coast-to-coast tour of the US.

The Anglo-Celtic foursome are to star at the Island's Folk Club as part of a three-month Spring Folk Festival. And already the band have sold out their Saturday night appearance and tickets for tomorrow's show are going fast.

The band -- who have visited Bermuda twice before, although with varying lineups -- have gone through a series of personnel changes since it was founded by doctor's son Simon Nicol at his father's London home, called Fairport, in 1967.

But their commitment to a distinctive style, blending the best of the British Isles' musical heritage with an electric jag, remains unchanged on their new album, called Who Knows Where the Time Goes? (Green Linnet).

The current line-up, which includes violin/mandolin player Chris Leslie, boasts a roots sound in line with the Celtic revival sweeping the UK and US.

"Being English, we don't consider ourselves Celtic, but we do base our style very much on that style. A lot of our tunes are inspired by Scotland and Ireland.

"There's a big upsurge in Celtic music, especially Irish music, in America, although we've never tried to jump on that background,'' said Dave.

And -- though some in Bermuda may never have sampled the band's sound -- they lay claim to some stars of the folk world as collaborators, while hitting the charts themselves over the years, mostly with albums.

Richard Thompson -- a folk star in his own right -- is a former member and Ralph McTell, who notched up a UK number one hit with The Streets of London in the 70s, has written several songs especially for Fairport Convention.

Fairport Convention, Bermuda Folk Club, Old Colony Club, Trott Road, Friday and Saturday. Doors open 8 p.m.

FABULOUS FOLK -- The Anglo-Celtic foursome, Fairport Convention, get set for another Bermuda engagement tomorrow and Saturday night, courtesy of the Bermuda Folk Club.