Serving Boone, Blowing Rock, Banner Elk, and other towns of the North Carolina High Country
Founded 05-05-05
January 18, 2007 issue
Winterfest Welcomes the Return of Strictly Clean & Decent
Acoustic Trio Performs Saturday, January 27
Story by David Brewer
After another year full of energetic live shows, recording sessions and road trips ranging from Nashville to Ireland, Strictly Clean and Decent will return to Blowing Rock for a Saturday night performance during Winterfest.
Performing together since 1988, the trio of Patrick and Kay Crouch and Ron Shuffler are fresh off of one of their busiest years to date. Playing their engaging blend of bluegrass, western swing, classic country and Celtic music, the band members have been on the go.
During the summer, Strictly Clean and Decent made their annual two-week pilgrimage to Covh, Ireland for a round of performances. In addition to playing all over North Carolina, including participating in the Mountainhome Music Series, the band also recently appeared at legendary bluegrass hotspot the Station Inn in Nashville.
At their recording studio in Lenoir, the Crouches have hosted recording sessions with the Krueger Brothers, Kenny Smith and former Ricky Skaggs Band banjoist Mark Pruitt. The year 2006 also saw the Crouches complete the latest Caldwell County Traditional Musicians Showcase CD entitled The Lights of Home.
“We’ve been rubbing elbows with some of the best musicians around,” said Patrick Crouch.
The couple also hosts an ongoing live television show featuring fellow Caldwell County musicians called It Must Be Something in the Water. The show, along with the CDs, helps the Crouches promote the preservation of traditional music in their home county.
When not performing with Strictly Clean and Decent, bassist Ron Shuffler performs with David Peterson and is also a representative for Collings Guitar Company.
According to Crouch, the trio is also very excited to be performing in the new Hayes Performing Arts Center.
“We’re looking forward to coming over to the new auditorium,” said Crouch. “The room sounds great. I’m really partial to these auditoriums that are built specifically for the performing arts.”
With a vast repertoire of musical knowledge, Strictly Clean and Decent fills their family-oriented shows not only with top-notch ensemble playing, but also with a likeable stage presence that endears audiences of all ages.
Over the years, Strictly Clean and Decent has been fortunate enough to share the stage with some of the biggest names in acoustic music including Doc Watson, Ricky Skaggs, J.D. Crowe, Vassar Clements, Tim O’Brien and Tony Rice.
Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 on the night of the show and can be purchased at the Hayes Performing Arts Center box office, online at www.brcac.org or by calling 828-295-9627. For more info, call 828-295-9627
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, January 27
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Hayes Performing Arts Center
Cost: $10 in advance/$15 on day of show