CONTRIBUTED

The Rooster's Wife introduces her house band, JOE, to mark the second anniversary of Poplar Knight Spot.

More than 90 performances have taken place at the corner of Poplar and Knight streets in downtown Aberdeen. From folk to jazz, blues, singer-songwriters, bluegrass, Celtic, newgrass and old time, the eclectic program brings national touring artists to town to perform in concert and teach.

Four of the nation's finest musicians come together for the first time Sunday, Oct. 23, to honor the tradition of community music that occurs regularly at 114 Knight St.

Joe Newberry is best known for his powerful and innovative banjo playing, but is also an award-winning guitarist, fiddler, singer and songwriter. In addition to his work with JOE, Newberry plays in a duo with Mike Compton, and with string band the Jump Steady Boys. A respected session player, Newberry's songwriting work regularly appears on the bluegrass charts, including 2011 IBMA album of the year for the Gibson Brothers. A Missouri native, he teaches and performs at festivals at home in North Carolina, across the country and abroad. >

The name Joseph DeJarnette might not grab the attention of music lovers. This Joe is known in the industry as "Joe Bass" in deference to his skill on the instrument. When not playing with JOE, DeJarnette plays bass with New York's Angriest Yodeling Acrobatic Banjo player whenever he can.

Joe Walsh is the mandolin-wielding bluegrasser seen most recently at the IBMA awards with the Gibson Brothers, receiving accolades for album of the year. He was the first mandolin performance student at Boston's esteemed Berkelee School of Music, where he now heads the Americana music program. When not playing with JOE, Walsh plays with the Gibson Brothers, the Jonathan Edwards band and a quartet with Grant Gordy, Darol Anger and Steve Roy, and teaches a full complement of fortunate students in Yarmouth, Maine.

Poster child for the Spot since its inception, Joe Craven has provided guidance and inspiration to the Rooster's Wife in providing a creative play space in Aberdeen. A constant advocate for arts education, Craven teaches at schools and camps nationwide, including Swannanoa, Victor Wooten's Bass Camp, and as youth academy director at the Wintergrass Academy in Bellevue, Wash. Craven bring his inventive sense of play to the stage with mandolin, fiddle and all manners of percussion. When he is not leading JOE, Craven is the emcee at Delfest and Live Oak Festivals, and playing solo or with his trio.

Poplar Knight Spot is the permanent home of the Rooster's Wife. The Spot serves as an art and gathering space for the community with gallery space, and a fully equipped performance stage. Outreach programs in educational and medical settings are available year round upon request. The Rooster's Wife is a nonprofit community arts organization committed to bringing the best in live music to the Sandhills.

The doors open at 6 p.m. for this week's show, with the music kicking off at 6:45. Picnics are welcome. For more information visit www.theroosterswife.org or call (910) 944-7502.