Roy Orbison's Pretty Woman The Dance by Garth Brooks Ring of Fire by Johnny Cash What do such works have in common?

Longevity. These are songs that have stood the test of time, still played years and sometimes decades after first popularized.

Even people who aren't into country music can name songs by these artists.

"It's remarkable songwriting," noted Steve Hillis, who does a Garth Brooks tribute act.

"These are songs that will last. A good song is a good song."

Works by these three giants of modern music will be performed by the tribute group Men in Black at this year's Arts Alive.

Men in Black wasn't started by the three men who perform in it (Hillis, Daryl Weyman and Troy Gibson).

At an event, someone put the acts together and "we thought that would be a good combination," Hillis said.

Men in Black performs a few times each year as well as performing as individuals.

"We [have] actually known each other for a number of years," Hillis said.

He is no stranger to the McBurney Lane Stage at Arts Alive, performing solo at previous events.

This will be Men in Black's first Arts Alive show.

Hillis and Weyman are based in Chilliwack while Gibson lives in Hatzic.

"I have been at this tribute to Johnny Cash for about 30 years now, and it just keeps growing," Weyman said. "I really can't explain the appeal other than Johnny is an icon as big as Elvis in some ways, especially in the U.S. and northern parts of Canada."

Weyman has performed at some Langley retirement homes and the Cloverdale Rodeo, and he said he's looking forward to his first time at Arts Alive.

Hillis said Arts Alive is a nice place to play because audiences are there to enjoy the music and he enjoys seeing the families.

"It's outdoor for the general public and that means all ages. The kids are a great group to play for," Hillis said. "The people are there for the artists, not the drinking or dancing."

Men in Black is on the McBurney Lane Stage at 12: 30 p.m. on Aug. 18.

Each performer will have a chance to showcase the works by the artists they are paying tribute to in this show devoted to three giants of modern music.

"The music endures, the songwriting endures, and the fans endure," Hillis said.

hcolpitts@langleyadvance.com