Tribute artist Tim Hadler
Heralded tribute artist Tim Hadler will bring the music and life story of one of country music’s top legends to Somerset in “Hank Williams Revisited” on Thursday, July 26, at The Center for Rural Development in Somerset as part of a benefit concert to support AIM Pregnancy Support Center.
Hadler, who performs the show each weekend in Branson, Mo.’s Little Opry Theatre, will sing Williams’ greatest hits and tell the story of the late singer and songwriter from his birth in 1923 to his untimely death at only 29 years of age.
The show, set to begin at 7 p.m., will also include a special appearance by the Lake Cumberland Jammers’ Jim Stout and Maryann Callerman.
All proceeds from ticket sales will support the mission of the AIM Pregnancy Support Center, a Christian nonprofit organization that helps mothers facing unplanned pregnancies by offering counseling, parenting preparation, and other direct support as an alternative to abortion—all at no cost to clients.
The organization operates solely on donations from local churches, businesses, and individuals.
“The Center for Rural Development is proud to be the site for this great event and help with such a worthwhile cause,” said Laura Glover, director of sales and events. “We know you will enjoy the show, as Tim Hadler brings the story and music of Hank Williams to life on stage here in Somerset.”
In the show, Hadler will perform a medley of Williams’ chart-topping hits, including “Your Cheatin’ Heart,” “Hey Good Looking,” “I’m So Lonesome I Could Cry,” and other songs performed by Williams’s early alter ego, “Luke the Drifter.”
“The story of Hank Williams is remarkable. In the 29 years he was on this earth, he wrote hundreds of songs. He was the first country superstar and has influenced hundreds of country music artists.”
Show promoter Carl Skaggs of Cumberland Productions
Hadler, voted the “2011 Best Tribute Artist” by Branson music fans, has performed on the stage of the famed Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, and opened for Little Jimmy Dickens, Jack Green, Stonewall Jackson, and other well-known country music artists.
Skaggs, who watched the “Hank Williams Revisited” show twice recently in Branson, said he was motivated to bring the show to Somerset for a benefit concert after hearing Hadler share an emotional story during one of his Branson performances.
Skaggs said Hadler told the audience how he and his wife, Angie, faced a difficult situation nine years ago after their doctor told them tests revealed their four-month-old baby would likely be born with Down Syndrome. The doctor recommended they consider an abortion, Hadler said.
Despite the test results, the Hadlers delivered a perfectly healthy baby boy five months later. Nine-year-old Austin Hadler now performs with his father during the show.
“Tim and Angie decided they were going to accept that baby the way God gave it to them, whether it was born with Down Syndrome or not,” Skaggs said. “When he said this, I immediately thought of AIM Pregnancy Support Center and the work the staff does each day to find an alternative to abortion.”
Becky Johnson, executive director of AIM Pregnancy Support Center, said she is grateful for the financial support the fundraising concert will provide the organization.
“AIM Pregnancy Center is very blessed to have this concert to help us save babies from abortion and to save their mommy and daddies for Christ,” Johnson said.
The center hopes to begin doing limited ultrasounds in the office by late September, Johnson said, noting a portion of the funds from the benefit concert will be used to help with the start-up expenses for operating the ultrasound machine.
To purchase tickets for “Hank Williams Revisited,” on July 26 at The Center in Somerset, contact The Center’s Box Office at 606-677-6000. Visit The Center’s website at centertech.com to learn more about the benefit concert and see a video interview with Skaggs about the upcoming performance.
