NEWS RELEASE
LEISA WAY AND THE WAYWARD WIND BAND
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If you love Dolly Parton, you don’t want to miss this concert. Rhinestone Cowgirl: Celebrating Dolly Parton arrives at the Midland Cultural Centre on Saturday, June 24 at 7:30 p.m., honouring one of the most legendary singer/songwriters in music history.
Renowned Canadian Songbird, Leisa Way, stars in this spectacular concert that has played to sold-out audiences at over 60 theatres across the country. Way embodies the country star with her warmth and sense of humour, and the one-liners and commentaries she delivers throughout the concert are entertaining and hilarious.
An all-star Canadian band of award-winning musicians under the direction of Bruce Ley, (composer of the Academy Award nominated film, The Painted Door), capture the magic of Parton’s live performances in this two-hour celebration, with fascinating stories, facts and anecdotes that pay homage to this iconic singer-songwriter.
However, the real magic lies in hearing Way sing Dolly’s songs. This concert takes the audience through over 30 of Dolly Parton’s greatest hits, including 9 to 5, I Will Always Love You, Jolene, Coat of Many Colors, Two Doors Down, Islands in the Stream and Why'd You Come In Here Looking Like That. Parton, one of the biggest crossover artists of all time, has had 25 #1 hit records and this concert showcases these well-known hits.
The band includes fiddler/multi-instrumentalist Nathan Smith (Porter Wagoner), of the Barrel Boys and Vinta fame; arranger and pianist/guitarist Bruce Ley was a regular on CBC Television, (Tommy Hunter and Ronnie Prophet Shows); lead singer Fred Smith (Kenny Rogers) is a sought-after guitarist who has backed up the likes of The Drifters, The Mamas and The Papas, and even The Supremes; Way’s bassist/lead singer Bobby Prochaska has starred on Broadway in New York (The Buddy Holly Story); and drummer Don Reid has written and produced for television, radio and videos in his 40-year career, playing with orchestras, big bands, and for theatrical productions.
Way herself was discovered by Hee-Haw’s funny man, Don Harron, when he hand-picked her to star as Canada’s favourite red-head, Anne of Green Gables. Way grew up in northern Ontario, and like Dolly, Way’s father had 12 brothers and sisters.
“They knew what it was like to wear a second-hand ‘coat of many colours’," Way says. “I feel a kinship with Dolly. Growing up in a small town, dreaming of one day sharing my music."
And share her music she has. To date, Way has created 13 theatrical concerts, including Early Morning Rain: The Legend Gordon Lightfoot (currently on tour in 2023), and the hugely successful Across the Pond (British Invasion), Rock n’ Roll is Here to Stay, Opry Gold, and Sweet Dreams (Patsy Cline).
In recognition of her success, Way was recently recognized by the American Federation of Musicians and Toronto Musicians Association as 2021-2022 Musician of the Year and was featured on the front cover of International Musician Magazine.
When Way expressed her desire to honour this legendary country singer-songwriter, she says, “Most people glanced down at my chest and laughed. I am not as full-figured as Dolly. But through the magic of theatre – anything is possible!”
Way’s costumes were created by designer, Joyce Critchlow, who costumed Dolly for her television specials with Kenny Rogers. Critchlow shared with Way some fascinating stories about the rags to riches country icon.
“Dolly is such a personality,” Way says. “She’s larger than life, and such a kind, warm human being. Our goal is to give the audience an evening they’ll always remember, and of course, Dolly’s famous sense of humour keeps the audience in stitches.”
So keep your eye out on Saturday, June 24 for the arrival of the sensational Rhinestone Cowgirl and Dolly Parton! And don’t be surprised if she thanks you for coming to the concert by saying, “I really do appreciate your being here, ‘cause I do need the money. It costs a lot of money to look this cheap!”
For tickets to Rhinestone Cowgirl: Celebrating Dolly Parton, performing at the Midland Cultural Centre please call 705-527-4420 or go to the website.
“Leisa Way’s concert, Rhinestone Cowgirl: A Tribute to Dolly Parton, is designed to leave audiences amazed, hugely entertained, and clamouring for more. It’s not just that Way has a voice with extraordinary range and power, she also manages to capture the essence of Dolly Parton, a star for over five decades. Leisa Way is spectacular in Rhinestone Cowgirl. All I can say is: What a band! What a show! What a lady!" - The Morrisburg Leader
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