Claire Lynch and the Claire Lynch Band are making a special trip to North Carolina next month.

They will perform at Wilson Community College in Wilson Friday, June 22, and Temple Theatre in Sanford Saturday, June 23.

The shows are being sponsored by the Wilson Community College Foundation and the Temple Theatre, along with Life 103.1 WLQC/WLHC-FM.

The International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) has announced that it is moving its annual World of Bluegrass events to Raleigh for three years beginning in 2013.

"Claire's appearances in North Carolina next month are a fitting exclamation point to the IBMA's recent announcement that the 2013 World of Bluegrass events will be held in Raleigh," says Alan Button, president of Life 103.1. "On stage, Claire and her band exemplify the best in live acoustic music."

Grammy nominee and two-time IBMA Female Vocalist of the Year, Lynch has been making records since she was 19. Her style encompasses classic bluegrass and thoughtful infusions of contemporary folk, country, rock and swing.

Lynch is also a songwriter, whose songs have been recorded by Kathy Mattea, Patty Loveless and others, and she has performed as a vocalist with Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, Emmylou Harris and Pam Tillis - just to name a few.

The Claire Lynch Band - Mark Schatz, Matt Wingate and Bryan McDowell - are award-winning bluegrass and acoustic stars in their own right.

Both shows start at 8 p.m., and all seats are reserved. For tickets to the June 22 Wilson show, call (252) 246-1293 or email lwagner @wilsoncc.edu.

For tickets to the June 23 Sanford performance, visit www.templeshows.com or call the box office at (919) 774-4155.