Josie Waverly performs to sellout in Albion
Photos by Ginny Kropf: Country/Western star Josie Waverly, right, brought down the house with her first appearance in Albion on Saturday night since suffering severe injuries from a motor vehicle accident, which occurred when she was traveling to Albion in December 2016 for a benefit concert. Waverly performs here at the Cabaret at Studio B with Kelly Reilly of Irondequoit, who was making her first official appearance singing harmony with Waverly.
By Ginny Kropf, correspondent
ALBION – If returning to Albion for a show was traumatic for Josie Waverly, she sure didn’t show it.
The Country/Western star from Hilton put on her first show in Albion on Saturday night since being seriously injured in an automobile accident December 2016 when she was route to do a benefit concert.
Waverly, who recently signed Amy Sidari as her publicist, performed to a sold-out crowd at the Cabaret at Studio B.
Amy Sidari, owner of the Cabaret at Studio B, and Josie Waverly of Hilton share some antics about their recent trip to New Jersey, where Waverly sold out a 450-seat venue four days in a row. Sidari has taken on a new role as Waverly’s publicist.
The evening was also special, as it marked her official debut with Kelly Reilly of Irondequoit singing harmony.
“I have been looking for a long time for someone to sing harmony,” Waverly said. “I’m so fortunate I found her.”
Waverly also introduced Dave “Tank” Taney of Hilton, a drummer whose rendition of “Hot Rod Lincoln” had the crowd stomping their feet and cheering.
Waverly said she and Sidari just returned from New Jersey, where Waverly’s show sold out at a 450-seat venue for four days. Waverly said she had also just received a call inviting her and the band back next year.
The evening became emotional when near the end, Waverly choked up in the middle of a song and stopped the band. She said she felt the urge to sing something different which she wanted to dedicate to Sidari. Her rendition of “How Great Thou Art” brought the room to its feet.
Sidari and Waverly are both looking forward to the day expansion begins on the Cabaret at Studio B, which will at least double its space.
Sidari announced the stars of several upcoming shows at the Cabaret, including a variety show featuring local talent and Albion High School student Riley Seielstad, accompanied by Albion music teacher Gary Simboli.
Topping it off will be a return appearance of nationally acclaimed jazz singer Erin Boheme, who will be at the Cabaret for two shows in August. Boheme is the singer who performed at the inauguration of President Donald Trump.
“Amy makes things happen,” Waverly said.
