The Old West Trio... An acoustic group from the foothills of Georgetown, the Old West Trio performs both traditional and contemporary Western music with minimum instrumentation and maximum sound. Nothing remains as intriguing as the cowboy, and the theme of the American West serves as an anchor point for the Old West Trio to explore their musical interests. Members Steve Ide (rhythm guitar), Leslie Ide (upright bass), and Steve Johnson (lead guitar) sing cowboy songs that encompass a variety of genres, including gunfighter ballads, western swing, and lively yodeling tunes. The Ides have been performing music as husband and wife for three decades. Over a dozen years ago, a particularly interesting Austin City Limits program that featured Don Edwards and the Sons of the San Joaquin rekindled their interest in simple campfire music and tunes that glorify the spirit of the West. They were joined by Johnson, who contributes his own vocal talents in the likes of Tom Russell, with a passion for ballads of the more notorious characters of the West. Together, the group produces beautiful harmonies and family friendly entertainment. The Old West Trio has performed from California to Montana, including the C.M. Russell Museum in Great Falls and the Wort Hotel's Silver Dollar Bar in Jackson, Wyoming. Other venues include the Western States Horse Expo (Sacramento, Calif.), the Elk Grove Western Festival (Elk Grove, Calif.), the Rhymers Rodeer (Minden, Nevada), and the historic Silver Queen Hotel (Virginia City, Nevada). They have appeared on several radio programs, including the Range 103.7 FM with Mason Tibbs (Jackson, Wyoming), Backroads on KVMR 89.5 FM (Nevada City, Calif.), Radio Ranch with Mick Vernon on KNRY 1240 AM, Horsemen's Radio Weekly, and the Chronicle of the Old West. The Old West Trio regularly performs throughout the summer for Scofield's Cowboy Campfire at the Red Mule Ranch in Fiddletown, California, having helped launch the chuck wagon dinner and cowboy music and poetry program in 1997.   More from the hearts & minds of The Old West Trio... Leslie Ide What does Cowboy Music mean to you?... Cowboy music reminds me that at the end of the day nothing is more restorative than a sky full of stars, a campfire, and the companionship of a good pal (whether that be horse, dog, or man). What 1 event in your life turned your heart to Cowboy Music?... Although I was exposed to cowboy culture very early in life--My Dad had been a wrangler and mule packer in Yosemite--my interest in cowboy music was renewed in the early 80s when Riders in the Sky appeared on A Prairie Home Companion. Hearing that rich harmony amid their wit and satire rekindled my love of the classic Sons of the Pioneer sound. What draws listeners to Cowboy Music?... Many listeners are drawn to cowboy music by its nostalgia, of course. It offers a momentary escape. Who can't relate to music that shares a message of freedom and simplicity in a time when we are deluged with so many negative messages and personal restrictions? What's your favorite TV show?... I'm a political commentary junkie, so I tune in to The O'Reilly Factor quite often. I also like redneck comedy, so My Name is Earl is my current favorite. Years ago I loved Hee-Haw because of the music and country humor. What's your favorite food/meal?... Nothing beats navy beans slopped over white bread with a dollop of mayo on top. What are your interests/hobbies?... Steve and I have been married for over 30 years. Lucky for us, we share many of the same interests. Aside from music, we enjoy riding our 2-up ATV. We also recently picked up the hobby of geocaching.   Steve Ide What does Cowboy Music mean to you?... Cowboy music preserves a distinguished part of American culture. Singing this kind of music makes me feel at peace no matter the condition of the trail ahead.. What 1 event in your life turned your heart to Cowboy Music?... Ditto Leslie's comment. I'd always loved cowboy and folk music--the likes of Eddy Arnold and Johnny Horton. Riders in the Sky built upon that foundation and gave cowboy music a new voice. Our kids were very young and we'd tune in to A Prairie Home Companion each week as a family. The night that the Riders took to the airwaves really perked up our ears. It was a defining moment for both of us. What draws listeners to Cowboy Music?... Cowboy music is easy on the ears. It paints a picture in their minds of a time when things were simpler--not perfect, but less complicated. What's your favorite TV show?... The Wild Wild West. The show was rather strange and futuristic, but Jim West was always fighting evil in traditional Gene Autry fashion. What's your favorite food/meal?... Steak and lobster, especially if someone else is buying! What are your interests/hobbies?... Music is my biggest hobby, whether it be picking guitar or engineering a recording. Like Leslie said, we also ride our ATV at every opportunity.   Steve Johnson What does Cowboy Music mean to you?... The Old West is the most celebrated era of our American heritage and Cowboy Music is a history lesson with a melody. It makes me appreciate the simplicity and slower pace of those times. Here, take my car, I'm saddlin up an ridin back to yesterday! What 1 event in your life turned your heart to Cowboy Music?... I grew up watching Roy Rogers and Gene Autry on Saturday morning television, so the cowboy seed was planted at a very early age. I've always enjoyed listening to the harmonies of "The Sons of the Pioneers" and "Riders in the Sky" but what really drew me into Cowboy Music started back in 1998. I was listening to a publicly funded radio station, and heard "Tom Russell" singing El Llano Estacado. The next day I bought his album "Song of the West" and from that moment on, I was hooked on Cowboy Music. What draws listeners to Cowboy Music?... I think Cowboy Music reminds many folks of their past. It stirs up memories from their childhood thru their adult years. The movies they watched or the dances they attended, the songs their parents listened too and sang to them. Sometimes it brings tears, sometimes smiles, but almost always a fond memory. Its easy to listen too. What's your favorite TV show?... Anything Western and I'm hooked on Survivor. What's your favorite food/meal?... I love seafood. Anything from BBQ clams, mussells, shrimp or salmon to abalone. Throw in a lobster, some fresh steamed veggies, wine and chalula sauce and you have the perfect meal. What are your interests/hobbies?... I've been interested in music all my life. Playing guitar and singing has always been my #1 interest. I've also been flying hang gliders since 1985, but most recently we ( my wife Kathleen and I ) have been riding ATV's and geocaching with Steve and Leslie.   You can learn more about The Old West Trio by visiting the Official Old West Trio website. Just click here > The Old West Trio

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