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The Grammy-winning cowboy singers Riders in the Sky will bring the harmonies that delighted Toy Story 2 fans to Rocker Crusher Canyon.
By JORGE SANCHEZ
© St. Petersburg Times, published March 2, 2001
Fresh off a Grammy for the title song from the film Toy Story 2, the western swing music and storytelling group Riders in the Sky will perform April 6 at Rock Crusher Canyon Garden Pavilion.
The group won the Grammy for best album for children on Feb. 21 for the release Woody's Roundup, a CD containing the theme song for the Disney movie. Woody's Roundup, written by Randy Newman, was included in the CD release of the same name, which was Riders in the Sky's twentieth album.
Riders in the Sky are guitarist Ranger Doug "Idol of American Youth," Woody Paul, "King of the Cowboy Fiddlers," Too Slim, the bass player and Joey the Cowpolka King, on accordion.
Playing acoustic instruments, the band performs a great mix of cowboy and Western songs, such as Home on the Range. They are excellent musicians and singers, and their harmonies are Western, rather than country. They are also gifted storytellers and performers, following in the trail of bands such as the Sons of the Pioneers and Bob Wills.
The Riders perform about 200 concerts a year and also created and hosted Riders' Radio Theater, broadcast over 170 public and commercial stations since 1989.
Tickets for the April 6 show and a barbecue buffet are $25 for adults, $12.50 for children age 5 to 12 and under 5 are free. The Rock Crusher Canyon box office, 275 S Rock Crusher Road, is open Monday through Friday or order by phone at 795-1313. Riders In The Sky will perform twice, with seatings at 4 and 7 p.m.