The LOUISIANA HAYRIDE® Returns

Event:            The LOUISIANA HAYRIDE®

When:            2 p.m. on Sunday, May 22

Where:           The Scottish Rite Temple, at the corner of Cotton and Common Streets

Cost:              a donation to the Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation of $25.00

Tickets:         Ed Durham (Kitchen Works) at (318) 865-8108, or

                        at the office of the Scottish Rite at the corner of Cotton and Common, or

                        available at the door on Sunday afternoon of the performance

Contacts:      Ed Durham at (318) 865-8108 or Carey Allison at (318) 212-8737

On Sunday afternoon, May 22, at 2:00 p.m. local residents will have another chance to enjoy music and entertainment in the old style Louisiana Hayride format.  The Louisiana Hayride® began here in Shreveport, and became a radio institution in Shreveport beginning on KWKH in 1948 continuing until November 1958.  During the run of the first Louisiana Hayride®, it aired for over 550 consecutive Saturday nights, and was heard at one time on 27 radio stations.  In the beginning the Louisiana Hayride® featured local and regional performers and groups, nurturing talent that in many cases later moved on to the national stage.  Many performers who had their first big exposure with the Hayride later went on to the Grand Ole Opry, a country music institution; performers including Hank Williams, Sr., Slim Whitman, Webb Pierce, Faron Young, Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Johnny Horton are among the many performers who graced the Louisiana Hayride stage during it’s heyday, along with the Louisiana Hayride continuing to provide opportunity and exposure for local and regional developing talent.

The Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation’s fundraiser will be a wholesome, family-friendly event with several local music groups, including Homade Jam, Mickey Gill, Donna Ray, Bruce Blake, and also the Blake Brothers group, and Bud Christian.  Those in attendance will also be treated to the comic stylings of “Bubba” as he comments of issues of importance to him.  The name, “The Louisiana Hayride” is being used with permission of the owners. 

Scottish Rite Masons will be in attendance to give some history and point out some of the features of the grand old building that was constructed in 1915-1917 and now is on the National Registry of Historic Places.  Popcorn and soft drinks will be available for those interested during an intermission.

The Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 organization that owns and maintains the Shreveport Scottish Rite Temple, is sponsoring this Sunday afternoon performance as a fund-raising opportunity to generate funds for the maintenance and upkeep of this beautiful old building.  The Scottish Rite Temple is used by Scottish Rite Masons, but is also available for rent by private individuals (e.g., weddings, receptions, anniversary celebrations) and organizations for meeting and programs.  The primary use of the funds raised will be the addition of a ramp to make the building handicapped-accessible, an important consideration for a grand landmark and historical building that is used by so many groups and individuals besides the Scottish Rite members.

Tickets are a donation of $25.00 each, with children under 10 admitted free.  Tickets are available at Kitchen Works at 5733 Youree Drive, at the office of the Scottish Rite in the Temple at the corner of Cotton and Common Streets, AND will be available at the door.  Come on out to the Scottish Rite Temple, at the corner of Common and Cotton Streets, on Sunday afternoon, May 22nd, at 2:00 p.m. to hear some great music by local performers (whom you may someday see performing in a national venue), see and enjoy one of Shreveport’s local historic landmarks, and by your attendance support a local foundation that seeks to maintain and preserve a grand old building that, if once lost, could never be replaced.  The Shreveport Scottish Rite Foundation thanks you in advance for your attendance and support.  This will be music and fun the entire family can enjoy