One of the most prolific figures on the English scene, John Kirkpatrick, is appearing at Folk at the Maltings in St Albans next Friday, Octobesr 30.

The folk singer and squeezebox player will be supported by New Roots 2015 finalists Tim’s Band and on the following day, Saturday, October 31, will be running a workshop for local musicians from 10am to 1pm at the Maltings.

John started playing the melodeon, the button accordion and the anglo concertina in his teens after joining Hammersmith Morris Men at the age of 12.

That led to a musical career performing solo, in duos, acoustic groups and electric bands, including the Albion Country Band, Magic Lantern, The Richard Thompson Band, Umps and Dumps, Steeleye Span, Brass Monkey, Trans-Europe Diatonique, and Band of Hope.

He has established an enviable reputation as an instrumental virtuoso and session musician as well as a leading interpreter of English folk music who can be heard on over 200 commercial recordings.

As songwriter, composer, choreographer and musical director, he has contributed to over 60 plays in the theatre and on radio and in 2010 was awarded Musician of the Year in the BBC2 Folk Awards.

Tim’s Band is duo, Sonia Tong and John Selby, who came together through a love of folk music and also the desire to experiment with different musical styles and combine a diverse range of influences from the classical and traditional worlds.

Tickets for the concert are £10, students £8, and under 16s £6. For the workshop they are £20 with under 25s £10, available on the door or in advance, by booking online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ovo, by phone on 0333 666 3366 or in person at St Albans Tourist & Information Centre, Town Hall, Market Place, 01727 864511.