November at the Holland Theatre will feature tributes to legends of country and rock-n-roll as well as a rising guitar virtuoso.
Kicking off the month, Jason Perry celebrates Hank Williams’ 100th birthday with his critically acclaimed tribute, “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes” during a special presentation at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8.
Petty, a favorite at the Grand Ole Opry, made a striking impression on New York’s Theatre District, starring in “Hank Williams: Lost Highway,” which played for nine months to sold-out audiences at the Little Shubert Theater. Audiences and critics alike praised Petty’s portrayal of Williams, who penned more than 400 country songs during his career.
Another sign of recognition for Petty’s performance of Hank Williams was being honored with an Obie Award (Off-Broadway’s Tony Award equivalent) for Outstanding Actor.
In “Hank and My Honky Tonk Heroes,” Petty gives audiences a personal look at Williams’ childhood, his rise to fame, his influences and contemporary performers influenced by Williams.
With a four-piece band, just as Williams performed, the show is chock full of hits, from “Your Cheatin’ Heart” and “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” to “Hey Good Lookin’” and “Lovesick Blues.”
Audience members will also treated to a selection of songs from some of Hank’s influences (including Jimmie Rodgers, Carter Family, Roy Acuff and Ernest Tubb), and those who were influenced by Hank (including George Jones, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Elvis and Alan Jackson). Selections include “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” “Wine Me Up” and “Midnight in Montgomery.”
Next up is a legend-to-be, acoustic guitarist Luca Stricagnoli, who plays up to five guitars at the same time. He brings his virtuosity to the Holland stage at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13.
A native of Italy who now lives in Nashville, Stricagnoli dazzles live audiences and his large social media following on double- and triple-neck guitars he designs himself. The evening will include a blend of popular songs from contemporary rock, film scores, and mind-bending originals.
Stricagnoli has released four albums and has more than 100 million views on his Youtube channel. He has won acclaim from fellow musicians and critics alike.
“Every so often, a musician emerges who, in terms of depth of expression, advances a style so much that the way we listen changes forever,” noted Minor 7th Magazine. “Luca Stricagnoli embodies such a shift.”
Finally, the Holland kicks off its holiday events with, “One Christmas Night in Memphis” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21.
Imagine Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, Elvis Presley and Jerry Lee Lewis celebrating the season with their legendary hits as well as everyone’s favorite holiday songs – including “Jingle Bell Rock,” “White Christmas,” “Run, Run, Rudolph,” “Blue Christmas,” and many more. It’s 90 minutes of rockabilly, country, gospel and 1950’s rock and roll mixed in with festive holiday classics.
Holiday festivities continue with Madcap Puppets’ version of The Nutcracker on Dec. 1; the West Central Ohio Community Concert Band’s annual free Christmas concert on Dec. 3; A Swingin’ Christmas: The Holiday Music of Tony Bennett from Windmill Productions on Dec. 7 and 8; and the Lima Symphony Orchestra’s Bells, Brass, and Bows on Dec. 15.
This season’s sponsor is Beasley Architecture & Design, with media sponsorship from the Bellefontaine Examiner and V-Teck Communication, and season support from Honda of America and the Ohio Arts Council.
Tickets are available online at TheHolland.org, by phone at (937) 592-9002, or in person at the box office, 127 E. Columbus Ave. Box office hours are Tuesday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Thursday and Friday 1 to 5 p.m.