Chris LeDoux did more than sing songs and rodeo.

"He brought Wyoming, he brought the sport, to the world," said champion roper Jett Johnson, at a press conference Thursday announcing events for the third annual "A Tribute to Chris LeDoux."

The tribute, scheduled for Nov. 2 and 3, has a little bit of everything LeDoux loved, said coordinator Dona Vold Larsen.

LeDoux grew up in Cheyenne and lived in Kaycee before his death in March 2005 of a rare liver cancer. He was 56.

On Nov. 2, the Parkway Plaza Hotel will host an art show featuring LeDoux originals from the Vold Larsens' private collection. The collection is currently on loan to the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado.

The show will also feature a number of well-known Montana and Wyoming artists, said Vold Larsen. LeDoux's work will not be for sale.

In addition, the tribute features a Professional Rodeo Cowboy Association rodeo on Nov. 3 at the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds. Singer Clay Walker will perform after the rodeo, a change from past tributes where LeDoux's former band, Western Underground, took the stage.

"We're looking forward to champion cowboys coming, and some good bucking," Vold Larsen said.

Two rodeo scholarships were also presented to Casper College students at the press conference. The $500 scholarships were given to freshmen Devan Frey and Jory Zurcher.

Frey competes for the rodeo team in barrel racing, breakaway calf roping and goat tying. Zurcher competes in saddle bronc riding, tie down roping and team roping. Both are from Nebraska.

"It certainly helps these young people get their education," said rodeo coach Tom Parker. "I tell everyone I recruit, education comes first, and rodeo comes second."

The Chris LeDoux Memorial Foundation also announced plans for a park in Kaycee, where LeDoux lived. The park will have a 13-foot bronze statue of LeDoux riding Stormy Weather, the horse he won the 1976 PRCA championship on. Artist and friend of LeDoux D. Michael Thomas designed the statue. Miniature versions are available for sale through the foundation.

Reach Jasa Santos at (307) 266-0593 or at Jasa.Santos@casperstartribune.net.