“Roy Orbison Returns” with special guest Rio Salinas featuring Louie Ortega
Show is presented by Unity of San Luis Obispo – Oct. 30, 7 p.m.
One night, back in 2004, country western singer Wiley Ray was enticed into performing “Oh Pretty Woman” at a karaoke bar. When he finished, he was treated to stunned silence and then thunderous applause.
This singular event blossomed into Wiley Ray and the Big O Band, a regionally-touring musical group paying tribute to one of the greatest singer /-songwriters of all time. Wiley was already something of an expert on All Things Roy and a fan from the earliest days, so it was no stretch to go “Roy” all the way.
Wiley Ray, however, wanted to reach more people, touch more hearts and keep Roy Orbison’s music alive , as well as introducing a new generation to Roy’s magic, music, and stage presence. “Roy Orbison Returns is a fully-scripted musical theater re-creation of Roy Orbison’s 1980’s concert era with costumes, lighting, staging and Orbison’s set list.
Included in the ninety-minute shows are songs representative of thirty-plus years of musical history from his earliest Teen Kings rockabilly days through Doo-Wop and on through the sixties into the MTV era.
Wiley Ray’s back-up musicians brings a group of talented musicians. Dwight Harrington, Guitar, Lead Guitar, Vocals; Ron Labrie, Keyboards, Vocals; Tommy Souza, Percussions; James Stone, Bass, Guitar.
A portion of the ticket sales will be donated to CASA and the San Luis Obispo Symphony.
Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo, (805) 756-4849, www.pacslo.org
About Grammy Award winner Louie Ortega
In the sixties, a new form of music was changing an entire generation. It was during this fertile time in the development of rock n’ roll, that three friends, Louie Ortega, Frank Paredes and Randy Pybas began their musical journey. Heavily influenced by not only rock n’ roll, but by country, blues, gospel and the singular sounds of traditional Mexican music, they began a journey that would span five decades.
Although best known nationally and internationally for his unobtrusive yet fortifying guitar licks and warm, smooth vocals, Ortega is a singer / songwriter/ and guitarist. With a career spanning more than three decades, he performs throughout the county at many different venues. He has performed with the newly revitalized Sir Douglas (Doug Sahm, Doug Clifford, Augie Myers and John Jorgenson) on Elektra Records. He has also released two solo CD’s: “You & I” and “In My Heart”, featuring a collection of well-crafted tunes.
