POCKLINGTON Arts Centre assistant manager James Duffy spotted Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys playing in Canada last year, made a note and invited them to Yorkshire.

"I thought they were fantastic, so I'm obviously really pleased to have them performing at PAC this season," says James, ahead of Mackeeman's Pock debut on September 14.

Hailing from Prince Edward Island, the award-winning Canadians serve up old-time roots music with an energy level that "practically yanks you out of your seat by the collar".

If ever someone was deserving of the nickname “Crazy Legs”, it just might be Gordie MacKeeman. His dance style, mixed with bluegrass vocals, plus Peter Cann’s blistering guitar solos and the lively multi-instrumental talents of Thomas Webb and Mark Geddes, make for a potent roots music package.

Within months of forming the Rhythm Boys and releasing their self-titled debut album in 2011, the band had received two Music PEI awards for Roots/Traditional Group of the Year and Instrumental Recording of the Year and were nominated for Roots/Traditional Group Recording at the 2011 East Coast Music Awards too.

They have gone on to win many awards, including the 2014 East Coast Music Award and Music PEI Award for best Roots Traditional Group Recording of the Year for their latest album, Pickin'-n-Clickin', and have toured the world, taking in visits to Australia, Belgium, the United States, Canada and Malaysia and many trips to Britain.

Last year, The Rhythm Boys were honoured with the Music PEI Award for Entertainer of the Year and Touring Artist of the Year, and Mackeeman's band are now at the top of today’s vibrant old-time musical revival and "a mighty fine example of what an unending revival it is".

"In 2013 and 2015 I was invited to attend two Music PEI showcase events, with 30 other delegates from across Canada, the USA and Europe, on the East Coast of Canada on Prince Edward Island," recalls James Duffy.

"Gordie and the band performed on both occasions and were one of the highlights of the showcase, and in the past few years, the band have tour extensively in the UK, including Glastonbury Festival, Celtic Connections and WOMAD, so I'm delighted we've managed to book them for Pocklington."

Tickets for Gordie Mackeeman & His Rhythm Boys' 8pm gig are on sale at £14 at pocklingtonartscentre.co.uk or on 01759 301547.