Let me admit, up front, that when it comes to talking about Andrew McKnight, the upcoming featured artist who will be in concert at the Westhaven Center For The Performing Arts, I'm completely biased.

Ever since I first heard his distinctively mellow baritone on a CD that was sent to me back in 2001 -- and then, soon after, heard him in person in concert at the Eagle House in Eureka -- I was hooked as an admiring and awe-struck fan, and have been so ever since.

McKnight, born and bred in the blue hills of the Shenandoah Valley, is a masterful acoustic musician and vocalist whose creative skills as a song/lyric writer are equally awe-inspiring.

Ever evolving in his work with insightful observations on life in general (and our connection with the past and global responsibilities of the present).

McKnight is a former corporate environmental engineer -- who changed professions in 1996 -- whose music and lyrics often reflect his background in advocacy for “the preservation of rural and historic America.”

And the challenges of maintaining our respect and stewardship of the land throughout our country.

This gentle-but-passionate troubadour and poet, is a wandering, whimsical minstrel -- an entertaining, Mark Twain storyteller who laces his astute wisdom with sly stabs of humor between numbers.

McKnight's self-created original music can move from sensitive to rowdy in the wink of an eye, smoothly segueing from one to the other in a tasty blend of folk, country, blues, gospel and bluegrass.

His distinctive material has continued to build an enraptured and enthusiastic fan base, through both his live concerts on tour, as well as the growing exposure and popularity of his CD's on the Falling Mountain Music label.

One of McKnight's albums “Beyond Borders,” was one of five Americana Album of the Year Finalists in the 2005 Independent Music Awards, and one of the songs from that CD, “Good Things Matter,” was honored as the winner of that year's Great American Song Contest.

More impressive facts from his ever-growing musical resume include performances at the Atlanta Olympics and at the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C. And, his music and live interviews can be heard on local, national and international broadcast and Internet airways around the world.

However, first and foremost, McKnight loves to share his music -- which integrates his personal concerns and support for community causes, such as previously calling attention to the destructive strip-mining in his home state through his material.

And, now he can be seen and heard live, in an intimate concert at Trinidad's Westhaven Center on Tuesday, May 6th at 7:30 p.m. This will mark a welcome return engagement to a site where he was warmly received in November of 2006.

Re-appearing at WCA with him on their current West Coast tour, is virtuoso bassist from Denver, Sean Kelly on upright bass and harmony vocals.

The talented, inspiring duo will be playing some of McKnight's classic favorites, along with selections from his brand new CD, “Something Worth Standing For.” His latest material “reflects the maturity of a veteran song-poet and seasoned musical artisan.”

Although he has not ever been “shy about highlighting social and environmental issues,” McKnight has always “studiously avoided stridency” in doing so. He prefers, instead, “to create musical vignettes that let the listener see circumstances through the eyes of the protagonists” in his material.

However, he says the birth of his daughter, Madeleine about a year ago, has inspired him to be more emotionally strong and up-front in giving many polarizing social subjects a voice, while still transcending political labels.”

Don't miss McKnight in concert this time around. You'll soon understand why I can so unabashedly praise the unmistakable brilliance and sweet soul of a truly inspiring man who puts his heart into every performance.

Tickets for Andrew McKnight (and Sean Kelly) in Concert at the Westhaven Center for the Arts' (Tuesday, May 4th) performance, are $15 general, $10 for WCA members.

The center is located just off of Highway 101 on the hill at 501 Westhaven Drive. Call 677-9493 for information and reservations.