5th Dimension brings ’60s and ’70s back to life

It may be 2016, but at 8 p.m. Friday, the Newberry Opera House will throw it back to the Age of Aquarius with a one-night performance by the 5th Dimension featuring Florence LaRue, the star group of the ’60s and early ’70s known for hits like “Up, Up and Away,” “Wedding Bell Blues” and, of course, “The Age of Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In.”

The 5th Dimension got its start in 1965 when Ray Charles took the group on tour; as the group’s star rose, members found themselves performing songs by top writers of the era include Laura Nyro, Neil Sedaka, Jimmy Webb and Burt Bacharach and Hal David.

Although the group never officially disbanded, Florence LaRue is the only performer currently with the group who was a member of the original quintet. But that shouldn’t be a problem – from the time she joined the group in 1966, LaRue shared lead-singer duties with Marilyn McCoo.

Today, along with current members Willie Williams, Leonard Tucker, Patrice Morris and Floyd Smith, LaRue continues to belt out the group’s classics.

Tickets start at $45. For other details, visit www.newberryoperahouse.com

Katie McElveen, Special to The State