September 10, 2009
Winchester Education Foundation
The historic John Handley High School Auditorium built in 1923 underwent a very important name change today. The Auditorium was today named the ‘Patsy Cline Theatre’ to honor former student and country music icon Patsy Cline.
The announcement was also made that the legendary entertainer, Willie Nelson, a close friend of the late Winchester recording star, will appear in Winchester at the auditorium to dedicate the facility in her honor on Thursday, October 29, 2009 at 8:00 P.M. for a concert. Net proceeds from the event will go to the Winchester Education Foundation.
The announcement was made by Dr. Damon DeArment, President, Winchester Education Foundation, the fundraising arm of the Winchester Public Schools, which raises money for academic programs, athletic teams, and other projects to enhance the Winchester Public School System. Dr. DeArment said, “The Willie Nelson concert will lend tremendous credibility to the Winchester Education Foundation and our mission to help the school children of Winchester. We are thrilled to honor the Dick family and Patsy, as well as further the goals of the Winchester Education Foundation.”
Dr. DeArment was also joined by Dr. Rick Leonard, Superintendent, Winchester Public Schools. Both expressed appreciation to Mr. Nelson for appearing at the dedication on October 29, 2009, and also emphasized the importance of the naming of the facility.
Dr. Leonard said, “This is a very singular day in the history of our community. The Handley Auditorium is the largest entertainment facility in our community, and is the scene of many Apple Blossom Festival events, including the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, and has a rich history of hosting many important musical and cultural events. I join the faculty, students and their parents in welcoming the legendary Willie Nelson to our Handley High School.”
Patsy Cline was born Virginia Patterson Hensley on September 8, 1932, in Winchester, Virginia. She started off in local radio shows, by singing at dances, and by having the luck to meet the right people, she managed to get a recording contract with Four Star Records in 1954. Patsy was a frequent celebrity at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival where she attended in 1955, 1956, and 1957. She went on to have great success in country music and was eventually inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1972. During her rise to the top, Patsy Cline was a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1960 – 1963. In 1962, she performed in Carnegie Hall and became the first woman to headline her own show in Las Vegas. Patsy was awarded with the Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award in 1995. In 2002, CMT named her #1 on its 40 Greatest Women of Country Music.
Patsy Cline attended Handley High School in the 10th grade in the mid-1950’s as did her husband, Charlie Dick.
This will be Mr. Nelson’s second visit to Winchester. He appeared as a celebrity in the 1966 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival. Willie Nelson is a country music legend with his success in both singing and songwriting. He has won nine Grammy Awards in his storied career. Willie Nelson has also won 9 CMA awards including, Single of the Year, Album of the Year, Vocal duo of the Year, and Entertainer of the Year. Willie joined the Grand Ole Opry in 1965 and has produced hits over the span of 5 decades. Willie Nelson is a true American icon and will return to Winchester to dedicate the Patsy Cline Theatre.
There is a strong sentimental attachment with Mr. Nelson’s appearance. He wrote the song “Crazy” and gave it to Patsy Cline, whose version rose to number two on the charts in 1962. Many Patsy Cline fans call the song their favorite.
Mr. Nelson’s visit was arranged through the efforts of community leaders, Cody Dearing and Christian Schweiger, and Russ Potts, the Executive Director of the Winchester Education Foundation, in conjunction with The Rooney Sports and Entertainment Group. Mr. Rooney is a member of the Pittsburgh Rooney family which owns the Pittsburgh Steelers football team.
Tickets will go on sale September 21st at Ticketmaster.com.
Go handley!!
Sounds like a wonderful show and great tribute to Patsy. Thank you Willie for being part of this event.
as patsys lead guitarist for many years, i amtouched by your tribute to her. i think that you along with your great songa have made the ledgend of her areal ledgend. thank you your friend gene shiner
as patsys lead guitarist for many years, i amtouched by your tribute to her. i think that you along with your great songs have made the ledgend of her areal ledgend. thank you your friend gene shiner