The summer series will begin with Mother's Day, May 9, and convene weekly on Sunday evenings at 6 p.m. at the town's oldest residence, the Postmaster's House, in downtown Aberdeen.

The Rooster's Wife is a nonprofit association created to bring the performing arts and arts education to the area as a means of building and sustaining community. To support that idea, the Rooster's Wife works with other local nonprofits and businesses. The Friends of the Postmaster maintains the house and grounds of the property at 204 E. South St. Local restaurants provide light dining. Area businesses participate as sponsors.

Children under 12 are admitted free, in an effort to introduce them to all kinds of music. Picnics are welcome, and the venue is handicapped accessible. Performances continue rain or shine with the rain location the gallery space of Poplar Knight Spot at 114 Knight St., Aberdeen.

Tickets may be purchased in advance online at www.theroost erswife.org, with credit or debit cards, or at the gate with cash and checks.

"The Rooster's Wife strives to bring an eclectic musical menu to the porch," says organizer Janet Kenworthy.

The opening performance presents guitarist Walter Strauss on a co-bill with Dala. From northern California, Strauss brings a fresh, creative approach to the arrangements of his imaginative playing style. Strauss' technical expertise is dazzling and is -tempered by a soulful vibe. The darlings of Canada's folk scene, Dala played Jazzfest in New Orleans just 10 days before their appearance in Aberdeen. Drawing upon influences like the Beatles, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young and Bob Dylan, Dala write songs that are both catchy and insightful.

Following these fine singer-songwriters will be Mississippi Delta native Eden Brent, a masterful blues pianist and vocal stylist who won Acoustic Album and Acoustic Artist of the Year at the 2009 Blues Music Awards in Memphis.

A similar energy but totally different genre will take over May 23, when Holy Ghost Tent Revival makes a return performance. In one of only six U.S. performances, old-time fiddle master, Bruce Molsky and his European counterpart Ale Moller will play May 30. It will be a rare appearance here for the Swedish master of Nordic, African and just about every other kind of music.

Moving into June, blues guitarist Brooks Williams returns after a European tour to showcase his new recording. Traditional with a twist comes from Asheville via Dehlia Low, who will share the bill with renowned singer-songwriter James Maddock. Regional favorite Martha Bassett will be on the porch June 20 with her full band and a brand-new recording. The concerts for June will wrap up June 27 with Morwenna Lasko and Jay Pun, who bring a distinctive gypsy jazz sound to the Sandhills.

The series continues with New Found Road and their hot bluegrass licks. Piedmont bluesman Jon Shain heads the July 18 show with his trio, who will be joined by the Grandsons, multi-instrumentalists with songs of all styles from jazz to calypso to blues.

The final three shows all present artists with new recordings. Rebecca Pronsky visited last summer with her bass player. The whole band is backing her this time with great new material. Folk icon Christine Lavin brings her whole bag of tricks, including her new memoir of the folk revival. Founder of the Four Bitching Babes, and a fixture in the village, Lavin will sign copies of her new book as well as entertain the audience.

The season ends appropriately with a local connection. Jeni and Billy have a new release that was packaged here in West End. The daughter of Greg and Marci Haskins, Jeni graduated from Davidson and has moved on to a successful singing and writing career in Nashville.

"We look forward to seeing you on the lawn of the Postmaster's House with your chair or blanket," says Kenworthy.

The gates open at 5 p.m. Picnics are welcome, and children under 12 are always free. Admission for adults is $8. Season tickets are available for $90.

For more information, call (910) 944-7502 or visit the website www.theroosterswife.org.