MARTIN Stephenson will be playing an intimate solo gig in Knutsford on Saturday.

The north east artist, who celebrated the 30th anniversary of his debut album Boat to Bolivia last year, will be on stage at the Brook Street Club.

Martin first emerged on the music scene in the 1980s with his band the Daintees. The 56-year-old has since recorded more than 40 records.

Martin, who was inspired to become a performer by his psychedelic music-loving table tennis coach Jim Sixsmith, has built a reputation as one of the UK’s hardest working performers after three decades and thousands of gigs spanning genres from folk and bluegrass to rockabilly roots.

A spokesman said: “His gigs are legendary not only for the musicianship but also the storytelling, banter and audience interaction which make the evening a true experience you will talk about for months to come.”

Support is provided by Fine Lines, a folk band fronted by Darktown Jubilee’s David Boardman and featuring BBC broadcaster Mark Radcliffe on drums, who will play a short acoustic set to promote their EP launch. Doors open at 7.30pm with music starting at around 8.15pm. Tickets are available at ents24.com