Christmas concert features Oak Ridge Boys
Nov. 25, 2002
KALAMAZOO -- Western Michigan University's Miller Auditorium presents the Oak Ridge Boys for a Christmas concert Wednesday, Dec. 4, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Ticket range from $18 to 35 and may be ordered by calling the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office at (269) 387-2300 or toll free (800) 228-9858. Tickets may also be ordered online at <www.millerauditorium.com> or by visiting the Miller Auditorium Ticket Office, the Epic Center Box Office in downtown Kalamazoo, or the WMU Bookstore on Center Court in Crossroads Mall in Portage.
The four-part harmonies and upbeat songs of the Oak Ridge Boys have spawned dozens of country hits and a #1 pop smash, earned them Grammy, Dove, CMA and ACM awards and garnered a host of other industry and fan accolades. Every time they step before an audience, the Oaks bring 15 years of hits and 50 years of tradition to bear on a stage show widely acknowledged as among the most exciting anywhere. And, each remains as enthusiastic about the process as they have ever been.
Lead singer Duane Allen, bass Richard Sterban, tenor Joe Bonsall and baritone William Lee Golden, comprise one of country's truly legendary acts. Their string of hits included the pop chart-topper "Elvira," as well as "Bobbie Sue," "Dream On," "Thank God for Kids," "American Made," "I Guess It Never Hurts to Hurt Sometimes," "Fancy Free," "Gonna Take A Lot Of River," and many others. They've scored 11 gold, three platinum and one double platinum album, one double platinum single, and had more than a dozen national #1 singles.
The Oaks represent a tradition that extends back to 1943. The original group, based in Knoxville, Tenn., began performing country and gospel music in nearby Oak Ridge where the atomic bomb was being developed. By the late '60s, with more than 30 members having come and gone, they had a lineup that included Duane Allen, William Lee Golden, Noel Fox and Willie Wynn.
Among the Oaks' many acquaintances in the gospel field were Bonsall and Sterban. Both admired the distinctive, highly-popular Oaks. The four became friends, and when the Oaks needed a bass and tenor, in '72 and '73 respectively, Sterban and Bonsall got the calls. The group remained a highly popular mainstay on the gospel circuit, and it was there they refined the strengths that would soon make them such an across-the-board attraction.
The Oak Ridge Boys Christmas at Miller Auditorium is presented by NatCity Investments, Coca-Cola, B-93 and WOTV.
Media contact: Krista Iles, 269 387-2298, krista.iles@wmich.edu