really took off in 1967, when the little known group recorded a song called “Up, Up, and Away,” which turned out to be one of the biggest smash hits in musical history. The single won five Grammy Awards, the group capitulated to stardom, and their story has been one of success ever since.
While remaining true to their roots of intricate harmonies, The 5th Dimension continues to grow with the times to appeal to audiences of all ages and nationalities.
Preferring to be innovators rather than imitators, original member Florence LaRue, with Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker, Patrice Morris and Floyd Smith, has put together a show and sound that is truly the group’s own.
She also works hard to remain true to the sound of The 5th Dimension’s original recordings.
Perhaps reviewer David Spats of the Atlantic City Press said it best when his critique of The 5th Dimension stated: “The blend of voices is giving The 5th Dimension a well-deserved reputation for producing some of the cleanest sounding music of this era. The group is comprised of five very different personalities and contrasting voices that have set a standard for musical quality few groups could ever hope to match.”
Before The 5th Dimension takes the stage, The Sock Hops will make their annual return to Fayetteville to play another superb set of classics from the earliest era of rock and roll. Attendees are encouraged to arrive early to make their entire set, beginning at 8 p.m.
Good seats are still available for The 5th Dimension/The Sock Hops, and range from $20 – $30. The next show will be The Kingston Trio on July 21.
Tickets to all shows are available via the website at SouthernGroundAmp.com and at the Historic Train Depot in Downtown Fayetteville.
The Southern Ground Amphitheater is owned by the Downtown Development Authority and managed by the Main Street Tourism Association of Fayetteville.
