Skip to content

Louisiana Hayride returns for spring performance

Cast transports audiences back in time with recreation of historic radio show
11608917_web1_20171127-SAA-Louisiana-Hayride-JE-0097
Gil Risling, left and Mike Melnichuk, right, accompany Patrick Ryley performing as Hank Williams – a special guest at a May 16 performance of the Louisiana Hayride at the Salmar Classic. (File photo)

Fans of music legends Elvis Presley, Roy Orbison and Patsy Cline will have an opportunity to experience some of their greatest hits performed live when the Louisiana Hayride Show rolls back into town.

Based on the historical radio show where these artists (and many more) performed, the Louisiana Hayride is coming to the Salmar Classic on Wednesday, May 16. It’s an opportunity to see and hear Elvis sing That’s Alright Mama, the song he sang the first time he was on the Louisiana Hayride when he was 19 years old. And Elvis doesn’t stop there. He’ll be sure to sing a few other huge hits. Roy Orbison will show up with Crying and Pretty Woman and, always a favorite, Patsy Cline will be there as well singing her hits.

Another audience favorite is Loretta Lynn singing her signature song, Coalminer’s Daughter. Her little sister, Crystal Gayle will also be there singing a couple of her chart toppers. Classic country doesn’t get any more pure than Lefty Frizzell and you’ll be treated to his music as well.

In addition to these incredible tributes, you’ll hear songs by Johnny Cash, Marty Robbins, Roger Miller, Tennessee Ernie Ford, Buck Owens and more!

Many of these iconic artists have had a great influence on current singers and, to add even more variety to the show, the audience will be entertained by Shania Twain as she makes the connection between ‘old’ and ‘new’ country music.

Enjoy an evening of stellar musicianship and extraordinary vocals presented in a completely unique and entertaining way.

The Louisiana Hayride, complete with studio stage set, amazing tribute artists and live band, will bring you back in time to when songs were meaningful, the words were understood and the sound was pleasant.

Show creators, Lori and Gil Risling, have been touring this successful production, now in its ninth year, across western Canada to rave reviews. Shows have been selling out and people are attending over and over again.

“The music in this show will bring back memories from a bygone era,” says Gil Risling. “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 through the show will be little bits of trivia about the artists the group portrays. That, Lori 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 amazing vocals when in character as Roy Orbison.

Andrea Anderson is second to none in her portrayal of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn and Crystal Gayle. Her newest character, Shania Twain is an absolute delight. William Brookfield is amazing on double keyboard, guitar and vocals with his stellar recreation of songs by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis and Tennessee Ernie Ford. Derek Pulliam adds stand-up bass, guitar and authentic vocals when he treats the audience to songs by classic country legends such as Lefty Frizzell and Bobby Bare. Elvis tribute artist Vic De Sousa adds another dimension to the Louisiana Hayride Show. You will be impressed with his portrayal of The King.

Enjoy this ride down memory lane with incredible music from the era of the Louisiana Hayride.

Showtime is 7:30 p.m. at the Classic. Tickets, $45, available at Touch ‘A Texas, Wearabouts, at ticketseller.ca and by calling 1-866-311-1011.

-Submitted by Gil and Lori Risling.