You missed! This event is over

New Christy Minstrels

Ferndale Repertory Theatre

Those old enough to be aware of the New Christy Minstrels may remember a group that embodied the the style of smiley, tight folk music that swept across U.S. in the early 1960s. Like many groups of that era, they were clean cut, wore matching, color-coordinated blazers and conservative dresses and sang upbeat songs celebrating a positive view of the American experience, making Woody Guthrie songs more palatable for the masses. At their peak, before popular folk music ventured into more political subject matter, they performed at the White House for President Lyndon Johnson and had a television show on NBC. For younger audiences who may be unfamiliar with “The Christys” … have you seen A Mighty Wind? This is kinda like that.

“For over fifty years we have been the best talent show ever,” the group boasts on its website. “We still are.”

Humboldt has a chance to find out how true that statement rings on Sunday, Jan. 5, when the Ferndale Repertory Theatre plays host to the 2013 version of the New Christy Minstrels, who, after all these years, are still singing the songs that led to their quick ascent up the charts.

Founded by singer/guitarist Randy Sparks, the group’s name was inspired by an early 19th century performance group led by Edwin Pearce Christy known as the Christy Minstrels, who performed songs written especially for them by Stephen Foster. Over the years, the New Christy Minstrels would serve as a similar vehicle for Sparks’ compositions.

The group peaked early on. Columbia Records released their debut album — we’re talking vinyl, kids — Presenting the New Christy Minstrels: Exciting New Folk Chorus in 1962. Featuring its share of standards, the album went to number 19 on the Billboard charts — it charted for nearly two years — and garnered a Grammy win for the minor hit version of the Woody Guthrie song “This Land is Your Land.” The group also enjoyed a boost from being regulars on the Andy Williams show during the 1962-63 season.

The group’s success continued with the release of the live album In Person and a second studio album Ramblin’ in 1963. The latter produced the hit “Green, Green,” which broke into the top ten and featured then-member and arguably the group’s most popular lead vocalist Barry McGuire. The group was tapped to score the 1964 film Advance to the Rear starring Glenn Ford. The resulting soundtrack produced The Christy’s biggest hit “Today,” written by Sparks. In the summer of that year the group filmed five episodes of Ford Presents the New Christy Minstrels which aired as a summer replacement Thursday’s at 9:30 p.m. on NBC.

The 1964 album Live From Ledbetter’s was the last to feature McGuire and their widespread popularity seemed to wane afterward. The Christys went through many extended periods of inactivity from the ‘70s on, but have toured consistently since 2010.

With over five decades as an entity, as you might expect the group have endured numerous personnel changes over the years. During its ‘60s heyday, the group often toured with a lineup more than 10 voices strong, with much of the group being on salary, which led to frequent turnover. Former members went on to join other prominent groups of the era like The Byrds, The First Edition and The Association. For a brief period in the mid-sixties, the group featured a young Kim Carnes, who would later score the monster ‘80s hit “Bette Davis Eyes.” Throughout its existence the group has rotated over 30 members through its ranks. The most constant has been singer/guitarist and group founder Randy Sparks who will lead the 2013 version of the group — featuring members old, new and returning — during their Ferndale show.

The New Christy Minstrels will perform two shows Sunday, one at 2 p.m. and one at 7:30 p.m. The group will be available for autographs and are peddling their latest CD Nice Time to Be Alive. Tickets can be secured at the Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s website.

DATES/TIMES

WHERE

• Ferndale Repertory Theatre

PRICE

• $20