ARTRA presents the Riders in the Sky

Some call it cowboy music; some call it folk music; some call it the Best in Western music. Call it what you like, the bottom line is this: Riders In The Sky deliver pure and priceless entertainment. The moment America’s Favorite Cowboys step up to the microphone the magic begins, allowing listeners to leave behind the frenzied pace of today’s living and lose themselves in the romantic, comical and whimsical world of the singing cowboy.

Since 1977, Riders In The Sky have faithfully tended a musical tradition kindled by singing cowboy legends such as the Sons of the Pioneers. Throughout their collaborative career, they have branded the genre with their own mark, crafted from a well-balanced mix of both classic and original western songs, smooth harmony, hot licks and slapstick comedy. Over two decades, more than 4,000 shows, 200 national TV appearances, 200 public radio shows, 2.3 million miles on the road, three television series and dozens of albums down the trail, a group that began with a commitment to carry on an American musical tradition has itself become a national treasure.

The Riders’ enthralling act centers around the expert musicianship of Ranger Doug (Idol of American Youth), Woody Paul (The King of the Cowboy Fiddlers) and Too Slim (A Man Aging Like Fine Cheese). The three combine refreshing acoustical music and a wide musical repertoire with outrageous comedy, delivering entertainment guaranteed to delight listeners, regardless of age or musical preference. Their music is augmented by the robust accordion music of Joey (The Cowpolka King). To add to the fun, the Riders are often visited by one or more of their many faithful (and bizarre) sidekicks.

Riders In The Sky bring their music to the world with 200 live performances a year. In addition, they’ve created and hosted Riders’ Radio Theater, a radio program that’s been broadcast by over 170 public and commercial stations since 1989. They’ve recorded more than 20 albums. They’ve also starred in their own Saturday morning TV series for CBS, hosted Tumbleweed Theater for four years on The Nashville Network, appeared multiple times on Austin City Limits, starred in their own television specials, and are performing members of the Grand Ole Opry. And last fall, Riders brought the singing cowboy back to the big screen in a new way as they provided music for Disney/Pixar’s "Toy Story 2" with their rendition of "Woody’s Roundup".

If you’re a fan of the Old West, good comedy, stellar harmony or "mighty fine" family entertainment - or if you simply have a pulse - and you haven’t heard of Riders In The Sky, you won’t believe what you’ve been missing. If you’re a Riders In The Skynovice or established Saddle Pal, we needn’t say more. Either way, expect the west from Riders In The Sky . . . it’s the Cowboy Way.  Find more information at www.ridersinthesky.com.