ACOUSTIC, roots and folk legend Phil Beer will kick off a series of concerts at the Cruck Barn in Appletreewick with a at 7.30pm on Thursday, February 2.

Phil is one half of the acclaimed act, Show Of Hands, one of the biggest bands in the UK folk/roots world.

The band, who are holding their fourth concert at the Royal Albert Hall on April 16, started their career in the folk clubs and pubs of the West Country.

They are now regularly touring large theatres all over the UK and have headlined some of the UK’s biggest festivals.

The band, which also includes Steve Knightley, has won BBC Radio Two Folk Awards – for Best Duo and Best Original Song in 2010 and Best Live Act in 2004.

Phil is the band’s multi-instrumentalist – playing lead guitar, mandolin, cuatro, cello-mandolin, tenor guitar and violin.

His skills on these instruments are dazzling – and he has a highly-acclaimed singing voice too.

As a composer, Phil has contributed many pieces for music for the band and his solo albums include the well-loved Show Of Hands track 'The Falmouth Packet'.

Phil also had a long stint in The Albion Band, touring with Mike Oldfield and playing on both Steve Harley’s Poetic Justice album and Steel Wheels by the Rolling Stones.

A spokesman for Cruck Barn said: "A solo performance from Phil is a thing of wonder – a master-class in musicianship, tastefully chosen and immaculately performed songs and tunes from a variety of genres, coupled with the combined warmth of his voice and personality."

Opening for Phil are Plumhall – the acclaimed and award-winning duo of Michelle Plum and Nick Hall.

Michelle is an ex-member of Chumbawamba and Waking The Witch and currently tours the arenas of the world as a session musician in her time off.

Nick is also a member of acclaimed local folk-rock heroes, The Hall Brothers, and has also toured the world as a session musician.

He has also appeared as an actor on stage and television, including appearances on Coronation Street and Emmerdale. Together Michelle and Nick have produced award-winning songs.

The Cruck Barn spokesman added: "Plumhall are excited to be opening for one of their favourite musicians in their favourite venue."

For more information about the concert at Cruck Barn, which is based in the Craven Arms, ring 01756 720270.

Tickets for the concert are available from wegottickets.com