Hamilton performs at Ga-Ana Theatre
Published 12:00 am Wednesday, May 31, 2006
It'll be trip number four to Georgiana for George Hamilton IV this weekend.
The performer, known as the “International Ambassador of Country Music,” is returning to the city to perform “Luke the Drifter: The Other Side of Hank Williams” at the Ga-Ana Theater this Sunday afternoon.
The event, sponsored by the Hank Williams Fan Club, kicks off at 2 p.m. at the theater.
The event is free, but donations will be accepted with proceeds going to the Fan Club House.
During the concert, Hamilton tells the story of Hank's early years in Butler County and recites many of his poems, both serious and humorous in nature.
Intertwined with the storytelling and poetry are performances of many of Hank's beloved tunes.
“This is going to be a great show all Hank fans and music lovers in general will want to attend -and a great way to help out the fan club,” member Mary Wallace said.
Hamilton got his start in the pop field with the hit “A Rose and a Baby Ruth,” and was one of the first pop artists to switch to the country genre.
He debuted at the Grand Ole Opry in 1959.
His songs are diverse in style, ranging from gospel and folk to pop and country.
The musician, who has conducted numerous international tours, has also hosted the International Country Festival in England and the Gospel Celebration at the Wembley Conference that is part of the festival.
He has appeared at the Christian Artists Seminar in Holland and appeared as a guest soloist with Dr. Billy Graham's Crusade in England, Alaska, Florida, Connecticut and California.
“We are really excited to have George with us again and hope to have a great crowd on Sunday at the Ga-Ana,” Wallace said.
The Hank Williams Festival kicks off at the Fan
Club House Thursday night at 5 p.m. with a picnic and jam session.
Gates open at the music park at 3 p.m. on Friday and 8 a.m. on Saturday.