Tribute to country stars

Country tribute artists reunite Waylon, Willie and Johnny Cash

Country legend Willie Nelson is coming to the Tivoli Theatre on Oct. 21. But if you want a little preview of the legendary country singer, head to Alhambra Shrine Temple, 100 Alhambra Drive in East Brainerd, on Saturday, Aug. 5.

The Alhambra Shriners Buggy Patrol is presenting “A Tribute to the Country Stars,” which features Terry Padgett impersonating Waylon Jennings, Alan Tedders as Nelson and Lou Vuto as The Man in Black, Johnny Cash.

Tedders is no stranger to the stage and studio. He has been on many stages throughout the Southeast and met many country legends including his personal idol, Willie Nelson. In March of this year, he was selected to perform as Nelson at the Memories Theater. Prior to that he performed in Pigeon Forge, Tenn., in the Tribute Theater’s “Lost in the ’50s” show.

Padgett has been performing as Elvis since 2002. Through a chance meeting during a night of karaoke, Tedders noticed Padgett’s voice and asked if he would be willing to perform as Waylon Jennings.

In February 2014, they launched the “Willie and Waylon Experience.” The two performers are very relaxed and casual onstage as they perform their renditions of the two country legends. They say they aren’t just singing words, but truly believe the music represents a better time.

Lou Vuto has been headlining in Pigeon Forge for more than 18 years as a singing celebrity impressionist and Elvis tribute artist. He is part of the cast in “Elvis and Friends.” Vuto’s also performed tributes to musical icons Frank Sinatra, Tom Jones, Neil Diamond and Dean Martin.

Vuto’s tribute to Johnny Cash celebrates the life and music of The Man in Black, re- creating hits such as “Folsom Prison Blues,” “I Walk the Line” and “Ring of Fire.”

Doors open for the tribute show at 5:45 p.m. and the show begins at 7. Tickets are $ 20 for reserved seats in the first two rows or $15 general admission. There is also a $7.50 additional ticket offered for a country meatloaf dinner. Proceeds benefit Shrine philanthropies.

For tickets: 423-619-7911 or 423-892-0223.

AP PHOTOS Country legends Waylon Jennings, Johnny Cash and Willie Nelson, from left.