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For almost 40 years, Riders in the Sky has been sharing humor and music with audiences of all ages. And on Oct. 5, the Grammy-winning cowboy quartet will return to The Foundation Performing Arts & Conference Center in Spindale to again entertain.
"This fall we are doing a tour in support of our new album, which features songs that Roy Rogers performed in his movies," said Ranger Doug (Green), the group's lead singer. "We've been to Spindale two or three times, and that corner of North Carolina has been very kind to us."
Combining western harmonies with a left-field sense of humor, Riders In The Sky have dedicated themselves to not only carrying on, but revitalizing western music. The group began as the vision of Ranger Doug, who had a passion for the music of the West.
"I could see it was being relegated to the nostalgia bin," he said. "So I tried to put a group together."
The group's music is a combination of influences, from Sons of the Pioneers to Gene Autry and Roy Rogers. Riders in the Sky has nearly 40 albums under their belt buckles, but may be most-known for the song "Woody's Round Up" from DisneyPixar's "Toy Story 2."
"I think the whole cowboy image and music is very appealing to kids," Ranger Doug continued. "Kids can understand riding horses with their buddies. We often hear people say that they sat between their father and son at a show, and that both enjoyed it."
Riders in the Sky have two Grammys and have performed at the Grand Ole Opry and Carnegie Hall as well as appearances on television shows. Performing, said Ranger Doug, is rewarding.
"We have a good time. There's a plan and structure for each show, but there's also plenty of ad libbing," he said.
Show tickets are available online at www.FoundationShows.org, in the box office, or by calling 828-286-9990. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for the 7:30 p.m. performance. There will be no opening act.
