Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05

January 18, 2007 issue

Singer Ava Barber at Hayes Center Saturday, January 20

Story by David Brewer

Lawrence Welk Show star vocalist Ava Barber and her band will bring their upbeat mix of country and big band to the Hayes Performing Arts Center this Saturday, January 20. The show will start at 8:00 p.m.

A native of Knoxville, Tenn., Barber began singing professionally at the age of 10, joining a local country music television show four years later. After gaining much regional acclaim, Barber and her husband Roger contacted Lawrence Welk, later auditioning for the bandleader at a golf course in Nashville, Tenn.

Barber began performing on the Lawrence Welk Show in 1974, staying on until tapings of the live show ended in 1982. During her tenure on the show, Barber also experienced success with her recording of “Waitin’ At The End Of Your Run,” a truck driving song and then scored big on the charts with “Bucket To The South.” The song reached #13 on the Billboard charts and #12 in Canada.

Following her chart success, Barber appeared twice on the Grand Ole Opry as well as appearing on TV shows Nashville Now and Music City Tonight.

Throughout the 1980s, Barber and her husband toured the United States and Canada with their country band until leasing a theater in Pigeon Forge with surf guitar guru Dick Dale.

Though the Lawrence Welk Show tapings ended, Barber’s relationship with the show did not. From 1997 to 2000, Barber worked at the Welk Theater in Branson, Mo. Barber still tours with The Live Lawrence Welk Show Tour featuring stars from the Lawrence Welk Show.

Saturday’s show will also feature famed musician and Lawrence Welk Show alumnus Bob Havens, one of the leading Dixieland trombonists in the world.

Tickets to Saturday’s performance are $25. The performance will start at 8:00 p.m. For more info, call 828-295-9627 or click to www.brcac.org

 

Want To Go?

Date: Saturday, January 20

Time: 8:00 p.m.

Location: Hayes Performing Arts Center

Cost: $25