Mercury Music Prize nominee Sam Lee on stage

Sam Lee was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize on the release of his debut album, Ground Of its Own (July 2012) and has been making waves ever since.

The former Burlesque dancer, professional forager, folk singer, song collector, club promoter (The Nest Collective) teacher and radio host has also now toured the world and in March 2015 released his second, equally acclaimed album, The Fade in Time.

Once again, comprised of songs learned first-hand from the Gypsy Traveller community, this latest recording reflects Sam’s unique artistic journey. Winner of the prestigious 2011 Arts Foundation Award and BBC Radio 2 Folk Award winner for Best Traditional Track, Sam is a new pioneer, who along with his band, are helping to define and energise the sound of folk songs for today.

Lee performs unconventional and contemporary interpretations of songs he has collected, often challenging people’s preconceptions of what ‘traditional folk’ should sound like. Other music events to take place at Buxton’s Pavilion Arts Centre include Geordie MacKeeman and His Rhythm Boys delivering old-time roots music (Mon 12 September), and three hander, Leveret with Bellowhead’s  Sam Sweeney (Tuesday 13 September). BBC Radio 2 DJ Andy Kershaw will be talking about his amazing life and career at the venue on Sunday 18 September, whilst the hits of Pink Floyd will also be performed with remarkable accuracy in The Floyd effect (Friday 16 September).

Sam Lee, Buxton Opera House, Monday 5 September, 7.30pm. Tickets are priced at £16. To buy tickets call Buxton Opera House on 01298 72190 or visit www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk