The Oak Ridge Boys at The Villages

By LINDSAY BIANCHI

lbianchi@thecitizennews.com

Round up the family for country flavored fun

The Oak Ridge Boys have come a long way from their early days in Knoxville, Tennessee. Originally known as the Oak Ridge Quartet, the boys began appearing at The Grand Ole Opry in 1945 with their fresh approach to gospel and country music. Many years and member changes later, the band went on to break through the country music in 1977 with their hit, “Y’All Come Back Saloon.” According to their website, the Oaks have recorded with George Jones, Brenda Lee, Johnny Cash, Roy Rogers, Billy Ray Cyrus as well as Paul Simon, singing backup for his hit "Slip Slidin' Away." They have appeared before three presidents and took part in the first headline tour of the Soviet Union, becoming one of the most enduringly-successful touring groups anywhere. Racking up 10 gold and three platinum albums during that time, the popularity of their upbeat songs guarantees that they will always have a world of fans awaiting their next appearance.

The Villages Amphitheater in Fayetteville will host a one night concert event this Saturday night at 8 p.m. Lead singer Duane Allen, bass singer Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden bring the spirit of the Opry to Georgia June 19 as part of the continuing Summer Concert Series sponsored by WKHX 101.5 FM, WTSH 107 fm and WKEU. Don’t miss this chance to see them perform their long list of great tunes including "Elvira," "Bobbie Sue," "Dream On," "Thank God For Kids," "American Made," "I Guess It Never Hurts To Hurt Sometimes," "Fancy Free," and "Gonna Take A Lot Of River"

Their high-energy stage show remains the heart and soul of what they do. The Oaks refine it several times a year, striving to keep it fresh well into the future.

"We're not willing to rest on our laurels," Golden says on their Web site. "That gets boring. As a group, we do things constantly to challenge ourselves, to try to do something different or better than the last time we did it."

"I feel like I can do what I do on stage just as good now as I could 20 years ago," says Bonsall. "in fact, if anything, I'm in better shape now than I was 20 years ago. I plan to be rockin' my tail off out there as long as I'm healthy and don't look stupid doing it. The people who come out, who bring their families to see us, deserve everything I've got."

In addition to making great music, The Oak Ridge Boys have also proved themselves to be capable and tireless advocates of charitable and civic causes, serving as spokesmen and/or board members of fundraisers for the Boy Scouts of America, the National Committee for Prevention of Child Abuse, Feed The Children, and many more.

"We've experienced a lot of longevity," adds Sterban, "and I think the reason is the love we have for what we do - the desire, the longing to actually get up there and do it. We love to sing together ... to harmonize together. It's what our lives are all about."

For more information about their music and much more, visit their website at www.oakridgeboys.com. To find out about seating availability call Fayetteville City Hall or visit any Ticketmaster location. Go to www.villagesamphitheater.com for more details concerning this show.

WHAT: The Oak Ridge Boys

WHERE: The Villages Amphitheater, Fayetteville

WHEN: Saturday 8 p.m.

HOW MUCH: $25 - $30.

FOR MORE INFO: Visit www.villagesamphitheater.com, Fayetteville City Hall or Ticketmaster.