Yampa Valley Boys... Steve Jones and John Fisher have performed as the YAMPA VALLEY BOYS since 2000—more than eight years, 1,100+ shows together and counting. THE BOYS were finalists for the Western Music Association’s 2007 Crescendo Award. They were named the 2007 Associate Member of the Year by the Colorado Association of Fairs and Shows. THE BOYS perform all acoustic, cowboy/western music plus cowboy poetry and tall tales. The show is high energy and very audience friendly. John plays banjo (in the old time frailing style) resophonic guitar, mandolin, and assorted instruments. He has performed folk, bluegrass, cowboy/western music for over forty years. Steve plays guitar, but his best instrument is his voice. He has written many of the songs that are featured on the CD’s listed below. He has performed with the Prickly Pair, Dubois, WY. As a solo performer, he has appeared at several John Denver celebrations. In August 2008, THE YAMPA VALLEY BOYS released their fifth, self-produced, CD album, “Playin’ Cowboy Music”. The two CD’s before this one, “Back In The Saddle Again” (#8 July/August 2005) and “Close To Home” (#6 March/April 2007 and #10 May/June 2007) charted in the top ten of the Academy of Western Artists western music ratings charts. A song from each album also charted in the top ten (“The River That Never Runs Dry” #8 July/August 2005 and “Word Weaver” #7 March/April 2007). They have two other CD recordings, “Tales Of The Trail (2003) and “Save The Cowboy” (2001). THE BOYS have performed at the following major festivals: Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Arvada, CO, 2006, ’07 and ‘08), Cheyenne Cowboy Symposium & Celebration (2004, ‘05 and ‘06) Durango (Colorado) Cowboy Poetry Gathering (2005), Estes Park, CO, Cowboy Poetry Gathering (2004, ‘05,‘06, ‘07), the Wild West WinterFest, Bozeman, MT (2007), and An Evening In The West, Meeker, CO (2007). THE BOYS were featured at the Colorado State Fair in 2002. They regularly appear at many fairs, festivals, conventions, company and private events throughout the west. During the winter, THE BOYS can be found at one of the many the sleigh ride dinner venues, as well as other locations in Steamboat Springs. THE YAMPA VALLEY BOYS have also appeared at the following venues: Grande Olde West Days (Craig, CO, 2001, ‘02, ‘03, ‘05, ‘06 and ’07 and ‘08) Fairs in Arapahoe County (2007 & ’08), Park County (Fairplay, CO, 2003, 2004), Moffat County (Craig, CO, 2003, 2005), Routt County (Hayden, CO, 2003, 2005) Prowers County (2004)Arkansas Valley (Rocky Ford 2004) Delta County ( Hotchkiss, 2004) and Gilpin County (2004).   More from the hearts & minds of the Yampa Valley Boys... Steve Jones What does Cowboy Music mean to you?... Anything about the cowboy life--cattle drives, the passing of the open range, animals (generally horses and cattle, as long as a "lonesome coyote" is thrown in somewhere), the land, be it prairie, mountains or desert, or even about that favorite girl left behind. What 1 event in your life turned your heart to Cowboy Music?... I grew up listening to the Sons of The Pioneers, who were favorites of my Dad, plus I was a big Roy Rogers fan. So, I've always been hooked on cowboy music, although I would say that I got away from it for many years until 1998 when I went to one of Michael Martin Murphey's "West Fest" programs in Granby. That got me back into it. What draws listeners to Cowboy Music?... The thing that we hear most often from folks is that it is the music that they "grew up with", or they learned it from their grandparents. So, it reminds them of their childhood. What's your favorite TV show?... I don't really have a favorite show on TV that I watch regularly. Of course, one of my all-time favorite series that was on TV is "Lonesome Dove". What's your favorite food/meal?... Steak. What are your interests/hobbies?... Besides the music, I like most sports, baseball, football, hockey and I enjoy outdoor activities such as skiing, hiking and I enjoy photography--trying to capture images of some of the things that we sing about.   John Fisher What does Cowboy Music mean to you?... Technically Cowboy Music is a genre of Americana Folk music. I have always been in the folk music scene including, old time music, bluegrass, and the mainstream folk of the 60's and 70's. To me Cowboy music cuts right to the heart, being filled with humor, story content, melody, being performed in a style and atmosphere based on the personal and family values that opened and built our American West. The people we meet performing Cowboy Music are not competing with us, they are always sharing their experiences or sharing the talents that they have to bring the stories to life. What 1 event in your life turned your heart to Cowboy Music?... In the Early 90's I got to meet and perform with the late Bill May, a published cowboy poet, regular contributor to the Steamboat Pilot and a pioneer family in the Elk River Valley. Later, I performed regularly with his son, J, also an accomplished and published cowboy poet. These men inspired me to pursue the words and music of the cowboys. What draws listeners to Cowboy Music?... Cowboy songs tell stories, both humorous or heartbreaking, stories that the audience can get into and relate to. The songs also have melody and tune, something that is missing in the current crop of "7-11 Songs". (definition: A song with 7 words, repeated 11 times.) What's your favorite TV show?... If by favorite show, you mean a TV show that I make a point to watch every week, then I have none. With all of my instruments scattered around the house, and tunes running through my head, I can not stand to sit and watch prime time drivel. I watch TV for news, informational type shows (travel, history, and music). What's your favorite food/meal?... I enjoy a variety of nationality foods. I have never been one to walk away from the table without a clean plate. Right after Steak and Eggs and beans, comes Mexican dishes. Say.... I haven't had breakfast yet!.... I'll be right back to finish this. What are your interests/hobbies?... Obviously music is number one. My study contains 4 banjos, 4 guitars, 2 fiddles, 2 autoharps, an upright acoustic bass, a keyboard, a dulcimer, a bodhron, and enough professional sound equipment to put on two shows simultaneously. After music comes fishing, sailing, home repair/handyman tasks, and leather work as my hobbies.   You can learn more about the Yampa Valley Boys by visiting the Official Yampa Valley Boys website. Just click here > Yampa Valley Boys

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