On July 13, 2025, the Vina Robles Amphitheatre buzzed with excitement as a sold‑out crowd gathered for the eagerly awaited Happy Together Show—a nostalgic celebration of 1960s music presented by the stars of the 2025 Happy Together Tour. The evening featured legendary acts including The Turtles, Jay and the Americans, Little Anthony, Gary Puckett, The Vogues, and The Cowsills, all of whom delivered engaging performances.
The concert opened with the Happy Together Band—bassist Greg Smith, drummer Chris Camilleri, keyboardist Manny Focarazzo, and musical director/guitarist Godfrey Townsend—setting the tone for the night’s festivities. After a pre‑recorded welcome from DJ Shadoe Stevens, siblings Susan, Paul, and Bob Cowsill bounded onstage to launch into their 1967 hit “The Rain, the Park, and Other Things.” “We needed a hit record in 1968… we hope you remember it!” Bob reminisced before the trio slid into a spirited “Indian Lake.” On‑screen visuals morphed into the colorful logo of the TV theme from Love, American Style, which The Cowsills recorded in 1969.
The energy peaked when The Cowsills closed with a jubilant “Hair,” sending the crowd to its feet. Next up, The Vogues—Elliot McCoy, Troy Elich, and Royce Taylor—took the stage with their 1966 classic “Five O’Clock World,” prompting the audience to clap and chant the familiar “A‑da‑lay‑ee‑ee.” Smooth harmonies on “My Special Angel” followed, and the trio finished with the upbeat “You’re the One,” earning a rousing standing ovation.
Clad in his signature pastel‑green overcoat, Gary Puckett delivered a commanding “Lady Willpower,” the audience singing along word for word. Dedicating his set to U.S. military veterans—“Freedom’s not free,” he reminded everyone—Puckett moved gracefully through “Over You,” “This Girl Is a Woman Now,” and “Woman Woman,” before capping his segment with a heartfelt “Young Girl” that left listeners visibly moved.
After a brief intermission, Little Anthony Gourdine—introduced by DJ Stevens as “one of the nicest guys in the business”—received a standing ovation before even singing a note. Backed by the Happy Together Band, Grammy nominee Johnny Britt on trumpet, and Dale Herr on keyboards, Anthony’s set stole the show. “This song sold over a million records in 1960, and I think it’s stupid,” he joked, then launched into “Shimmy, Shimmy, Ko‑Ko‑Bop.” A poignant “Hurt So Bad,” featuring a muted‑trumpet solo from Britt, brought the crowd to its feet, and a soul‑soaked “Goin’ Out of My Head” closed the segment to thunderous applause.
Jay and the Americans—Sandy Deane, Darren Dowler, Jay Reincke, and Lenie Colachino—followed with “Only in America,” filling the amphitheater with rich four‑part harmony. “Let’s Lock the Door” drew cheers, and founding member Sandy Deane’s declaration that “This really is a Happy Together Tour” set the stage for a show‑stopping “Cara Mia.” They wrapped with “Come a Little Bit Closer,” which resonated with both longtime and younger fans.
When it came time for The Turtles, none of the original members could appear: Ron Dante had replaced Howard Kaylan after Kaylan’s 2018 retirement, and Mark Volman was sidelined by health issues. Dante, supported by guitarist Godfrey Townsend, led the charge as DJ Stevens praised “the humor, optimism, shimmering harmonies, and legendary melodies of The Turtles.” “She’d Rather Be With Me” ignited cheers and hoots, followed by a crowd‑led sing‑along on “You Baby” (with Dante shouting, “Get better quick, Mark; we miss you!”). “Sugar, Sugar” and a spirited “Elenore” kept energy levels sky‑high.
For the grand finale, the entire lineup returned for a full‑cast rendition of “Happy Together,” bringing the venue to its feet once more. “We love you all—thank you and good night!” Dante exclaimed amid a roar so loud he joked about starting the show again. One by one, each act stepped forward for encore snippets of their hits before everyone joined in a joyous reprise of “Happy Together,” sending fans dancing, singing, and cheering as the performers took their final bow.
It was an evening of joyous nostalgia, musical excellence, and shared memories—capturing the vibrant spirit of the ’60s and celebrating it with today’s passion.
