15th Annual Red Dirt Christmas Show Continues Tulsa Tradition; Proceeds Benefit The Right Path Riding Academy

Tulsa, OK (Top40 Charts/ Luna Chica Records) - The 15th Annual Red Dirt Christmas Show took place in Tulsa at the famous Cain's Ballroom on Saturday, Dec. 18, an event that's become a tradition for fans and musicians alike. The festive holiday show showcased the originators of the event, the Red Dirt Rangers, along with Stoney Larue, Turnpike Troubadours, Jesse Aycock, Travis Linville, John Fullbright, and Monica Taylor.

According to John Cooper, member ofthe Red Dirt Rangers, this year's show felt extra special with nearly 1000 people filling the ballroom.

"There was a lot of love in the room. Let me say that," said Cooper. "The vibe was incredible. It's fun to get up and play with our friends, entertain and do something good for a great charity."

The Right Path Riding Academy, a 501(c)3 charity based in Drumright, Okla., was the chosen charity for this year's event and will receive a portion of its proceeds. The Academy provides therapeutic horseback riding and cart driving for special needs children and adults in Northeast and Central Oklahoma. With the motto "Horses that heal and hearts that care," Right Path Riding Academy has been impacting families and helping kids since 1996 and is a great addition to the Red Dirt family.

A charity has been chosen each year since the first Red Dirt Christmas Show. Past charities have included Mandi's Ministries and John 3:16 Mission - both organizations having a history and focus on children and their needs. Cooper believes the world would be a better place if we'd all be more childlike.

"We decided the first year that it's very important to donate to a charity," said Cooper. "We've always leaned towards children's charities because we feel - especially during this time of year - it's important to put our focus on children."

At the end of the evening, all the musicians who participated in the show got on stage for the grand finale, encompassing about 17 musicians. The ensemble performed Bob Wills' "Take Me Back To Tulsa" and the classic "The Wait" by The Band.

"Singing a Bob Wills song helps all of us remember where we are and who did it before us," said Cooper. "And Bob Childers loved to lead the crowd and close every Red Dirt Christmas Show with"The Wait" before he died. Bob was a great songwriter and a great human being. He had always been a big supporter of the show. His spirit was in the air all night."