Joyann Parker (Center) performs at Chanhassen Dinner Theater with Christ Bates (left) and Mark Lamoine (right). Parker will be bringing her “Classic Ladies of Country” tribute to show to State Street Theater, Saturday. Photo by Raven Real Photography

NEW ULM — Joyann Parker will bring her “Classic Ladies of Country” tribute to New Ulm on Saturday.

Parker’s show, which was named Best Tribute Act by the Midwest Country Music Association, highlights influential female country artists through live music and storytelling. The program features songs made famous by Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Skeeter Davis and others, including “Stand By Your Man,” “I Will Always Love You,” “You Ain’t Woman Enough (To Take My Man)” and “The End of the World.”

Rather than impersonating the artists she features, Parker performs her own interpretations of their songs while offering historical context and personal stories.

“I knew I didn’t want to do a traditional tribute where I just got up and pretended to be the artist,” Joyann Parker said. “I wanted to sing the songs and also tell their story.”

Parker said her appreciation for classic country music developed gradually. Growing up in the 1990s, she was influenced by artists such as Reba McEntire and Martina McBride.

“When I finally started listening to classic country, I realized all the women I really liked were influenced by artists like Patsy Cline and Skeeter Davis,” she said. “That’s when I started digging into their music.”

With a background in music education and a long-standing interest in music history, Parker said storytelling naturally became part of her performances. Audience response helped shape the show’s format.

“The audience really led that part,” she said. “They connected with the stories.”

The production has expanded over several years. It began as a trio with Parker on vocals, accompanied by guitar and keyboard. As interest grew, the show added drums and bass, forming a full band.

Despite the larger ensemble, the performance remains centered on Parker. There are no backup singers; band members provide harmonies when possible.

Throughout the show, Parker highlights the challenges faced by early female country artists in a male-dominated industry. Many balanced careers with family responsibilities while navigating professional obstacles and personal hardships.

“There are some incredible stories,” she said. “Some of them are tragic, but they’re important.”

Parker said she avoids imitation when performing songs associated with iconic voices.

“I’m not trying to be them,” she said. “I want to be genuine and deliver things from the heart.”

Audience members often tell her the show evokes strong memories tied to the music.

“It brings people back in time,” she said. “They remember where they were when they first heard these songs, or who they listened to them with.”

Saturday’s performance will feature classic country songs, historical insights and personal reflections, offering audiences an opportunity to revisit the music and stories of women who shaped the genre.

Tickets for the 2 p.m. show are $30 in advance, $35 at the door, and $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets are available through the State Street Theater website.