Bill Hicks and Jim Watson, along with Tommy Thompson founded the Red Clay Ramblers in 1972. Mike Craver joined in 1973. For the next decade these talented musicians toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, Europe, Scandinavia and Africa; acted and played in two Off-Broadway shows (DIAMOND STUDS, & Sam Shepard’s A LIE OF THE MIND)—and released 8 albums on the Flying Fish and Sugar Hill labels. In the early 80s, Watson, Craver and Thompson released a highly acclaimed album of Carter Family songs titled MEETING IN THE AIR. Co-founder and banjo player Tommy Thompson passed away in early 2003, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. Bill and Jim and Mike had all left the band by 1986, but they still get together and play music, these days joined by Joe Newberry on banjo and vocals. In 2012, Craver, Hicks, Watson & Newberry released an album of their current repertoire entitled YOU’VE BEEN A FRIEND TO ME.
Will Call tickets may be picked up at The Cary starting one hour prior to the performance.