Lots of Love for Hank

Written by Anthony Brady -- Published in the Warrnambool Standard Friday September 15th 2017. Photo by Rob Gunstone.

Mick Schack is the organiser of the annual Hank Williams Tribute Night. The concert will be held on Thursday.

A GATHERING of some of the south-west’s best musicians will honour the work of legendary US country music figure Hank Williams. The annual Hank Williams Tribute Night will be held at the City Memorial Bowls Club on Thursday, September 21. A long list of performers will appear across two stages, putting their spin on a host of Williams’ songs. The concert is a major fundraiser for community radio station 3WAY FM. Concert organiser Mick Schack said he is happy with the line up. “It’s looking pretty good, there is a big field of performers,” Schack said. “The hardest part is trying to fit everyone in. “The night started in 1999 at the Royal Hotel but it got too big for that venue, we needed somewhere we could operate two stages. “We have introduced themes over the last few years to add a bit of variety. This year’s theme is Howling at the Moon, which is a Hank song. Some performers have picked their songs based on that theme.” Cill-Airne member Jo Brooks is among those who will be performing on the night. “It’s a great fundraiser for 3WAY FM and definitely a celebration of not only Hank but the talent we have here,” Brooks said.“It has been going for a while now so everyone knows it is coming up and we all look forward to it. “Hank was the original music professional and the ultimate musician of his time. He showed songs don’t have to be complicated to make an impact. “He wrote deep from his soul, songs that people could relate to.“Technically he was a brilliant singer, it’s a challenge to sing a Hank song.” Other performers joining Brooks on the bill include the Warrnambool Uke group, Trevor Bonney Stage, Nigel Wearne, Ben Witham, Fiona Kershaw, Wednesday Whistlers, Ian Boyd, Ray Anderson, Texas Tom, The Bucks, Lee Morgan, Eddy Boyle, Trevor Keilar, Lost in suburbia, Loose Cannons, Streamline, Louie and the Melways Kate Gane, Marie Daffy, Richard Tankard Trio and Hack and the Thoroughbreds. The first act is at 7pm.