The City of Santa Clarita is proud to announce the dates of the major performances, lineups and attractions for the 2009 Cowboy Festival, taking place April 22 to 26, 2009 at Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio and other venues around the scenic Santa Clarita Valley.
Beginning Wednesday, April 22, Grammy Award winning Riders in the Sky, whose music is featured in the Disney movie “Toy Story,” will perform at the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at the College of the Canyons. A variety of attractions are scheduled for April 23 and 24, including an evening of music by Don Edwards at the William S. Hart mansion, an authentic lunch served at the Rancho Camulos Museum and a Chuckwagon Dinner Show at Heritage Junction.
On Saturday, April 25 and Sunday, April 26, the Cowboy Festival rides through the Melody Ranch Motion Picture Studio where a number of performances and hands-on attractions will be available for guests to enjoy. A great line-up of Western stars is slated for the Melody Ranch Stage, starting with the hilarious cowboy poet, Baxter Black. Festival favorites Don Edwards and the Sons of the San Joaquin will perform both days and the swing band, Hot Club of Cowtown, will showcase its swinging sound on Sunday, April 26. The Festival will also feature artist Morgan Weistling and his award-winning masterpiece, “The Dance,” which serves as the 2009 Festival’s poster and icon.
Award-winning crooner R.W. Hampton returns to Melody Ranch, as well as singing cowgirl Joni Harms, Dave Stamey, the Booher Brothers, Sourdough Slim and Syd Masters and the Swing Riders. Cowboy poets Randy Rieman, Gary Robertson, Joe Herrington and cowgirl Diane Tribbitt will spin tales of the old and new West throughout the weekend at the Ranch.
Main Street shows slated for April 25 and 26 include saloon pianist Dave Bourne, banjoist Gordy Oligher, magician Whit Haydn and more. The California Cowboys, Messick Family, Horse Crazy, and Adrian Brannon will perform and master horseman Benny Martinez will showcase his cowboy skills.
Tickets for the 2009 Cowboy Festival are currently on sale at cowboyfestival.org or by phone at 661-284-1410, where patrons can purchase admission suited to their Festival needs. The current packages include a Daily Admission Ticket to Melody Ranch, costing $20 for adults and $10 for kids age three to 11. Little cowpokes under 3 can visit the festival for a day free of charge. The Two-Day Weekend Pass is available at $30 for adults and $15 for kids 12 and under and the Friends of the Festival Package is available for $150 to a limited number of guests who would like to be more closely involved in the Festival this year.
Festival patrons are not permitted to park their horses, coaches or shiny caravans at Melody Ranch, but a shuttle is provided at 13th Street and Arch Street in Newhall for a relaxing ride to the Ranch.
For more information on the 16th Annual Cowboy Festival attractions, parking, maps and tickets, call 661-286-4021 or visit www.cowboyfestival.org .