Riders in the Sky Bringing Humor and Classic Country to Edmonds Center for the Arts

A hoedown is coming to Edmonds.

Riders in the Sky, billed as “America’s Favorite Cowboys,” will be performing Sunday at the .

For more than 30 years, Riders in the Sky—citing the Sons of the Pioneers, Gene Autry and Roy Rogers as influences—have remained true to the integrity of Western music. But don’t expect just music in Edmonds. The four members of the group also bring wacky humor and wit to their show.

Expect a yodel or two.

Beginning each performance with their trademark greeting, "Mighty fine and a great big Western 'Howdy,' all you buckaroos and buckarettes," Riders in the Sky simultaneously pay tribute to and poke gentle fun at the classic cowboy songs of the 1930s and 1940s. 

The group includes Ranger Doug on guitar and vocals, Woody Paul on fiddle and vocals, Too Slim on guitar and upright bass, and "Cowpolka King" Joey Miskulin on accordion.

Before forming the band, Michigan-born Ranger Doug was a member of Bill Monroe's Bluegrass Boys and also a country-music journalist, working at the Country Music Foundation Press as editor of the Journal of Country Music.

Prior to joining the Riders, Woody Paul played with Loggins and Mussina, and Too Slim was a member of Dickey Lee's band in addition to being a songwriter.

Named the Western Music Association's Entertainers of the Year in 2007, Riders in the Sky are the recipients of two Grammy awards for their work with Disney's Toy Story and Monsters Inc.

Riders of the Sky perform Sunday at 7:30 p.m. at the Edmond Centers for the Arts, 410 Fourth Ave. N. Tickets, $15-$40, are available online at www.ec4arts.org or by calling 425-275-9595.