(PRWEB) May 19, 2004 -- Will Peter Bay be in spurs and chaps?! You never know… This May, singing cowboys Riders in the Sky and the Austin Symphony will create a unique and fun-filled evening of western favorites for Austin audiences. Since 1977, Riders In The Sky have faithfully tended a musical tradition kindled by singing cowboy legends such as Gene Autry and the Sons of the Pioneers. Throughout their career, Riders 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 a quarter century, more than 4,500 shows, 290 national TV appearances, 203 public radio shows, nearly 700 Grand Ole' Opry appearances, 2.3 million miles on the road, three television series and 31 albums down the trail, a group that began with a commitment to carry on an American musical tradition has itself become a national treasure.
In 1999, 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." They then recorded a "companion album" for the movie: "Woody's Roundup featuring Riders In The Sky." The album landed Riders In The Sky a Grammy Award© for Best Children's Album in 2001. The following year, Riders received accolades from onstage at the Academy Awards© for "For The Birds," an animated short film from Pixar Animation Studios that opened worldwide for Disney's Monsters Inc. In 2003, Riders roped a second Grammy Award©, this time for their album release Walt Disney Record's Monsters Inc. - Scream Factory Favorites.
This will be the last of four pairs of concerts from the newly expanded Sarah and Ernest Butler Pops Series. The Austin Symphony’s Promenade Pops event is a beloved Austin tradition for gathering friends, family, and colleagues for a season-end celebration. Picnic dinners are encouraged although drinks must be purchased at the venue. This is a unique and festive event that is not to be missed.