There are few family dynasties as important to the history and development of American Country music as the Stoneman family.

Stoneman family patriarch Earnest Van “Pop” Stoneman was working a mill in SW Virginia in 1924 when he heard a recording by neighbor Henry Whittier. Determined he could make a better side, Stoneman set out to NYC, where he cut two records. A few years later, he assisted record man Ralph Peer conduct the legendary “Bristol Sessions,” known as the “Big Bang” of country music,in nearby Bristol, Virginia/Tennessee, which led to the discovery and recording of such artists as the Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers.

Stoneman moved his family to Washington, DC during the depression and eventually settled in Carmondy Hills, Maryland, where he tried to revive his music career. In 1941, his took his family band, The Stonemans, to a talent competition in Washington, DC, which they won, and afterwards, they were able to sustain a career and legacy.

Roni Stoneman was born in Maryland, the 17th child, and youngest daughter of Pop Stoneman. Roni naturally became a member the family band, who with great success, toured all across the United States and Canada. The family gained national recognition with their own weekly television show, "The Stonemans".

Many country music fans from their group’s heyday remember "Pop", Mama Hattie, Donna on the mandolin, Patsy, and her brothers Van, Scotty, and Jimmy, but Roni’s banjo playing was the most memorable. Following on the heels of "The Stonemans" successes, Roni became a national icon on "HEE HAW" as "The Ironing Board Lady" (Ida Lee) and for many other roles she played on the show, which also included playing the banjo with the likes of Roy Clark, Grandpa Jones, and Stringbean.

Roni is still a mighty fine banjo picker and entertainer. For this special show, she will be backed by DC’s own Only Lonesome whose sound recalls the formative days of DC/Baltimore bluegrass artists such as the Seldom Scene and Buzz Busby.

The evening will begin with a set by Only Lonesome, followed by Only Lonesome with special guest Roni Stoneman.

8pm | $20, $17 mbrs. | + $3 at the door