Five years ago, a group of talented musicians got together to present a unique musical stage show called the Louisiana Hayride.
Little did they know that what they thought would be a limited, local engagement, would turn into a hugely successful five-year run across Western Canada.
The Louisiana Hayride fifth anniversary celebration tour arrives in Vernon Thursday, April 30,
The Louisiana Hayride was a live radio show that began in 1948 and was broadcast over KWKH Radio out of Shreveport, Louisiana. During its iconic history, the Louisiana Hayride launched the careers of many legends, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Also performing for the weekly audience of more than 3,000, as well as the many radio listeners across North America and overseas, were Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and many more.
Produced by Gil and Lori Risling of Salmon Arm, the talented cast of the Louisiana Hayride Show recreates memorable moments from that impressive show of the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s.
“For the first time ever, you’ll hear from the cast themselves, as they share their special memories of being in this show over the last five years,” said show host and creator Lori Risling, who will also deliver fascinating tidbits about the history of the Hayride and more.
“This show will take you on a magical musical journey, a delight from start to finish.You will love the songs (and) the stories.”
!Included in the original lineup is William Brookfield on double keyboard, guitar and vocals, whose recreation of songs by Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty are said t be so like the originals it’s uncanny.
Mike Melnichuk adds stand-up bass, electric guitar and incredibly smooth vocals when he treats the audience to songs by Ray Price, Faron Young and others, while Gil Risling adds electric and acoustic guitar and vocals when in character as Roy Orbison.
“Gil also has some fun re-creating Willie Nelson,” said wife Lori, adding, “Andrea Anderson, whose vocals are second to none as Patsy Cline, will send shivers up your spine with her rendition of Sweet Dreams. She will also treat you to memorable songs made famous by country superstars Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.”
The Louisiana Hayride Fifth Anniversary Celebration Show takes the Performing Arts Centre stage Thursday, April 30 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Ticketseller box office, 250-549-7469 or online atwww.ticketseller.ca.
