You’re invited to take a trip down memory lane to a time when “songs were meaningful, the words were understood, and the sound was pleasant” at this year’s Louisiana Hayride Show, set to feature an assortment of unique and entertaining musical performances delivered by world-class tribute artists.
The show is scheduled to take place in Moose Jaw at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, at the Mae Wilson Theatre.
“We love Moose Jaw, and the Mae Wilson is such a gorgeous theatre,” said Lori Risling, the show’s creator, host, and producer. “We’ve always had tremendous support from the people in Moose Jaw… it’s just natural for us to come back.”
The original Louisiana Hayride Show featured music from 1948 through to the 1960s. The current group aims to pay tribute to these original artists, and also moves forward to include later names inspired by the legends for an “eclectic gathering of songs” ranging from the 50s to the 90s.
The now-touring Louisiana Hayride Show began in 2010 to continue the legacy of its original radio program counterpart, which greatly influenced such names as Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, and Patsy Cline in their rise to fame.
Risling said Elvis Presley will also make an appearance at the upcoming show and this is linked to the original performer’s early career.
“He (Elvis) actually got his start on the Louisiana Hayride Show when he was 19, so it played a big role in developing him when he was just starting out,” she said.
In modern times, the careers of such icons as Shania Twain can be traced back to the original show as well, with Twain receiving influence from the late Patsy Cline in one example.
During the pandemic years, the show had to take a hiatus due to social gathering restrictions and Risling said those two years were “super, super tough.”
Now, following this rough patch in the journey, the show is building back momentum and continues with eight current members and a permanent sound technician – Mitch Hinez – who guarantees a standardized sound at a reasonable decibel level.
Many fans, according to Risling, return to view the show each year. To better serve this loyal fanbase, the show changes its format slightly with each year’s performance and its organizers seek to deliver on that promise.
Willie Nelson will return this year after a six-year hiatus as one example of the show’s revised yearly itinerary.
The performers also honour the audience as part of each showing.
“We’ve rehearsed, but not to the point where it’s a dry, memorized show. We’re still pretty flexible (and) we play off the audience.”
The number one reason to attend the show, Risling said, is to allow fans of the genre to reminisce about the music they grew up to and loved back in the day.
“It’ll bring back great memories for them. And it’s just always fun — we hear that time and time again,” she said. “They see how much fun we’re having on stage, (and) that transfers to (the audience).
“So (even) if they’ve seen us before, they’re still going to see some new stuff and have lots of fun – and at a good decibel level so their ears aren’t going to get blown out,” Risling concluded.
Tickets are on sale now at the Moose Jaw Cultural Centre’s box office, MooseJawCulture.ca, and alternatively at the show’s website, HayrideShow.com.
“Moose Jaw has sold out at past shows,” Risling noted. “For people to be sure they’re going to get a seat where they like to sit in the theatre, (I recommend they) grab something before it sells out.”
The Mae Wilson Theatre is located at 217 Main Street North and can be reached at 306-693-4700.
