Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Serving proudly since 1873 as the beautiful Nebraska Panhandle's first newspaper
Jason Petty and the Honky Tonk Heroes will be in Sidney Monday, Oct. 23. They will present music and stories from the earlier days of country music, highlighting Hank Williams and performers he influenced.; Jason Petty has been performing shows highlighting Hank Williams for several years. He says he was hand-picked for "Lost Highway," a show about Hank Williams, which lead to his writing shows based on stories he heard on the road.; Jason Petty dresses the part of Hank Williams for his shows. He says he has been complimented by performers who worked with Williams for his realistic portrayal of him.
The sound of traditional Opryland Jason country music will be stopping in Sidney on Monday, Oct. 23.
"Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes" will be performing at Sidney High School as part of the Nebraska Educational Outreach Program.
Hank and my Honky Tonk Heroes is a rendition of country music from the era of Hank Williams and performers who influenced him and who he influenced. Jason Petty, originally of Manchester, Tenn., grew up around country music. In his biography, he says the first song he remembers hearing is his Dad singing "Hey Good Lookin'" to him in the car. His music career began when he was encouraged to audition for Opryland while he was working for a pharmaceutical company.
While at Opryland, he was asked to perform on the Grand Ole Opry and was introduced by Roy Acuff, known as the King of Country Music.
In 1995, Petty was asked to do a reading of a play about Hank Williams.
"I was hand-picked," he says.
Petty had been portraying Williams at Opryland in a show called "Country Music USA. He was hired on the spot and the show, "Lost Highway" ran for two years at the Ryman Auditorium, the former home of the Grand Ole Opry. Petty was awarded the Obie Award - the Off Broadway equivalent of the Tony Award - for his portrayal of Hank Williams.
"It was pretty overwhelming," Petty said. "At that age (early to mid 20s), you don't get it, yet."
"Lost Highway" toured for seven years when Petty decided to write a show based on the experience and who he met along the way. The first show was "Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes." Petty has written shows honoring the legends of country music. Writing and producing these shows has become his life's passion.
Petty and his band will be performing for Sidney High School students on Monday, Oct. 23. Petty said the performance is music and storytelling on Williams and other musicians from that era. The ensemble will then perform 7 p.m. at the Sidney High School Fine Arts Center. Admission is $12 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for students and WNCC; children under 5 are free.
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