Goldie Payne and the Backstage Band will return to the River Park Center at 8 p.m. on New Year’s Eve for their Final Reunion show. Payne and company have entertained the Owensboro community for many years and promise a jam-packed, fun-filled family experience.
Payne began her career in Owensboro 45 years ago in a small venue where the RiverPark Center now stands. The New Year’s Eve show has been a staple in the area for 40 years, and Payne said it would be impossible to describe everything attendees can expect to see this year.
“This is always a jam-packed and fun time of the year for me,” Payne said. “When you think about New Year’s Eve, you want to spend time with your family and friends. We have always had that family atmosphere as part of our variety show.”
After a one-year hiatus caused by the pandemic, organizers of the event were initially concerned that the same might be possible this year. While some restrictions remain in place, Payne is elated to return the show to the tri-state.
“The people are what keep me doing it; I just love being involved,” she said. “We love giving you the opportunity to have family time with your family.”
Friends of the show include Jon Brennan, Katie Herron, Tara Estes, Travis Estes, Janie Jett Mason, Greg Tate, Barry and Bill Potter, Alyssa Roby, Cousin Minnie Pearl, Scott Davis, and more.
Brennan most recently finished a reunion tour on MTV’s reality television show The Real World and released a new CD. Herron is a sister of Brennan, and her children will accompany her on stage, much like she and Brennan did during their youth.
“Jon and I will have fun like we always do,” Payne said. “Katie grew up on the stage and is amazing to watch. She does a terrific job on a Patsy Cline song and performs a comedy skit that will make you laugh out loud.”
The performance truly is a reunion show as many of the performers began their entertainment careers at Goldie’s, always ecstatic to return. Payne labeled Travis and Tara Estes as a dynamic duo with some of the finest voices in the area.
“They both came out of high school to Goldie’s, and their vocals are as solid as they always were,” she said. “They are performers. Tara loves to do impersonations and can mimic anyone. Travis is a strong vocalist that makes you love everything he’s doing.”
The star-studded lineup doesn’t end there, with some top-quality old-timers and newcomers rounding out the show. Guests can also expect to see Elvis covers by Brad McCrady, ventriloquist routines by Mason and her doll Jerry, and “side splittin’” comedy skits from Pearl.
The show’s final hour is dedicated solely to “old-time rock n’ roll.”
Payne attributes her longstanding success to the community’s support and her willingness to generate laughter, often at her own expense.
“If you come to this community, you’re going to love it. I was born and raised here, and it’s a great place to be,” Payne said. “Being able to do what I do and people coming to see me – it was an honor to be on stage every Friday and Saturday. I always say that I was the original reality show. Everything I talked about on Friday and Saturday happened during the week, and people didn’t want to miss an episode.”
To purchase tickets, visit the RiverPark Center’s website or Ticketmaster.
