CONTRIBUTED

Partners in marriage for over 25 years, professional musicians for longer than that, Mollie O'Brien and Rich Moore are just now starting on another journey -- that of a performing duo.

The release of their new live CD, "900 Baseline," is proof that working couples can make beautiful music together. Blues, vintage roots covers and gorgeous ballads all get the Mollie and Rich treatment -- just one voice and one guitar covering the whole range of great American music.

Mollie O'Brien is described simply as one of the best interpreters of American music. She has built a loyal national and international following with both her solo career and her collaborations with brother, Tim O'Brien. She has performed and recorded with a virtual who's who of modern acoustic music including Chris Thile, Jerry Douglas, Todd Phillips, Nina Gerber, Sally Van Meter, Scott Nygaard and many, many more.

Now Mollie's unleashing her secret weapon -- her husband and guitarist, Rich Moore. Throughout their married lives whenever Mollie toured, she'd leave Rich and the kids at home. Rich would run the house, feed the kids and work a day job. Somehow during all that time he managed to get up early in the mornings and practice guitar and bass and get ready for whatever the next local gig was --- playing bass for songwriter Celeste Krenz or Pete Wernick's Flexigrass or backing up the legendaryTom Paxton on guitar.

Opening for Mollie and Rich will be their friend, Bob Sinclair, from Hickory.

Sinclair was awarded the regional artist project grant from local area and N.C. Arts Councils. He was selected from among other entrants because, as grant committee member Dwayne Cooley said, "He would well represent the artists of this region." Not surprisingly then, Sinclair's songs and performances are getting the attention of the broader musical community. He was invited to play two days at the nationally renowned music festival, Merlefest. He will open the evening at 6 p.m.

The generosity of Clubhouse Properties, of Pinehurst, has afforded the Rooster's Wife an ideal rain site in case of inclement weather. A change in venue will be announced on the information line (910) 944-7502 if necessary. It is right around the corner from the outdoor site at 111 Main Street.

Admission is $9 at the door with cash or check, or online by debit or credit card at www.theroosterswife.org . Children under 12 are admitted free of charge.

The Rooster's Wife is a private nonprofit association organized to celebrate the performing arts in Aberdeen.

For your opportunity to support live music in Moore County and a complete schedule, check the Web site www.theroosterswife.org, or call (910) 944-7502.