For 10 years the Louisiana Hayride Show has paid tribute to classic rock ‘n’ roll and country singers, like Roy Orbison and Willie Nelson (from left). (Photos courtesy Ronald Cartier)

For 10 years the Louisiana Hayride Show has paid tribute to classic rock ‘n’ roll and country singers, like Roy Orbison and Willie Nelson (from left). (Photos courtesy Ronald Cartier)

A decade of classic country and rock ‘n’ roll

Louisiana Hayride Show returns to the Port Theatre

Lori Risling didn’t know what to expect when she debuted the Louisiana Hayride Show in Salmon Arm 10 years ago, but the classic country and rock ‘n’ roll tribute revue was a success from before Day One.

“We booked three nights and we sold tickets for the second and third night and the first night was going to be dress rehearsal,” she explained. “And when the second and third night sold out we decided to put the first night on sale, too. Technically, we’ve never had a full dress rehearsal.”

The show, featuring nearly all Okanagan musicians, has since toured across Western Canada. New for this year’s Nanaimo show at the Port Theatre on May 21 are songs by Willie Nelson, Jerry Lee Lewis, Conway Twitty and Loretta Lynn.

Risling said it’s “heartwarming” that audiences have made the show a success.

“It’s just very rewarding that after 10 years the same people still want to come and see the show,” she said.

WHAT’S ON … The Louisiana Hayride Show at the Port Theatre on Tuesday, May 21 at 7:30 p.m. $49.


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Nanaimo News Bulletin