September 13
The Cowsills at El Rey.
A touring family of six kids and their mom, managed by their dad, the Cowsills were the epitome of white-bread optimism at the apex of the ‘60s: They had hits with “Indian Lake” and the theme from the musical
Hair and were not only the inspiration for The Partridge
Family, but were originally slated to star in the show. But as with the Beach Boys, the Jacksons and even the Shaggs, there was darkness behind the curtain, and the band dissolved in a flood of family dysfunction and financial mismanagement. Tonight the Cowsill kids reunite in a benefit for oldest brother Bill Cowsill, the band’s musical prodigy (he was once offered Brian Wilson’s place in the Beach Boys) who is currently facing debilitating health problems. Assorted Bangles and Partridges will be on hand, including star Shirley Jones. No word yet on David Cassidy — but he is attached to the VH1 reality series
In Search of the Partridge Family. Stay tuned. 5515 Wilshire Blvd. (323) 936-6400. (Paul Cullum)
A singing family get-together
Many pop fans know that the '70s TV series
"The Partridge Family" was in part based on the real
singing family the Cowsills. But the fictional family and the real
one never collaborated on anything — until now.
"Partridge" mom Shirley Jones will
appear with the Cowsills at the El Rey Theatre on Sept. 13 in a
benefit show to help with medical expenses encountered by the
eldest Cowsill sibling, Bill, because of several illnesses and
surgeries.
Jones will speak and introduce the Cowsills, who
will make a very rare performance with all the siblings on stage,
and may join in on a version of "I Really Want to Know
You," the only song recorded by both groups. And continuing
the family-affair theme, the show also will feature the Bangles,
whose guitarist Vicki Peterson married John Cowsill last year.
Brother Bob Cowsill is overwhelmed about Jones'
participation, especially considering that the Cowsills' own
singing mom, Barbara, died in 1985.
"It's come full circle and we think it's
incredible," he says. "When Shirley called me a couple
of weeks ago and said she'd be there, that became a big thing for
us as a family."
The event will be emceed by KNBC Channel 4
weatherman Fritz Coleman, and there's a possibility that at least
one other "Partridge" alum, Danny Bonaduce, will also
appear. More information can be found at www.cowsill.com.
