Classic Concert Series presents the Music of the Louisiana Hayride is rolling into the South Cariboo Rec. Centre on May 19 at 7:30 p.m.
The origin of the Hayride was a live radio show, broadcast in Shreveport, Louisiana and ran successfully from 1948 to 1960. It launched the careers of music icons Hank Williams, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, George Jones, Faron Young and dozens more.
The Hayride performers, who are also the promoters, the entertainers, the set crew and the drivers all live in the Okanagan.
"My wife Lori and I produce the show," says Gil Risling.
"Lori has written three different shows already and a Christmas show, so the Louisiana Hayride Show is ongoing."
He adds they have registered the name "Louisiana Hayride" for Canada and now own the rights.
The six cast members and a road crew have been touring for more than two years, Risling says, adding they plan to tour for many years to come with new shows on an annual basis.
"It's been humbling and gratifying to be able to perform and keep this wonderful era of music alive.
"It's not out there in main stream media anymore, so for us to recreate a time when music was played at a quieter level and [people] could understand every word is very gratifying."
He adds they have been well received across western Canada.
The rendition in story and song takes folks back to those days and that live radio show, Risling says, adding the audience can find out why Roy Orbison wore dark sunglasses, where and when the phrase, "Elvis has left the building," was first spoken and what Sony James and Apollo 13 have in common?
There are many other interesting stories, he explains. Risling notes there will be great songs, such as El Paso and all the Patsy Cline hits sung by the incredibly talented and “sound alike” Andrea Anderson who sang in Nashville for several years.
Penticton restaurant manager Adam Fitzpatrick, who portrays Elvis in the Hayride, recently won the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Contest at San Diego's Pala Casino Spa and Resort, which automatically earned Fitzpatrick an entry into the International Elvis contest on Aug. 17-18 during Elvis Week in Memphis.
"We are pretty proud of Adam. He started a few years ago on a dare at the Penticton Pacific Northwest Elvis Festival in 2008, where he won the amateur division.
"He's a great kid, only 26 years old and constantly rehearsing his moves."
Risling says one of the big jokes around town is when people go to the restaurant, they ask, "Is Elvis in the building."
The $29 tickets are available at 108 Mile Supermarket, Donex Pharmacy & Department Store, Didi's Boutique and Work n Play Clothing.
For more information, call 1-250-833-0003, e-mail gohayride@telus.net, or check out the website at www.gohayride.ca.
