The third installment of Summer on the Porch brings Piedmont blues to the Sandhills. Memphis International Blues Festival finalist Jon Shain will play on the porch Sunday, May 31. Martha Bassett will present her new CD as the opening act.

Jon Shain is a veteran singer-songwriter who's been turning heads for years with his words, his fiery acoustic guitar work, and his evolved musical style ---combining improvised Piedmont blues with bluegrass, swing, and ragtime.

Shain's latest CD, "Army Jacket Winter" has been garnering the best reviews of his career. Shain's musical partners include FJ Ventre on upright bass and vocals, and John Currie on dobro and guitar, and Bill Newton on harmonica.

Attending Duke University in the late 1980s, Shain was a student of American history with a dedicated interested in Southern musical traditions. This led him to a gig with Piedmont blues legend, Richard "Big Boy" Henry. After a short apprenticeship in the blues world, Shain cut his touring teeth from 1989-1998, founding the Chapel Hill folk-rock group Flyin' Mice and its spin-off group, WAKE.

While sharing stages with luminaries such as David Grisman, Tony Rice Unit, Hot Tuna, Leon Russell, Dave Matthews Band, and the Dixie Dregs, the band released four CDs and played clubs, schools, and festivals up and down the East Coast, building a legion of fans.

After his band's breakup, Shain went solo, returning to his roots in the folk and blues circuit. He released "Brand New Lifetime" in 1999 to positive reviews and solid airplay in the U.S. and abroad. Spring 2001 brought the release of "Fools and Fine Ladies," followed by "No Tag, No Tail Light" in 2003, then "Home Before Long" in 2005.

In addition to festival slots and headlining club dates, Shain has performed shows recently with Little Feat, John Hammond, Keb' Mo', NRBQ, N. Mississippi All-Stars, Ian Anderson, and many other greats.

When Shain is not recording or performing, he stays busy giving private instruction in Piedmont blues fingerstyle guitar, and teaching group workshops in songwriting, blues guitar, and "jamming."

Martha Bassett returns with a new band and a new CD. Bassett's voice is the centerpiece of her fine band. Their originals and unique cover arrangements groove completely with soothing energy and reminiscence. The Martha Bassett Band will start the evening at 6 p.m.

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 generosity of a building owner in Aberdeen has afforded the Rooster's Wife an ideal rain site in case of inclement weather," says Janet Kenworthy, organizer.

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," says Kenworthy. "Bring your chair and join the fun regardless of the weather."

The Rooster's Wife is a private nonprofit association organized to celebrate the performing arts in Aberdeen. For details and a complete schedule, visit www.theroost erswife.org. or call (910) 944-7502.