“Do you remember Hank Williams? Roy Orbison? Patsy Cline? Did you ever see them in concert? Well, you can now!" say the organizers of a unique show, known as the Louisiana Hayride. Based on the historical radio show where these artists (and many more) performed, Louisiana Hayride is returning to North Battleford.
The Louisiana Hayride Show, now in its seventh year of touring Western Canada, is an opportunity to go back in time and relive the days of true country and rockabilly music. The show recreates the historical country music program from years ago and the many legendary artists who performed on its stage.
It’s all at the Dekker Centre April 23 when the Louisiana Hayride Show comes to town. Many of the artists represented in this recreation are in costume; Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Loretta Lynn, Willie Nelson and Tammy Wynette. The Louisiana Hayride Show brings back the music that was a staple in so many people’s lives, music they just don’t hear any more.
Show creators Lori and Gil Risling say, "We find also, the younger generation is enjoying this show, hearing the music their parents and grandparents listened to – music that is at the root of many songs today."
The audience can expect a magical evening of entertainment where they'll believe they really are at a concert featuring these superstars, enjoying their wonderful music from years gone by. The talented singers and musicians of the Louisiana Hayride Show recreate these iconic artists and you’ll see and hear Hank Williams singing Hey, Good Lookin and Lovesick Blues. Roy Orbison shows up with Crying and Pretty Woman and Patsy Cline will send shivers up your spine when she sings Crazy and Sweet Dreams. And that’s not all! Joining Hank, Roy and Patsy will be Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette and Willie Nelson singing their big hits
The Rislings, the show creators, have been touring this successful production, now in its seventh year, across western Canada to rave reviews.
"Shows have been selling out and people are attending over and over again," says Gil Risling. “The music in this show will bring back memories from a bygone era. This is music the audience remembers, either first hand, or in many cases, it’s music they remember their parents or grandparents playing. Music that’s no longer easily accessible.”
Interspersed throughout the show will be bits of trivia about the artists the group portrays. That, Lori Risling says, “has long been an audience favourite. They love hearing the history. A lot of it is quite surprising to them!“
The cast of multi-talented musicians includes Gil Risling on electric and acoustic guitar, and vocals when in character as Hank Williams, Willie Nelson and Roy Orbison. Additional "characters" are provided by Andrea Anderson when she appears as Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette. William Brookfield is on double keyboard, guitar and vocals and recreates the songs of Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Conway Twitty. Mike Melnichuk adds stand-up bass, electric guitar and vocals when he treats the audience to songs by Faron Young, Red Foley, Burl Ives and Ray Price.
"The cast and crew of the Louisiana Hayride is dedicated to bringing authentic music to you. The songs you hear will be true to the originals. You will be transported back to a time when music was meaningful, words were understood and the sound was pleasant," say the Rislings.
The Louisiana Hayride Show will be at the Dekker Centre Saturday, April 23 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Dekker Centre Box Office 306-445-7700.
"This show sold out when it was in North Battleford last October so get your tickets now,” say the Rislings.
