RIDERS IN THE SKY TO PERFORM IN PERRYVILLE

PERRYVILLE -- The Western antics of the Riders in the Sky trio will hit Southeast Missouri next month.

The trio will perform a routine mixed with acoustic music and comedy at the Immanuel Lutheran School March 3 and the following day at the Fellowship General Baptist Church in Poplar Bluff. Both shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

The first concert is sponsored by the Perry County Community Concert Association. Tickets cost $22 for adults and $10 for students. For ticket information in Poplar Bluff, call 573-840-9660.

Ranger Doug, Too Slim and Woody Paul, a trio known as Riders in the Sky, have recorded 17 albums and expect their next one, "Always Drink Upstream from the Herd," to be released in October.

The group hosts a weekly radio show, "Riders Radio Theater" on National Public Radio and occasionally can be seen on The Nashville Network and at the Grand Ole Opry.

They are the first country music group to perform in the community, said Carolyn Pontillas, president of the Perry County Community Concert Association.

"A lot of talent comes through Perryville," she said. "They are on their way to the top."

Several people in town have requested tickets for the show, she added. "People have called saying they follow them everywhere they go. They are just crazy guys with zany costumes."

The Perry County Community Concert Association sponsors a series of concerts throughout the year for its members. Past performers even have been seen at the Kennedy Center, Pontillas said.

Since the group formed nine years ago, members have seen performances by Tommy Dorsey, the Royal Canadian Ballet and the Dallas Brass, as well as violinists, folk singers and pianists.

A membership drive for the concert association will be held in June.