Old-time country music fans are looking forward to a double run of South Shore Shriner variety shows - "Country Music Impersonators" followed by a "Tribute to Our Own Country Music Legends."

 Back by popular demand is headliner Jim Richard as Johnny Cash.

 Variety show producer and Shriner wife Sharon Rhyno recalls the first time she heard Mr. Richards.

 "We were in the kitchen working when we heard him; we flew to the window. He was Johnny Cash - his voice, the way he stood, the way he slung his guitar. He even talks like Johnny. He will leave you yelling for more."

 This time he's bringing along his band and special guest June Carter. Mr. Richard started playing guitar at age 14.

 "My sisters and brothers they played, it was one of those things. [The guitar] was kicking around and I decided to do something with it." He never took voice lessons. "God knows I could use them," he adds.

 At age 16, Mr. Richards had a rock 'n' roll band, then he became a folkie. "I liked Gordon Lightfoot, Ian & Sylvia. Last 15 years I really got into country, especially the last five years in Truro."

 Another popular Shriner impersonator is Liverpool's Eddy Foster.

 "Our George Jones is truly one of the greats," Ms Rhyno says. "Eddy brings him to life with songs like 'White Lightning' and 'He Stopped Loving Her Today.'

 "And we're proud to have David Burbine back as Waylon Jennings. He and his group Traditional Country are one of the South Shore's hottest bands. The place will be jumping! The band has three singers and Paul doesn't miss a beat - he's a great drummer."

 Mr. Burbine has been playing guitar since he was 14, doing shows "off and on" for years. For the last five, he has been leading Traditional Country.

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 Roger Bolivar comes from another talented musical family. Seeing as his voice is changing, he's launching a new act as Jim Reeves. Ms Rhyno's husband, Harry, is especially pleased as Jim Reeves is one of his favourite singers.

 Ms Rhyno is looking forward to presenting the great Patsy Cline, the first female solo artist inducted to the country music hall of fame.

 Rounding out the entertainment will be Shriner funnyman emcee Reggie Tanner. You never know what he has planned, but you're sure to have a good laugh.

 As always, sound will be provided by Winston Shatford. The performers who are recording artists will bring along their CDs.

 Money made from admission, canteen, baked goods auction and 50-50 draws will go straight to the Shriner hospital for children in Montreal. There are 22 such state-of-the-art facilities where patients under 18 receive orthopedic, burn and spinal cord injury care, all without charge regardless of race, religion or relationship to a Shriner.

 The Shriners of North America has 400,000 members in Canada, the United States, Mexico and Panama. If you know of a child who might be helped by the organization, please call 1-800-361-7256.

 "Country Music Impersonators Variety Show" begins 1 p.m., May 24 at the Bridgewater Legion. "Tribute to Our Own Country Music Legends" will be presented in June.

posted on 05/12/09