Five years ago, a group of talented musicians got together to present a musical stage show fashioned after the iconic Louisiana Hayride of the southern U.S.
“Little did we know that what we thought would be a limited, local engagement, would turn into a hugely successful five-year run across Western Canada,” says Hayride creator and director Lori Risling. “And now the Louisiana Hayride Fifth Anniversary Celebration Tour is coming to Salmon Arm, where it all started.”
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 heyday from 1948 to 1960, the Louisiana Hayride launched the careers of many legends, including Hank Williams, Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash. Also performing for a weekly audience of more than 3,000 enthusiastic patrons, as well as for the many radio listeners across North America and overseas on Armed Forces Radio, were Jim Reeves, Faron Young, Ray Price, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison and many more.
Join the cast of the Louisiana show as they recreate moments from the memorable Hayride of the 1940s, ’50s and ’60s.
For the first time in the show’s long run, members of the cast will share their special memories of being in this show over the last five years.
The multi-talented performers who have shared this Louisiana Hayride stage include William Brookfield on double keyboard, guitar and vocals. As well as being an accomplished (and well-received) keyboardist, his rendition of songs by Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty draw enthusiastic applause.
Mike Melnichuk adds stand-up bass, electric guitar and oh-so-smooth vocals in songs by Ray Price, Faron Young and more.
Another audience favourite, local radio morning man Patrick Ryley, brings Hank Williams back to life.
Gil Risling adds electric and acoustic guitar and great vocals as Roy Orbison. He also enjoys recreating Willie Nelson.
Andrea Anderson, whose vocals are second to none as Patsy Cline, will also give voice to songs made famous by country superstars Loretta Lynn and Tammy Wynette.
Woven throughout the performances are tidbits of historical information provided by Lori.
The Louisiana Hayride Fifth Anniversary Celebration Show will be at the Shuswap Theatre for three performances only – March 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m. and a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday, March 21.
Tickets are available at Touch A Texas, Wearabouts on Alexander Street or online at www.ticketseller.ca. Or call 1-866-311-1011 toll free.
In other Hayride news, fans may be interested in joining the cast for a fun week next winter as they cruise the Caribbean.
“We are working with a cruise specialist out of Calgary and he has arranged a first-class trip for us,” says Lori. “We’ll leave Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 31, 2016 for a spectacular seven-night cruise.”
The ship is the luxurious Eurodam, from the Holland America line.
All details are being finalized and there will be a package price including air fare, hotel the night before the cruise, as well as the cruise itself.
The cruise will feature a private welcome cocktail party, just for the Hayride group, two Louisiana Hayride shows and other fun things provided by the ship.