For nearly 20 years, the We Piddle Around Theater in Brundidge has been a place for stories and old time music. On Friday night, April 12, the Brundidge Historical Society will continue the folk life tradition of the theater but in a different folksy way with Abby the Spoon Lady and Chris Rodrigues in concert.

Tickets are $20 and will include supper, stories, songs and spoons. Show time is 6:30 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 334-685-5524 or 670-6302.

Chris Rodrigues, a one-man band, and Abby the Spoon Lady are professional street performers in Asheville, North Carolina. They play American folk and roots music, he, on different instruments and, she, on the spoons and service bells.

Abby the Spoon Lady is a percussionist, storyteller and radio personality with her own show in Asheville.

Mernette Bray, a member of the sponsoring Brundidge Historical Society’s storytelling committee, said she first saw Abby the Spoon Lady in Jonesborough, Tennessee.

“I went to see her because she was said to be a phenomenon,” Bray said. “She and Chris Rodrigues have videos on Facebook with about 14 million views. I was amazed by their music and fascinated by her stories.”

Bray said Abby Roach, laughingly, said people are confused when a performer who doesn’t look like Taylor Swift has hits.
“She said she realizes there’s something scary about a toothless spoons player but she is comfortable with who she is,” Bray said. “She is a fascinating person, an amazing spoons player and a great storyteller. You can’t talk to Abby the Spoon Lady and not come away a fan.”

Abby Roach started street performing for donations as a way to make money traveling across the country mainly by hopping trains. She spent a good amount of time traveling recording the stories, interviews and songs of American travelers.

At the We Piddle Around Theater, Abby the Spoon Lady and Chris Rodrigues will also play gospel and American folk music. She plays a lot of jazz on the spoons but especially likes old-time music which has a lot of rhythm to it. Her musical influences include Artis the Spoonman, Jimmie Rodgers and Bill Monroe.

Bray said Abby Roach will share fascinating stories of her hobo life and her life as a street performer.

“She is one of a kind,” Bray said. “She is known worldwide for ‘Angels in Heaven’ that has nearly 15 million views. We are excited to have Abby the Spoon Lady and Chris Rodrigues at the We Piddle Around Theater. It will be a unique experience and one you won’t forget.”