Riders in the Sky to Perform a Tribute to King of the Cowboys, Roy Rogers at the Historic Masonic Theatre   Clifton Forge, VA (Oct. 17, 2016) - King of the Cowboys, Riders In The Sky Salute to Roy Rogers is coming to the stage of the Historic Masonic Theatre on Sunday afternoon, October 3 at 4:00 pm. For more than thirty years Riders In The Sky have been keepers of the flame passed on by the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers, reviving and revitalizing the genre of Western music. And while remaining true to the integrity of Western music, they have themselves become modern-day icons by branding the genre with their own legendary wacky humor and way-out Western wit, and all along encouraging buckaroos and buckarettes to live life "The Cowboy Way!" Join Riders in The Sky in a thrilling ride to yesteryear as they salute iconic western movie, music and TV star Roy Rogers, undisputed “King of the Cowboys.” “King of the Cowboys – Riders in The Sky Salute Roy Rogers” is a multi-media romp featuring audience-friendly favorites from Roy’s long career that include “Don’t Fence Me In,” “Pecos Bill,” “Happy Trails” and more, all appearing on the Riders’ latest album saluting Roy Rogers, and wrapped up in Riders’ two-time Grammy-winning high yodeling style. Film clips of Roy’s greatest moments on screen with Trigger, Dale Evans and the Sons of the Pioneers are featured, as well as a film montage tribute to “The Greatest Sidekick of ‘Em All: Gabby Hayes!” Ranger Doug, preeminent singing cowboy historian, provides some biographical fun facts about Roy’s life, from his humble beginnings as Leonard Slye from Duck Run, Ohio, to one of Hollywood’s most beloved stars, and his influence on a generation of musicians and western entertainers. “Roy was my idol, plain and simple,” says Rider Too Slim. “This show will trigger (sorry about that) a lot of memories for folks our age, and introduce new generations to a wonderful man and artist who deserves to be celebrated. See you there, saddlepals!” Riders In The Sky as a classic cowboy quartet, the trail has led them to heights they could have never predicted. Riders have chalked up over 6100 concert appearances in all 50 states and 10 countries, appearing in venues everywhere from the Nashville National Guard Armory to Carnegie Hall, and from county fairs to the Hollywood Bowl. If you consider their compositional credits, one might call them "Writers In The Sky!" In addition to penning award winning songs for their own albums, they wrote the score for Pixar Animation's 2002 Academy Award-winning short "For the Birds." They composed the theme song for the internet cartoon show "Thomas Timberwolf" by renowned Bugs Bunny creator Chuck Jones. But the animated character that history will most certainly link to Riders In The Sky is the lovable cowboy Woody, as Riders performed "Woody's Round Up" in "Toy Story 2," with the album of the same name garnering Riders their first Grammy Award in 2001 for "Best Musical Album for Children." Two years later, Riders roped their second Grammy in the same category, for "Monsters Inc. - Scream Factory Favorites," the companion CD to Pixar's award winning movie. No less important than their two Grammies, Riders have been the Western Music Association's "Entertainers Of the Year" seven times, and won "Traditional Group of the Year" and "Traditional Album of the Year" multiple times. The Academy of Western Artists has named them "Western Music Group of the Year" twice in five years, and the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum has bestowed Riders with their Wrangler Award statuette three times. It comes as no surprise then that Billboard magazine's Jim Bessman counts them as one of "the most historically significant acts in the history of American music." Yes, it would be "The Easy Way" to call it a career after 30-plus years, but it wouldn't be..."The Cowboy Way!" And so, the never-ending trail drive continues. The ponies are rested and watered, and America's Favorite Cowboys are ready to saddle up and ride to the Alleghany Highlands and the Historic Masonic Theatre. Tickets to King of the Cowboys, Riders in the Sky Tribute to Roy Rogers may be purchased on line at the Historic Masonic Theatre’s website, www.historicmasonictheatre.com or by calling the Theatre at 540 862 5655 on week days from 11:00 to 2:00 or purchased at the ticket booth on the day of the performance. When purchasing tickets you may choose your seat as well. Tickets for King of the Cowboys range from $25 to $30. For more information on the 2016 Historic Masonic Theatre schedule, please visit the Theatre website of Facebook page.

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