Young string band veterans Tommy Thompson, Jim Watson and Bill Hicks inaugurated their run as Red Clay Ramblers in 1972, adding Mike Craver a year later.

The intervening 35 years have brought multiple lineup changes, multi-media experiments, solo albums, duo albums, three international tours sponsored by the State Department, several off-Broadway hits, the revival of one such hit for a new generation, performances at the first and 25th Eno festivals, two Carter family funerals, and the death of co-founder Thompson in 2003.

Watson, Hicks and Craver roll on several times a year, their preservation of old-time tunes and their own material assisted now by Joe Newberry.

The music has endured due in no small part to these four fellows.

"Call them what you will, the Ramblers, the Originals, the Original Red Clay Ramblers, the O'Blurrs, as long as you call them great musicians and a terrific amount of fun," says Janet Kenworthy, organizer.

"It is a distinct pleasure to have them in Aberdeen for Home Fires Burning, the house concert series produced by the Rooster's Wife."

Tickets are available online at www.theroosterswife.org, with credit and debit card, or at the door with check or cash, reservations preferred, (910) 944-7502.

Admission is $15. Seating is general admission with the doors opening at 7 p.m. The music starts at 8 p.m. at the corner of High and Blue in downtown Aberdeen.

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