Charley Pride comes to Woodstock
Published Thursday July 2nd, 2009
'Brian (Edwards) says the scriptwriters are going in this week," Sean Ayre of Rocklands Entertainment said. "Sound's like it's a done deal."
He was referring to a biopic based on the life of Nashville country singer Charley Pride that has been in the works for years. Terrence Howard was originally set to play the role for Paramount, but changes in direction and management at the studio ended its involvement.
Brian, Rockland's head honcho, is Pride's itinerary manager for his current tour of Eastern Canada, a tour that includes only one New Brunswick concert on July 13, 7:30 p.m., at the Carleton Civic Centre in Woodstock.
The concert is sold out but there are $50 rush tickets. So if you intend to go call 325-4671. It will probably be a few years before he is back in this province - maybe never. An Internet notice from Charley to his fans includes a warning: "Buyer Beware! We would urge you not to use an online ticket re-seller to buy tickets. These sites sell them for up to 10 times the original price."
Earlier this year, Charley made headlines when he flew to Alberta to return over $1,000 to a lady who was overcharged for two tickets by a re-seller.
His management, in fact, has had so many complaints about re-seller websites, they have opened their own online store.
In other news, Charley has been in a studio recently working on a new album due out in October.
This website bulletin also informs fan club members that each is allowed one guest at pre-concert meet and greets. These are traditionally set for 45 minutes before a concert but you are advised to contact Estella at (214) 350-8477 at least two weeks prior to a show to arrange your meet and greet.
A recent Charley Pride publicity release recounts an incident at a Grammy VIP Party this year that may be of interest. A lifetime achievement award was presented Charley at the gala. Afterwards, he retired to the refreshment area where he noticed Morgan Freeman. Approaching Freeman, right hand extended, he said, "I'm Charley Pride, the singer."
Freeman's face lit up as he replied, "Well, I'm Morgan Freeman, the actor."
For the next 10 minutes the two men, born only a few months and miles apart, engaged in a spirited conversation about their shared southern roots and long hard paths to success.
A contender for a spot with a national baseball franchise, Charley described his sudden switch to country music very simply a couple of years ago: "I'd taught myself to play guitar," he told me. "I sang a lot on buses between games playing semi-pro ball in the Pioneer league."
"And I filled in with various bar bands during those travels, so after a try-out with the New York Mets didn't earn me a roster slot, I swung down to Nashville on a whim and, by a lucky break, met Jack Johnson, a promotor who got me a spot on a show. He liked what he heard, and promised me a management contract if I moved my family to Nashville. I did and entered a relationship with him that lasted over a decade.
"The 1960s and '70s were exciting years for me, my wife Rozene and family in Nashville. Chet Atkins took me under his wing when I signed with RCA and I met all their music greats, including a former Maritimer, Hank Snow. I even toured with your cowboy legend, Wilf Carter. And I got to know another Nova Scotian, Ann Murray, whom I really admire. She really has her feet firmly planted on all that is good in traditional country music."
And with over 85 million records sold - second only to Elvis Presley on the RCA roster - that includes 31 gold, four platinum albums and one that went quadruple platinum. His new album, to be released in October, is his fourth in as many years. Now in his 70s, Charley is still as busy in Hollywood and Nashville as ever.
Don't miss this Woodstock concert
NORTON BLUEGRASS Sunday
Michael Floyd, who has been instrumental in bringing some great bluegrass acts to Norton's Catholic Hall in the past few years, has high praise for Junior Sisk and Rambler's Choice. They play the venue on Sunday, July 5, at 2 p.m.
"I attend many of the U.S. festivals," he said, "and Junior and his band are a whole notch above most of the top bands you hear. Their music embodies those fine old Southwest Virginia sounds that are so beloved by bluegrass fans."
A long time stalwart of the wildly successful Blueridge band, Junior decided to put his old band Rambler's Choice back together again after Blueridge split up. The band's multitude of fans are "mighty glad he did!" Band leader and lead singer Sisk titled the first CD The Blue Side Of Blue Ridge, letting fans know he was back and also where he had been in a subtle way.
Having gained almost instant recognition as one of the best traditional bluegrass acts to hit the scene in decades, Junior's soulful, often haunting vocals - so reminiscent of his lifelong hero the late Carter Stanley - have captivated audiences for years.
With the release of its debut Blue Side CD on Rebel, the band has once again (according to Michael Floyd and others who have heard it) captured that old-time magic so rare in the genre today. Their pleasant mix of old and new is certain to thrill bluegrass fans who attend their concert Sunday in Norton. There is sure to be a song or two or 12 to enthral.
Joining Junior in Rambler's Choice are his cousin and longtime singing partner, Tim Massey, on bass; Darrell Wilkerson on banjo; John Miller on mandolin; and Billy Hawks on fiddle. Blue Side Of Blue Ridge quickly climbed to the No. 1 spot on both the Bluegrass Unlimited and Bluegrass Music Profiles National Survey in April. And along with the album's top spot, the track Leaving Baker County topped the list of Bluegrass Singles on the BMP chart, and three other singles from it made the Bluegrass Unlimited Survey's Top 20.
For taste of Junior Sisk & Rambler's Choice visit www.myspace.com/juniorsiskramblerschoice. Just a taste but you won't be able to resist the urge to hear them live, performing some of the best traditional bluegrass being played anywhere. Tickets for Sunday's show are $15 from Michael Floyd in Saint John at 738-2988 or Morris Music in Sussex, 433-5556 or Saint John, 672-5556.
ST. MARTINS 43RD ANNUAL
A terrific 43 Annual St. Martin's Old Home Week Fiddle Show July 17, 7:30 p.m., in the village's 4-Season's Complex, feature's Ivan and Vivian Hicks, The Fiddling Landrys, Hebert Sisters, Emily De Arcos, Randy Vail and many other acts. Tickets are $10 at the door. For details, contact Ted Rankin at 833-4658.
LANCASTER BAPTIST
CROCODILE DOCK
The Lancaster Baptist Church, Saint John West, invites kids, preschool to Grade 6, to a summer event called Crocodile Dock July 13-17 from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Kids jump into bayou fun at Crocodile Dock where they participate in memorable Bible learning activities, sing catchy songs, play teamwork games, dig into yummy treats and more. For details or to register, call 635-8980.
SESSIONS ROTHESAY
CLOSING CONCERT
The Last Watch Concert at Sessions Café in Rothesay takes place July 11 at 8 p.m. before the venue closes its doors for good. The show features Before The Mast and other great local acts that have appeared there.
Gerry Taylor www.gerrytaylor.ca has covered folk and country music for over 30 years.
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