Vernon is getting another opportunity to hitch a ride on the musical bandwagon known as the Louisiana Hayride when it returns to the Performing Arts Centre Thursday.
“Now in its eighth year of touring Western Canada, the staged musical revue continues to relive the days of true country and rockabilly music in a way it’s ever been presented before,” said show creator Lori Risling. “There will be great new songs you will love, as well as previous show favourites.”
Based on the radio and later television country music show broadcast from the Shreveport Municipal Memorial Auditorium in Shreveport, Louisiana from 1948 to 1960, many well known artists played the hayride during its heyday.
Artists represented in this recreation include Hank Williams, Patsy Cline, Roy Orbison, Loretta Lynn, and Willie Nelson, as well as songs by Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Ray Price and others.
Hosted by Risling, the cast includes Shuswap-Okanagan-based entertainers and musicians Mike Melniuk (standup bass, guitar, vocals), William Brookfield (keyboards, guitar, vocals), Gil Risling (guitar, vocals), Andrea Anderson (vocals), with a special appearance by Troy Wakelin (tech, vocals).
There will also be a Canadian component to this tour, with tributes to Ian and Sylvia, Hank Snow, Anne Murray and Shania Twain, added Risling.
“This 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,” she said. “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.”
Tickets for Thursday’s Hayride, starting at 7:30 p.m., are $39 (all seats) available at the Ticket Seller, 250-549-7469, www.ticketseller.ca.