Tribute to legendary Hank Williams at Ritz

The words and music of Hank Williams echo across the decades with a timelessness that transcends genre. He brought country music into the modern era, and his influence spilled over into the folk and rock arenas as well. In tribute to this legendary artist, Golden Isles Arts and Humanities Association (GIAHA) presents a special concert by acclaimed musician David Church, Legend Froze in Time: Hank Williams, at the Historic Ritz Theatre in Downtown Brunswick on Saturday, March 6, 2010. Because of popular demand, the show will be presented twice that day, a matinee at 3:00 p.m. and an evening performance at 8:00 p.m. 

In this exciting and nostalgic tribute show, David Church magically recreates this musical legend, performing many of the numbers Hank made famous. Widely considered to be the best Hank Williams tribute artist, David is also an accomplished entertainer in his own right. David's father and uncles were musicians, and he listened to the sound of their music, playing the banjo, guitar, and lap steel before he could walk. He was captivated by all the early songs, but the most profound influence on his life was Hank Williams. David's own buzz word for the traditional music he loves is "STRAIGHT UP COUNTRY" and he feels Hank's music is just as fresh and alive today as it was then.

Hank Williams was born in Alabama in 1923. He learned gospel music from his Baptist-church organist mother and blues and pop from a black street musician. Between 1949 and his death in 1953, he released 11 million-selling singles and cracked the C&W Top Ten 36 times. Williams was a prolific tunesmith, powerful singer and magnetic performer. His best-known songs—“Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey, Good Lookin’,” “Cold, Cold Heart,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry”—endure as American classics, speaking in eloquent vernacular to fans of country, blues, pop, and rock and roll alike.

At the height of his career, he virtually reinvented the country idiom, paving the way for a new breed of songwriter. A wide range of artists have adapted elements of Williams’ persona, especially the aura of emotional forthrightness and bruised idealism communicated in his songs. Some of Williams’ more upbeat country and blues-flavored numbers, on the other hand, anticipated the playful abandon of rockabilly. The “outlaw” school of country singer-songwriters who followed in his wake—including Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash and his own son, Hank Williams Jr.—would have been inconceivable without his rough-cut artistry. However, problems with drugs and alcohol led to Hank Williams’ premature death by heart attack at age 29 while en route to a show.

In 1961, Williams was the first artist elected to the Country Music Hall of Fame, a tribute indicative of his impact. Now, Golden Isles audiences can relive the glory days of this American music legend with the remarkable David Church and his band, live on the Ritz stage.

Advance tickets to Legend Froze in Time: Hank Williams are $15 for adults and $10 for students and seniors (65+).  Advance tickets may be purchased in person at the Ritz Theatre (1530 Newcastle St., Downtown Brunswick) or by phone with credit card (912-262-6934).  They can also be purchased on line with the secure PayPal service at GIAHA’s website: www.goldenislesarts.org.  Tickets are also available at the box office the day of the show for $20 adults and $15 students and seniors.

As with all shows in GIAHA’s 2009-2010 Performing Arts Series, audiences can enjoy a great night out in Downtown Brunswick with “Dinner and a Show.”  Those attending this and any other show this season can present their advance tickets or season RitzPasses on performance night at 4^th of May restaurant, just one block from the Ritz at 1618 Newcastle St., and receive $2 off any menu item before the show. 

Legend Froze in Time: Hank Williams is sponsored by The Wave 104.1, Coastal Georgia’s Best Country and Home of Joe Willie in the Morning.

For more information about the performance, please visit goldenislesarts.org, which also provides complete info on all the shows in GIAHA’s 2009-2010 Performing Arts Series, films screening at the Ritz through next May, year-round art exhibits, ticket sales, and more.  Or call 912-262-6934.