By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill
On February 24, the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) will host a music act that spans pop/rock generations – a popular band that shone in the late 1960s and a group that was one of the hitmakers in the 1980s.
On Tuesday night, the duo featuring Vicki Peterson of The Bangles and John Cowsill from the Cowsills will take the stage at the popular Bucks County venue.
The duo released its debut Americana album, “Long After The Fire,” last April. The album is comprised of songs written by John’s late brothers, Barry and Bill Cowsill.
It all began with the songs exquisitely written by Cowsill’s brothers at various points in their all-too-short lives. These “Roy Orbison meets The Everly Brothers” tunes are true gems unearthed like treasures from The Cowsill family archives.
“This was a project that we talked about for quite a while,” said Peterson, during a phone interview Wednesday evening from the couple’s home in California’s Santa Monica mountains.
“We wanted to do John’s two brothers’ songs and give them a new airing. We wanted to let the world hear them again.
“This was a project to shine the light on the work of these two great artists – the songs they had written. We probably could do another volume.”
The Cowsills were an American singing group from Newport, Rhode Island — six siblings noted for performing professionally and singing harmonies at an early age, later with their mother.
The band was formed in early 1965 by brothers Bill, Bob, and Barry Cowsill. Their brother John joined shortly thereafter. Originally Bill and Bob played guitar and Barry played the drums. When John learned to play drums and joined the band, Barry began playing bass. After their initial success, the brothers were joined by their siblings Susan and Paul along with their mother, Barbara.
Barry Cowsill was born in 1954. He passed away in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrine in 2005.
Bill Cowsill, who established a strong solo career in Canada, was born in 1948. He passed away in 2006 at his home in Calgary, Alberta.
Now, their music is being kept alive by their brother and his wife.
“We’ve been focused on promoting this record since it was released last year,” said Cowsill who was a drummer/vocalist for the Beach Boys for more than 23 years and recently has worked as a vocalist for The Smithereens.
“We’ve already played seven shows in 2026. We’re going to be going out about every weekend.
“Putting together the show was easy. The focus is on the songs. We bring on history and talk about the origins of the songs. Still, it’s pretty off the cuff. People will be very happy with the set list.”
Cowsill has performed live and/or recorded work with Bob Dylan, Mamas & Papas, Harry Chapin, Maroon 5, Hermans Hermits, Mickey Dolenz (The Monkees), and Chuck Berry. John is also currently one of the lead singers for The Smithereens and the touring drummer for Peter Perrett (The Only Ones).
Peterson has been the lead guitarist for the Bangles since their founding in 1981. After their first disbandment in 1989, she has returned to the band for all subsequent reunions. In intervening years, she has performed with other artists.
Peterson’s work with The Bangles includes the No. 1 hit “Walk Like An Egyptian” and several other Top 10 songs such as “Eternal Flame.” Throughout the 90’s, she stayed active appearing on albums with Tom Petty, John Doe, Hootie & The Blowfish, Belinda Carlisle and also toured with The Go-Go’s on their 1994-1995 reunion tour. The Bangles reunited in the 21st century to release four more albums.
After the Bangles disbanded in 1989, Peterson played with the Continental Drifters and the Psycho Sisters, in both cases with Susan Cowsill.
Peterson married John Cowsill on October 25, 2003.
“I met John in the 1970s when the Cowsills were having a resurgence after 10 years of not performing,” said Peterson. “We were playing the same little clubs in L.A.
“We knew each other as friends and then started dating in 2001. John and I got together in life – and romantically — and got married in 2003.”
In 2017, Peterson and Cowsill joined Bill Mumy as the band Action Skulls and released an album titled “Angels Hear.”
“The first time we played together in a band was with Action Skulls,” said Cowsill. “I was also touring with the Beach Boys.
“Now, I’m turning 70. I have 20 years left. It’s a milestone. I have more time off now. Singing with the Smithereens is my new fun gig.”
Video link for Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill – https://youtu.be/KSpTYEhD0vE.
The show at the Sellersville Theater on February 24 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets start at $29.50.
Other upcoming shows at the Sellersville Theater are Alejandro Escovedo & The Electric Saints on February 19, Bruce In The USA on February 20 and 21, Sister Sadie on February 22 and Bad Marriage on February 25.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting Frogs in Milk on February 20, Dirk Quinn Band on February 21 and Roots Revival Road Show on February 22.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) will present “A Time for Love” by vocalist Sharon Sable on February 19.
Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) will present Mindstorm and The Paul Waltz Band on February 20, Die Tired on February 21 and The Guitar Gamblers on February 22.
The Colonial Theater (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) will host Kashmir on February 20 and MAD DOGS & ENGLISHMEN – a 20-Piece Band Celebration presented by Remember Jones on February 21.
Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com) will host Disciple of the Garden on February 19, Weird Phishes on February 20 and Austin Brown on February 21.
The Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) is starting off
2026 with one of Broadway’s most highly acclaimed comedies — “The Producers.” The show is running now through February 22.
Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12). “Show Only” tickets, which have limited availability, cost $35.
Another popular and familiar show is running now through February 22 at People’s Light (39 Conestoga Road, Malvern, peopleslight.org) – “Steel Magnolias.”
“Steel Magnolias” is a hilarious and heart-wrenching American classic.
The reigning ladies of a small Louisiana parish spend Saturday mornings at Truvy Jones’ beauty parlor.
Video link for People’s Light — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zICXuBNoPuY.
“Steel Magnolias” will run now through February 22 on the Steinbright Stage at People’s Light.
Ticket prices start at $59.
