CONTRIBUTED

The Rooster's Wife announces the second full season of Summer on the Porch at the Postmaster's House in Aberdeen will feature a mix of favorites from last season and some talent new to this area.

The series kicks off with the Near Misses on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11.

The Near Misses are an all-female quartet featuring some of North Carolina's finest vocal talent. The Misses perform an eclectic blend of originals, drawing upon American roots, rock, pop, contemporary folk, country and jazz influences. Their songs feature melodies made complete by layers of harmony.

The Near Misses are currently touring throughout the Southeast while frequently returning to Charlotte to work on their first full-length studio recording. They are the recent recipient of the "Best Band" Readers' Choice Award for the 2006 Creative Loafing "Best of Charlotte: International Edition." The Misses were also the recipient of the "Best New Band" Award in the Arts & Entertainment category of the 2005 Creative Loafing Readers' Choice Awards.

The Danny Daughtridge Trio from Rocky Mount, will open at 6 p.m. All concerts are held Sunday evenings, with the gates opening at 5:30. For fans' convenience, Aberdeen restaurant Southern Lights offers a dinner menu with delivery to the concert. Patrons may purchase dinner tickets directly at the restaurant as well as concert tickets. Other locations for ticket sales are the Arts Council of Moore County at the Campbell House, and Jewels of Pinehurst, in the Village of Pinehurst and online at www.theroosterswife.org.

"The goal of the Rooster's Wife is to bring the best quality live music to the area at a price families can afford," says Janet Kenworthy, organizer. "If the investment is low, parents can expose their children to a variety of musical styles as well as teaching them to be a good audience."

The 11-concert series will offer a wide array of programs from vaudeville to bluegrass.

"The July 20 concert will showcase an all-girl cowboy band, preceded by clowns, and our second annual cake baking contest," says Kenworthy.

For bluegrass fans, regional favorites the Grasscats, will perform in July, while the Circuit Riders, who performed on nearly every stage at this past Merlefest, will close the series in late September. Canadian sensations, the McDades will bring their Juno award-winning Celtic fusion to Aberdeen in August.

Continuing on an international theme, Laura Reed, a native of South Africa, will bring her global perspective and her band, Deep Pocket, for a soul-stirring evening.

"There will also be vaudeville, swing music and old-time country for your listening pleasure," says Kenworthy. "The eclectic schedule is sure to introduce you to artists and broaden your musical horizons."

Concert-goers are encouraged to bring picnics or order dinner.

"Blankets and chairs are de rigueur," says Kenworthy. "There is plenty of room to spread out, and to dance in the front yard of the Postmaster's House, Aberdeen's oldest residence. Live music is a great way to enjoy a summer's evening with friends and neighbors, and to support our local arts community."

Of the 22 groups performing, 14 are based in North Carolina.

"The Rooster's Wife is committed to the sustainability of the town of Aberdeen, Moore County, and North Carolina by presenting activities that benefit and entertain all ages," says Kenworthy.

The complete schedule, along with links to all performers, is online at www.theroosterswife.org. Tickets are available through the Web site, locally at the Arts Council, Jewels of Pinehurst, or Southern Lights, or at the gate. Adults are $9; children under 12 are free. The Postmaster's House is located at 204 E. South Street, three blocks east of U.S. 1 in downtown Aberdeen.

The Rooster's Wife is a private nonprofit association organized to celebrate the performing arts in Aberdeen. It is managed by a volunteer board of directors.

"Participation by citizens and local businesses is highly desired," says Kenworthy. "Contact me at (910) 944-7502, or theroosterswife@yahoo.com to discuss membership and sponsorship opportunities."

Summer Concert Schedule

May 11 -- Danny Daughtridge Trio, followed by The Near Misses

May 25 -- April Fools, followed by The Wiyos

June 8 -- Jeff and Vida, followed by Doug and Telisha Williams

June 22 -- Victoria Vox, followed by Miss Tess and the BonTon Parade

July 6 -- Bill and Libby Hicks, followed by The Grasscats

July 20 -- Carolina Circus Clowns, followed by Cowboy Envy

Aug. 3 -- Mad Tea Party, followed by The McDades

Aug.10 -- Jubal Creech, followed by Laura Reed and Deep Pocket

Aug. 24 -- The New Familiars, followed by Boulder Acoustic Society

Sept. 7 -- Noah Paley, followed by the Martha Bassett Band

Sept. 21 -- Stoney Creek, followed by

The Circuit Riders