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The Oaks will stand tall at Rock Crusher
By JORGE SANCHEZ, Times Staff Writer
When the Oak Ridge Boys blend their four voices, listeners can expect a breathtaking arrangement, be it country, pop or gospel. Their singing career has hit the top levels in three fields of music, a rarity for most performers. The Boys are in the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and the Gospel Music Hall of Fame, and they have received nearly every major country music award. They are best known for their country rock love song Elvira, with its powerful three-note hook buttressed by bass singer Richard Sterban's do-wopping vocals. The song turns 23 years old this year. "I was a fan of the Oaks before I became a member," Sterban said. "Being in the Oak Ridge Boys is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream." The Oak Ridge Boys started their career as a gospel group and broke musical ground when they were credited with being the first major gospel group to add a drummer to their stage shows. Their vocal arrangements are spectacular, with each singer shifting gracefully from lead to harmony vocals as the song makes its way through musical arrangements that are, at times, awe-inspiring. The current Oak Ridge Boys, William Lee Golden (the mountain man), Joe Bonsall, Sterban and Duane Allen, have been together since the early '70s. But the band goes back to 1945, when as the Oak Ridge Quartet, they began appearing on the Grand Ole Opry. "We've experienced a lot of longevity," Sterban said. "We love to sing together, to harmonize together. It's what our lives are all about." About the CanyonRock Crusher Canyon Amphitheater is an outdoors venue, which means you have to bring your own chair or blanket, unless you have a VIP ticket. The weather is expected to be clear and slightly chilly Saturday, so a sweater or jacket is recommended. Parking is free. Shuttles can take people with mobility problems from the parking lot to the amphitheater floor. Food vendors are located in the amphitheater. VIP ticket holders can have a buffet meal at the Garden Pavilion next to the amphitheater. The pavilion bar will be open to general admission ticket holders when the entertainment begins in the amphitheater. General admission ticket holders may bring their own lawn chair or rent one at the event for $5 with an additional $5 deposit. Renters must retain their chair rental stub in order to receive their deposit at the end of the event. The following items are not permitted: coolers, outside food or beverage (including water), weapons, movie cameras, audio or video recording devices, pets and laser devices. All people are subject to search, and all handbags will be searched. No re-entry. This means that once a person is inside the amphitheater, if they leave, they will not be allowed back inside. The amphitheater is an outdoor venue. The concert will go on rain or shine, and no refunds or exchanges will be given. At a glanceThe Oak Ridge Boys will perform two concerts Saturday at Rock Crusher Canyon Amphitheater, 275 S Rock Crusher Road, Crystal River. Doors open for the first show at 10:30 a.m. The VIP meal is served until 12:30 p.m., when the music will begin. Doors open for the second show at 5 p.m. The VIP meal is served from 5 to 7 p.m., and music begins at 7 p.m. The opening act is Stampede. Advance tickets are $40 for VIP, which includes meal and stagefront seats, and $20 for general admission. Advance tickets are available at the Rock Crusher box office, by phone at 795-1313 in Citrus or 1-877-722-2696 toll-free or on the Internet at www.rockcrushercanyon.com. Tickets at the gate are $50 and $30.
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