Seth Lakeman, a singer, song-writer and multi-instrumentalist whose inimitable style and captivating performances have gained him and his superbly talented band a loyal and ever-growing following, will kick-start the final two days of the Bath International Music Festival in style on Saturday.
Seth is one of a new generation of folk musicians who have made big waves in popular musical culture. The spirit of rock meets the timeless and heartfelt subject matter of folk in an energetic blend of fiddle, acoustic guitar and foot-stomping rhythms, with Seth's trademark, soaring vocals riding the wave.
Seth began his musical career early, playing together with his parents and two brothers in native Devon.
Later, the three brothers formed Equation with two female singers, signing to Time Warner in 1995.
After recording and touring the world Lakeman left Equation in 2001 and has since gone on to enjoy considerable success as a solo artist.
He received a Mercury Music Prize nomination for his first album Kitty Jay, his subsequent album Freedom Fields brought an even bigger fan base.
The content of many of his songs, doomed love, death and the like, may be dark, but that's the folk tradition.
However, the tone with Seth's attacking fiddle and tenor guitar style is always upbeat and edgily modern.
His latest album, Tales from the Barrel House was released in 2011 and is a deeply personal affair where Seth looks to pay homage his Devon roots.
"I was seeking to pay homage to hard-working miners, sailors, skilled craftsmen and artisans, who worked for little reward but took a pride in what they did," he said.
"It was an extraordinary freedom to explore my music in this magical valley, which is close to my Devon home."
He appears at the Forum on Saturday from 8pm.
Tickets cost £20.