From Nashville to Clarinbridge - Roni Stoneman, First Lady of Banjo

Thanks to ​Ann Fox of the ​Clarinbridge Arts Group in Co. Galway for this revise of the release and poster that first appeared on the BIB on 10 May. Note that the show starts at 8.30 p.m.

When you think of banjo pickers in masculine terms you instantly think of the late Earl Scruggs. If you think in female terms, there is none other comes to mind than Roni Stoneman – First Lady of Banjo (both Scruggs and Roni achieved their recognition by mastering and making the banjo a lifelong career).

Roni Stoneman comes from one of the most famous family groups in early American country music. In the 60s, as part of the family group, she starred in Hee Haw - the most successful syndicated programme and country music show in the history of American television. She pursued a musical career as a virtuoso banjo player (country music and bluegrass) and is consequently known as the First Lady of Banjo, recognised as one of the great banjo masters of our time.

On Saturday 28 May at 8.30 p.m., Clarinbridge Parish Hall, Clarinbridge Arts Group, and Clareen Banjos are delighted to host this legendary musician, supported by traditional and contemporary bluegrass musicians, the Oldtown Rounders.

For booking and further details, please text/ring 086 835 1230 or go to http://www.banjo.ie/. Find us on Facebook.

BIB editor's note: Uncle Dave Macon, the first featured star of the Grand Ole Opry, said to the young Earl Scruggs: 'You play good in a band, but you're not a bit funny, are you?' No one can ever have made that last accusation about Roni.