Blues artists Sparky, Rhonda Rucker appearing at Gayville Hall May 6

Gayville Hall presents Tennessee folk and blues artists Sparky and Rhonda Rucker in concert at 8 p.m. on Saturday, May 6, at 502 Washington Street in Gayville. John and Susan McNeill will open the show.

James "Sparky" Rucker has been singing and telling stories from the American tradition for over 40 years, accompanying himself on guitar, banjo, and spoons. He has recorded more than eleven CDs and albums, including Treasures and Tears (on Flying Fish) with wife Rhonda, which was a W.C. Handy Award nomination for best traditional blues recording.

He has appeared on public radio's A Prairie Home Companion, Mountain Stage, and Morning Edition, and his music has been featured on several PBS television specials, two National Geographic videos, and the Time-Warner TV miniseries, The Wild West. He has been featured at blues and folk festivals across North America, Europe, and Australia.

Rhonda Rucker, a native of Lousville, KY, began performing with Sparky in 1989 and appears on five recordings with him. She sings harmonies and plays piano, a gutsy blues harmonica, and banjo.

Tickets are $10 at the door or $12.50 for a reserved seat. Call 605-267-2859.