 The Red Dirt Rangers The Red Dirt Rangers began doing children's concerts back in the early ‘90's and in 1994 went into the studio to record "Blue Shoe,” a record for children. Consisting mostly of original tunes, it has become a favorite for many fans as well as the band itself. The Rangers continue to demonstrate that theirs is really music for everyone, for all those who are young or young of heart and soul. "Blue Shoe" is a delightful, distinctive, and very fun CD for "kids of all ages". The concert will be in the spirit of that CD. Core members of the Red Dirt Rangers are Bradley Piccolo, rhythm guitar and vocals, John Cooper, mandolin and vocals, and Ben Han, lead guitar and vocals.
Piccolo was destined for a career in music after he received a guitar at the age of 15. He graduated from Oklahoma State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, but couldn't give up the life of a musician. He played with various college bands before moving to Austin, TX from 1989 to 1992. He then returned to Oklahoma City to play full time with the Rangers. Ben Han started playing a Congress guitar at the age of 13 and went on to play cabaret, disco, and punk rock in his first band at the age of 17. Han came to the United States in 1982 and moved to Oklahoma in 1983. Red Dirt music grew up in Stillwater in a two-story, five-bedroom, funky old place called the “Farm” -- for two decades the epicenter of what would come to be called the Red Dirt scene. One of John Cooper's most amazing feats thus far, he says, is living at the semi legendary “Farm” in Stillwater and surviving to tell the tale. Years before the band existed, Ben Han, John Cooper, and Brad Piccolo became an integral part of the Farm’s musical brotherhood. As the Red Dirt Rangers, they have been carrying the banner for Red Dirt music since the late 1980’s. “We are extremely happy that grants from the Norman Arts Council and the Oklahoma Arts Council have made it possible for PAS to offer concerts appealing to children and families with free admission for the children” says Nancy McClellan, Executive Director of The Performing Arts Studio. “Ellis Paul opened the series last October with songs from his ‘Dragonfly Races’ CD, which was very much enjoyed by all attending. We will continue to offer these concerts throughout the year as opportunities present themselves.” For additional information about the Red Dirt Rangers, visit www.reddirtrangers.com. For additional information about Performing Arts Studio programs phone 405-307-9320. Office and gallery hours at the PAS are 8:00 am to 3:00 pm Tuesday through Friday and 1 to 5:00 most Sundays. |
