Like so many of the most influential singers, Pasty Cline died far too soon. But her memory, and her music, still lives on.
Cline’s music has continued to cross boundaries and reach a diverse audience, long after that tragic ending on March 5, 1963. Cline’s haunting and honey soprano voice has influenced a wide range of artists as Loretta Lynn and Linda Ronstadt, to Bryan Adams and k.d. Lang.
Her single Crazy is one of the most popular jukebox songs ever and second only to Elvis Presley's Hound Dog. Aside from her music, Patsy left an enduring impression on her fans and fellow country stars for her courage and perseverance. Now, 47 years later, the Chilliwack Cultural Centre presents a very special Mother’s Day with Pasty Cline, starring Bonnie Kilroe.
Bonnie has appeared from Alaska to Antarctica with three suitcases full of costumes and wigs impersonating everyone, including Cher, Barbra Streisand and Lady Gaga, to sold out shows. She is coming to the Chilliwack Cultural Centre with her best solo impersonation as country legend, Patsy Cline.
She'll be bringing back some Patsy favourites, such as Crazy, Sweet Dreams, Walking after Midnight, I Fall to Pieces, and many more. Audience participation is encouraged and adds an extra element of novelty and surprise. Kilroe uses natural comic timing, striking looks and versatile vocals to keep the audience entertained. And she says people should expect a fun show, despite Cline sometimes being associated with slow, sad songs.
"Not true," she says. "I promise this show will be far from boring. I love interaction with the audience and the more connection, the better."
Kilroe performs shows as many different famous entertainers, sometimes in a 14 character Vegas Meets Vaudeville Show.
"I play Patsy as one of the only serious characters in that show, but when I do the full Patsy tribute, I love to bring comedy to my show. And they may not expect it, but I will also deliver the beautiful, vulnerable emotion of her music," she says.
There will be two shows, at 4 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. on May 8 at the Chilliwack Cultural Centre.
Tickets are $34, $29 for seniors. For more information, phone 604-391-7469.