History Comes Alive with Hayride Reunion Television Special
Donna and Paul Christensen are remembering how special it was to be part of this historic event almost 20 years ago. The Louisiana Hayride Homecoming Concert, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the fabled concert series, which between 1948 and 1960, provided so many famous country and blues artists with their first shot at a music career.
The homecoming, held in the original home of the Hayride, the recently restored Shreveport Municipal Auditorium, featured performances by a number of artists who launched their careers at the venue, including Willie Nelson, Merle Kilgore, Tillman Franks, Johnny Gimble, Leroy Van Dyke, Doug Kershaw and Maggie Lewis Warwick. In addition, there were appearances by Hank Williams’ daughter, Jett Williams, celebrating her father’s long association with the Hayride, as well as Gold and Platinum Award winning artist and home town hero, Kenny Wayne Shepherd.
Alton and Maggie Warwick, Louisiana Hayride Company, LLC, served as Executive Producers. Maggie Warwick, also served as the Show Producer. Paul and Donna Christensen produced the television special for Omega Productions, as well as a live recording for local NPR affiliate, Red River Radio. Catherine Fraser, Executive Director of Red River Radio, served as Producer for the Radio Program.
Omega brought in their award winning crew, Director Don Moore, Video Engineer Sel Warren, Steadicam Operator Jerry Jacob, Hand Held Cameraman Mike Filippi, Jib Operator Don Warren, and Fixed Camera Operators, Steve Cobb and Robby Channell. Mobile Production Services, based in Columbus, OH, provided remote video facilities, while Monroe, LA based Lighting Designer, Derrick Gentry and TMF Lighting, contracted the lighting and the look that made the project such a success.
Mobile Audio Recording Services (MARS), Muscle Shoals, AL, recorded the soundtrack, supervised by MARS owner, Steve Lowney. Sound Reinforcement services for the concert were furnished by Dallas Backup, Dallas, TX, under the supervision of Davis Chalmers.
It was such an honor to be part of this historic event and to have the opportunity to capture the evening for posterity.
