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Hayride show rides into qathet region

Musical revue has something for all ages to enjoy

After a successful show here in 2019, the Louisiana Hayride Show rides back into Evergreen Theatre on Saturday, April 30. This year marks the 10th anniversary for the show, as well as a triumphant return to touring following two years of pandemic restrictions.

“We’ve brought some old favourites back to the show, as well as added some new characters, like Buddy Holly,” says Lori Risling, one of the organizers and performers. “We’ve got all your favourite country and rockabilly songs from the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s ready to take you down memory lane. It’s a great show, and people are really happy to see it back on the road.”

The hayride has just completed a 14-stop tour of Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta. The 10-stop British Columbia tour, starting in Campbell River on April 28, will wrap up its season.

“We played in Powell River in 2019, and it was a fantastic show,” says Lori. “Back then, it was a rough ride over on the ferry, but we had a great audience, and learned a lot of interesting things about Powell River. We’re really looking forward to being back this year, and hopefully the crossing won’t be quite as bumpy!”

With a new keyboard player, percussionist and guitar player, the Louisiana Hayride Show will have new songs and acts to entertain the audience, including a tribute to Buddy Holly.

“Our guitarist plays both acoustic and steel guitars, which gives us the opportunity to add different sounds to the show,” says Lori. “We’ve also added in a tribute to Shania Twain, and brought back some great old songs, like Roger Miller’s “Dang Me” which is just a riot to perform.”

With tributes to Elvis Presley, Hank Williams, Roy Orbison, Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, among others, the audience will be able to enjoy all their old favourites performed by talented musicians.

“It’s not like any other show out there, full of all the old classics, and we guarantee that people will laugh and sing along, even maybe shed some tears over memories that come up when they hear these older songs,” says Lori. “It’s not just a show for people who grew up in that era either. I talked to one lady who brought her parents, and she said she thought she was going to be too young for this show, but she wasn’t.

“She recognized a lot of those old classics, and not just because her parents played them. People know these songs and love them, and we have so much fun up on stage that it’s contagious. The audience can’t help but have a good time, too.”

The cast and crew of the Louisiana Hayride Show are thrilled to be back on the road after a two-year hiatus.

“Five of us have toured together before, and it’s so good to be back together,” says Lori. “You can call us castmates or coworkers, but we’re also really good friends; we call ourselves the Hayride Family, because we feel like family to each other. We love performing, and love our audiences.

“The people who come to the show are so genuine, welcoming, and caring. There’s nothing better than being up on stage, having a wonderful time with each other, and seeing all those smiling faces looking at us, having a great time with us as well. We’ve really missed that over the last two years.”

The Louisiana Hayride Show will be in town for one night only, on Saturday, April 30, at Evergreen Theatre, 5001 Joyce Avenue. The show starts at 7:30 pm. Tickets are $50 each, and are available at Powell River Recreation Complex, by calling 604.485.2891, or online at showpass.com.

For more information about the Louisiana Hayride Show, go to hayrideshow.com