Out of the clouds, out of the blue,Riders in the Sky! Out of the west, comin' to you...No, wait...that's not it...it's close, though...though? Oh? That's it! O-o-o! O-o-o! O-o-oooooo! The Spring 1992 season of Riders's Radio Theater is on the air!
Riders in the Sky started off the 1992 season in fine form January 20 and 21 at the historic Emery Theater in the Queen City of the West: Cincinnati Ohio. A new serial, a new series of instrumental interludes, new commercials, Woody Paul's magic lasso, a guest appearance by world-famous dead horse Too Jaws, two great guest artists, and lots of surprises started the new series, and Cincinnati saddle pals were ready for it all.
It's truly a shame that only those who can make the trek to Cincinnati get to see the warm-up and half-time shows by the Riders and their guests. We polkaholics were thrilled to hear the CowPolka King show off that beautiful baritone of this again during the warm-up shows on both Monday and Tuesday nights. On top of that, we now get to hear the "National Polka Countdown" right before each episode of the new serial (Raiders of the Vanishing Everglades). Yes, life is good for polkaholics...
It's not half-bad for saddle pals, either. Was the highlight of the Monday night show Too Slim's brave attempt at opening the show with "Runnin' Gun" again? Did he remember it this time? You'll have to tune in to see! Was it seeing the Riders in the Sky united with their faithful and (somewhat more stable) sidekick, Sidemeat? Maybe the highlight was Monday night's guest: John Hartford, songwriter, singer, banjo player, dancer, and one-time sidekick of Glen Campbell (am I the only one who remembers that? Or am I the only one who ever watched the Glen Campbell show two or three hundred years ago?). During his half-time show, John was joined by Jamie Hartford for several songs guaranteed to leave them both gentle on my mind (which they also sang for us) and yours for a long time.
After all that, there was nothing left for Tuesday night, was there? Guess again! In addition to more of the unexpected from the Riders, blues fans were happy to welcome special guests Trish Walker and the Mud Cats, bringing their own special brand of the blues. This lady has a voice that won't quit. And her band seemed to enjoy playing their invisible instruments (I guess you had to be there...).
As usual, the Riders, Joey, and Texas Bix stayed late both nights to visit with their fans. And, as usual, your "eyes and ears at the Emery" had a wonderful time. It's definitely worth the trip to Cincinnati from wherever you are. I'm already looking forward to February's tapings, and I hope I'll see you there!
Until next time, so long saddlepals! It's been so good to see ya...
donna j
Every day...the Cowboy Way!
All material ©1991-2013 by donna j.
