Kay and Patrick Crouch in Dublin from 25 June

(L-r) Kay Crouch, Patrick Crouch, Ron Shuffler, and 'Uncle Pen' (bottom)

Good to hear again from Kay and Patrick Crouch of the North Carolina trio Strictly Clean and Decent, who are well known to the bluegrass and old-time community in the Cork city area in particular. Kay plays guitar, flute, piano, and tin whistle; Patrick plays mandolin, banjo, dobro, fiddle, and guitar. Bass player Ron Shuffler is best described by Patrick, who writes:

Kay and I are heading for Ireland next week. We will arrive in Dublin on 25 June with three friends from Nashville, TN. I am writing to ask if you might recommend any sessions on Friday or Saturday that we may be able to visit. Kay and I will also be coming back to Dublin on 7 July and we would appreciate any tips for music that evening as well.

Our bass player, Ron Shuffler, is coming to the Ulster Festival Park in Omagh with Dale Ann Bradley on 3 and 4 September. Ron said he would love to meet as many bluegrass musicians as possible during that weekend and so I would ask you to help spread the word.

Ron is an excellent source for eyewitness bluegrass history because his older brother, George Shuffler, traveled extensively with the Stanley Brothers from the early 1950s through the early 1970s. Ron met countless musicians such as Del McCoury, Bill Harrell, Kenny Baker, Reno and Smiley, the Osborne Brothers, Jim and Jesse McReynolds, etc. through George’s association with these bluegrass pioneers. Many of these musicians spent time at the Shufflers' home when passing through western North Carolina, and it is quite amazing to hear Ron speak of those times.

Kay and Patrick are exceptional musicians and singers, and if you have, or know of, a session going during their stay, contact them by e-mail.

Update 18 June - Patrick adds: 'We are playing a gig in Cobh at the Sirius Arts Centre on 1 July and we'll be hanging out at the Roaring Donkey for a few days after.'