Phenomenal voices will reverberate through the Chilliwack Cultural Centre Feb. 8 as the captivating music of Elvis, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and Hank Williams is shared with Louisiana Hayride in Story and Song at 7:30 p.m.
A musical extravaganza, performed with a live band, that re-creates the ambiance of those early days of country music and features over 30 songs made famous by some of the greatest country music stars of the ’40s and ’50s.
The magical voice of Cline resonates, and young Elvis seems to come back to life before your eyes. Williams, a crowd favorite, and Orbison also take the stage accompanied by multi-talented players in a show that will take you back to a time when stars were born at The Louisiana Hayride. “I’m really excited, because this show brings old music back to the public. We want to keep this music alive” says Gil Risling who produces the show and performs as Roy Orbison.
Instrumental in launching the careers of some of the greatest names in music history, The Louisiana Hayride was a live radio show that ran from 1948 to 1960. During its heyday The Hayride was broadcast nationwide and, for a time, was even heard overseas on Armed Forces Radio. Known as the cradle of the stars, The Louisiana Hayride was incredibly popular in its day, much the same way shows such as American Idol are today. Some of the numerous music legends that graced the famous stage will appear before your eyes as the multitalented cast of The Louisiana Hayride, in Story and Song draws you back in time with their fascinating stories about these famous artists and the beautiful music they created. You’ll think you are witnessing the real thing first hand!
Written, and narrated by Lori Risling, this music extravaganza reproduces the ambiance of those early days magnificently. Accompanying the fantastic music, audience members will be privy to lots of historical bits of trivia as well, such as where the phrase, “Elvis has left the building” came from and why Roy Orbison wore dark glasses. The Louisiana Hayride will take you back in time as you listen to those familiar tunes and hear the great folklore in this extraordinary production.
This incredible ensemble recreates one of the most influential shows in music history, transporting you back to that magical time when these giant legends were discovered. “People love this type of music and they love the stories we tell” says Gil Risling. Don’t miss this extraordinary evening as the atmosphere of those early days in Country Music is brought back to life by the exceptionally gifted singers of The Louisiana Hayride, in Story and Song. This show will take you on a magical journey, a delight from start to finish, overflowing with great stories, great songs!
The Louisiana Hayride, Feb. 8 at the Cultural Centre at 7:30 p.m.
