Mike Dawes never imagined his guitar would be his ticket to see the world.

He entertained refugees at a concert in Syria and performed for tourists on the Great Wall of China.

The 25-year-old has even strummed alongside a couple of celebrity fans in the US.

His next stop? The 12th Annual Bermuda Guitar Festival next week.

“Well first of all it’s going to be really fun because I haven’t played in the area before,” he said. “The first time is always special.

“My show involves creating more sounds than you could ever expect from an acoustic guitar. I have worked to become my own band.

“There is a lot of humour in the concert, but also moving moments.

“People shouldn’t expect a formal ‘sit down and shut up’ concert format. I try to engage with everyone in the room. It should be a lively, energetic and fun-filled event, I guess that would be my ‘family fun day’ tag line if I were to have one.”

Mr Dawes shot to fame three years ago after releasing a cover of Gotye’s hit song, Somebody That I Used to Know. To his surprise it went viral; the Grammy-winning artist himself reached out to show his support.

“Gotye really liked it and we ended up meeting at his studio in Melbourne, Australia,” Mr Dawes said. “We spent a few days making music in the woods there.

“I also found out that the guitarist from Maroon Five, James Valentine, was learning the percussive finger style I do from an app I made for the iPhone/iPad. We met up in Los Angeles and geeked out about guitar stuff. He’s a great player and super sweet guy. You never know who’ll hear your music when you put it online. Social media can be a wonderful thing.”

Mr Dawes’ father was a trumpet player and percussionist. He eventually picked up a guitar himself.

“The cool kid in school had one and when you’re that sort of age, that’s a big deal,” he said. “I realised instantly that it was the right medium for me.

“I was in a few high school rock bands but when I went to college I fell in love with acoustic music. There’s a master guitarist from France named Pierre Bensusan and I was exposed to his music through my godparents at an early age. At around age 17, I decided to totally dedicate myself to the acoustic guitar.”

He uses his instrument to create melody, harmony, bass and percussion — he’s one of just a handful of professionals performing and composing in this way. He said it’s a privilege to be part of the scene.

“Essentially it’s like a second family.

“I spend more time with some of these musicians out on the road than with my own family and friends.

“It’s a special bond we share, we all make a certain social sacrifice by spending ten months of the year away from home, but we wouldn’t do it if we didn’t love it.”

Mr Dawes was able to play in the first ever percussive acoustic guitar concert in Lebanon.

“I got to play for the Syrian refugees and aid workers out there. It was an inspiring moment and amazingly thought provoking to hear their own stories,” he said.

“Last year I did an impromptu concert on the Great Wall of China.

“A Chinese fan had travelled all across the country to meet me with the organisers.

“He had learned one of my pieces by ear and we played there on the Great Wall for the tourists and passers-by.

“I’ve also played at some dream venues in the USA like the Troubadour in Los Angeles and the Blue Note in New York City. It’s been a crazy few years.”

He said he’s excited to finally get to perform on the Island. He actually visited Bermuda for his 18th birthday because he has family here.

In fact, it was his uncle who told him about the Bermuda Guitar Festival and suggested he play in it.

“Bermuda is an inspiring place and I’m looking forward to showing people something a little different,” he said.

Mr Dawes will headline the May 30 event at St Andrew’s Church. It kicks off at 7.30pm. Adam del Monte, one of the world’s leading flamenco and classical guitarists, will perform on Friday, May 29.

Tickets are $30 for each night and are available at Bermuda School of Music, Music Box and www.ptix.bm.