Three Stages to Present HANK & MY HONKY TONK HEROES, Begin. 3/7

It is a trip down country music's memory lane. In Hank & My Honky Tonk Heroes, Jason Petty pays tribute not only to Hank Williams and his influence on country music but also to the stars who influenced Hank and those whom Hank influenced. These include Jimmie Rodgers, Roy Acuff, Ernest Tubb, George Jones, and more. "Petty galvanizes the show. His voice wails and rails a mixture of country and blues that electrifies the house... Hank Williams is alive and well and singing sensationally" (Associated Press).

Petty, accompanied by an authentic four-piece country band, re-creates such Williams' hits as: I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry, Your Cheatin' Heart, Hey Good Lookin', Cold Cold Heart, Lovesick Blues, and You Win Again, among others. "A remarkably good job of rendering Williams' famous melodies with the silky warble and sob that recreate their touching simplicity" (New York Times).

"Combine that with a respectful telling of Williams' tragic and far-too-short life story and you have two hours of entertainment that will be a drive down memories highway for many and an education about the intertwining roots of country music for everyone" (TriCities.com).

Jason Petty won rave reviews from all the major critics, includingVariety and Rolling Stone. The NY Post stated it best, "At times it seems as if Petty is not just offering an impersonation of Williams, but channeling his ghost." Another sign of recognition for Petty's brilliant performance of Hank Williams was being honored with an Obie Award for "Outstanding Actor". "It was like I was transported back in time to when I was playing with the original Hank. He's that good. He's got the look, the charm, the wit....and most of all....he's got the voice and the talent. Every music fan will love this show!" Don Helms (Original member of the Hank Williams band).

Hank & My Honky Heroes will perform in Three Stages on Thursday, March 7, 7 pm; Friday, March 8, 2 pm & 7 pm; Saturday, March 9, 2 pm & 7 pm. Tickets are $29-39; they may be purchased online at www.threestages.net or from Three Stages Ticket Office at 916-608-6888 from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday through Saturday, and two hours before show time. Three Stages is located on the west side of Folsom Lake College campus in Folsom, CA, facing East Bidwell Street.

Jason Petty, a veteran actor and singer has performed in theatres across the United States, Canada and Europe. Petty began his career 50 miles from The Farm at Nashville's Opryland music park. Performing four shows a day, seven days a week, Petty caught the attention of the director of an upcoming musical at the Ryman Auditorium. He was hand-picked for the starring role in "Hank Williams: Lost Highway", and it led him straight for the stage, where he has been ever since. Since that time, Petty appeared in National Tours of Lost Highway and Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes, a musical revue which also Petty authored.

His acting ability has afforded Petty roles in film, television and theatre. His musicianship and song writing abilities have won him numerous performances on The Grand Ole Opry, and the honor of being invited to perform with the most distinguished songwriters and producers at the exclusive Blue Bird Café in Nashville.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College presents touring artists from around the world; partners with the best regional arts organizations, and supports productions by FLC students and faculty.

Three Stages at Folsom Lake College is a $50 million performing and visual arts center that opened in February 2011. Located on the campus, Three Stages includes three intimate performance venues (850, 200, 100 seats), an art gallery, a recording studio, ample rehearsal and classroom space, a full service ticket office plus all the amenities of a state-of-the-art performance venue. Parking is free on weekends and for those buying tickets in advance.

A renaming of Three Stages is currently under way. The new name, Harris Center for the Arts, honors Dr. Brice Harris, Chancellor Emeritus of the Los Rios Community College District, for his many contributions to the Capital Region, including providing the vision and leadership that led to the opening of this regional arts center.

More Articles by This Author...