LENOIR, N.C. – A couple of weeks ago, I wrote an abridged history of the Caldwell County (Traditional) Musicians Showcase. You can read it here.

However, I failed to mention the roles of Ron and Dude Shuffler in the article. That is an inexcusable omission.

I was looking for an opportunity to correct that, and found the chance this morning on the website of my favorite radio station, WNCW in Spindale, N.C. Last week, they published “The Shuffler Family of Valdese” as part of the “Down the Road on the Blue Ridge Music Trails” program. An interview of Ron Shuffler, the youngest of nine children in the musical family, is a brief listen worth every moment.

Ron is the bass player for Strictly Clean and Decent, the Caldwell County-based musical group that includes Kay and Patrick Crouch. They started the Showcase, as you’ll read in my article. I should have included more about Ron but did not. You’ll learn a lot by listening to the WNCW program.

I also – and quite regrettably – failed to mention the role of Dude Shuffler. For years, until his death, Dude was the emcee of the Showcase. He was the first face you saw on stage as the show started. His voice and inflection, though, were even more welcome. He had a knack for setting the tone, whatever the theme of the Showcase might be.

Dude is deeply missed. Nancy Posey, his replacement, is relentless, dedicated and prepared for her role every year. That devotion by her is a tribute to Dude. So, take a moment and tune in to WNCW to listen to the brief story. And if you’ve never listened to WNCW before, you are in for a treat. Friends in Massachusetts and elsewhere stream it daily to hear the best of traditional, Americana, blues, rock, jazz and more.

© Michael M. Barrick, 2025.