Short Takes offers entertainment highlights and a free music download

RIDERS IN THE SKY

Sunset had fallen upon western music by the mid-1970s. Eclipsed by its country cousin and distant rock relatives, such stars as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry had faded.

Then along came Riders in the Sky. See the rootin’, tootin’, western warblers when they headline this month’s Song of the Mountains on March 12 at the Lincoln Theater in Marion, Va.

The downright superb Mark Newton Band, Michael Reno Harrell, Jackie Kincaid and Steppin’ Out add to a marvelous bill.

About Riders in the Sky, they debuted on stage in 1977. Led by Ranger Doug (Douglas B. Green), their tightrope-tight harmonies recall the Sons of the Pioneers, their comedy that of Smiley Burnette and their rainbow bright look hearkens back to the days of Hollywood via Nudie Cohn.

Like white-hat heroes, Riders in the Sky rode onto the scene and saved western music. Three decades and 20-plus albums later, western thrives as they still ride.

IF YOU GO
What: Song of the Mountains
Who: Riders in the Sky, The Mark Newton Band, Michael Reno Harrell, Jackie Kincaid and Steppin’ Out
When: March 12, 7 p.m.
Where: Lincoln Theater, 117 E. Main St., Marion, Va.
Admission: $25
Info: (276) 783-6093
Web/video: www.ridersinthesky.com
Web/video: www.songofthemountains.org

ALL ABOARD THE CHUCK WAGON GANG

Time was when the Chuck Wagon Gang owned Southern gospel music.

That was during the 1930s and ’40s. Generations and lineups galore later, the Chuck Wagon Gang, along with Paul Williams and the Victory Trio, will grace the stage of the Carter Family Fold in Hiltons, Va., on March 14.

Formed in 1936 by D.P. (Dad) Carter, son Jim and daughters Rose and Anna, the Chuck Wagon Gang built their sound on bedrock strong songs and intricately woven harmony singing. They became superstars, then legends of the genre.

Songs such as “Church in the Wildwood” from upon their lips became standards. Generations later, such singers as Doyle Lawson hold the Gang in the highest of esteem.

IF YOU GO
Who: The Chuck Wagon Gang and Paul Williams & the Victory Trio
When: March 14, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Carter Family Fold, A.P. Carter Highway, Hiltons, Va.
Admission: $15-$20 for adults, $3 for children ages 6-11, children under age 6 admitted free
Info: (276) 386-6054 or (276) 645-0035
Web/audio: www.thechuckwagongang.net
Web/video: www.carterfamilyfold.org

RACHEL AND THE BOYS

Make way for a fiddling phenom and her pick-up band of bluegrass stars.

She’s Rachel Renee Johnson, and her one-time band Rachel and the Boys will pick and play for two hours on March 13 at Morrell Music on West State Street in Bristol, Tenn.

“We’re doing this to promote Morrell Music’s 50th anniversary in business,” said Johnson, who plays fiddle as a member of the Dixie Bee-Liners and also teaches bluegrass classes at Sullivan East High School.

And it should be one humdinger of a show. Joining Johnson are such luminaries as Adam Steffey (The Boxcars, Allison Krauss’ Union Station) and Jason Burleson of Blue Highway, along with Clay Hess and Jacob Eller of Sierra Hull.

“I was like, holy moly!” Johnson said of the lineup. “I’m gonna eat some peanut butter and chocolate and come out playing 90 miles per hour.”

IF YOU GO
Who: Rachel and the Boys and guests the Sullivan East High Bluegrass Band
When: March 13, 2 p.m.
Where: Morrell Music, 2306 W. State St., Bristol, Tenn.
Admission: Free
Info: (423) 764-2171
Web: www.morrellmusic.com

MUSIC NOTES

-- Sunday night’s 82nd Academy Awards proved mighty special to Jim and Loretta Cooper of Bristol, Va. Their son, Abingdon native and “Crazy Heart” director Scott Cooper stood up, raised both arms and grinned from Hollywood to home when his movie’s star Jeff Bridges won the best actor Oscar.
Up for three Oscars, “Crazy Heart” also won for original score “The Weary Kind (Them From Crazy Heart)” for Ryan Bingham and T Bone Burnett.

-- Wanna be a Pumpkin? A Smashing Pumpkin? Then if you are a progressive rock-leaning keyboardist or bassist, Billy Corgan’s million-selling rock band may want you. Send a resume and a performance video with audio to either pumpkinsbass@gmail.com or pumpkinskeys@gmail.com.

-- Dierks Bentley goes bluegrass. Well, for one album anyway. Known for including at least one bluegrass song on each of his albums, with forthcoming album “Up on the Ridge,” the curly-headed country singer teams with the Del McCoury Band, Alison Krauss, Sam Bush, Miranda Lambert and others for an album based in though not completely bound by bluegrass.

-- New albums out on March 16 include the Drive-By Truckers’ “Big To-Do,” the modern-era Southern rockers’ 10th album in 13 years. Their Athens, Ga.-based label mates The Whigs offer “In the Dark,” The White Stripes mark their 10th year with the live album “Under Great Northern Lights,” vets Armored Saint strike heavy metal thunder with “La Raza” and Graham Parker bows “Imagining Television.”

-- This week’s free MP3 download features a site and daily songs. Simply log onto www.spinner.com for a free MP3 download every day of the week. The site maintains nearly 20 past songs at all times, of which recent songs include “Working This Job” by the Drive-By Truckers and “Kill Me Carolyne” by The Whigs.

And so bedecked with music from bluegrass to country to gospel and rock to experimental sounds, make merry and arm your ears with music. Then check back next week for another haymaking round. Meantime friends and neighbors, do stay tuned.

TOM NETHERLAND is a freelance writer. He can be reached at features@bristolnews.com.