SACO — Two lifelong friends will be on stage together for their last public appearance on Saturday.
Roland Bergeron, 85, and Louis “Red” Soucy, 83, will perform, along with others, an “Old Country Music Nite” at 7 p.m. at the Cornerstone Methodist Church at 20 Jenkins Road.
The two first performed publicly together around 1942 for troops stationed in Saco. About 25 years ago, they formed the Saco Troubadours, performing at nursing homes and community events.
Bergeron and Soucy played mainly old time country music, such as “I’m Thinking Tonight of My Blue Eyes,” which they dubbed “the crying song.”
“That was the hit parade for us,” said Bergeron.
Other crowd pleasers included “You are My Sunshine” and “I Just Don’t Look Good Naked Anymore,” a humorous song about getting older.
The two said they enjoyed playing at nursing homes and seeing the residents have a good time.
“The more we play, the more fun we have,” said Bergeron.
Bergeron said that at first the two had a program they followed, but Soucy said later on they would “wing it.”
Their shows inspired audiences to sing along, and they received standing ovations and requests to come back.
Bergeron plays the banjo, Soucy plays the guitar, and their unpredictable antics are guaranteed to garner some chuckles from listeners.
“Sometimes, we try to screw each other up,” said Soucy.
“Anything to make people laugh,” said Bergeron.
As the two share memories of their times on stage together, it’s easy to see the connection they have.
Bergeron said that Soucy is “like a brother to me.”
“We never argue, never fight,” he said.
“It’s been quite a friendship,” said Soucy.
Saturday night will be bittersweet, as the two look forward to playing on stage, but know it will be their last public appearance together.
Soucy, who had to relearn the guitar after a heart attack and stroke in 2008, said that it is time for him to get off the stage.
“I realize I’m over the hill, but I’ve had a hell of a good ride,” said Soucy.
— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be contacted at 282-1535, Ext. 325 or egotthelf@journaltribune.com.
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