PLATINUM-selling recording artist Edwin McCain is to kick off the annual Cup Match holiday weekend with a live performance at the Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) Field.

Since the debut of his first album, Solitude, in 1993, a string of hit singles - among them I'll Be, Solitude and I Could Not Ask For More - brought his music to the attention of millions.

Known as much for his voice as for his song-writing skills and talents on the acoustic guitar, Mr. McCain will be the featured performer in a series of entertainers to hit the stage on July 30.

According to the event's organisers, Barry Fitzsimmons and Gary Sheppard of Great Sound Productions, it will be the first rock concert on the island since their company brought the band Hootie and the Blowfish here nearly ten years ago.

"The idea was to try something different," Mr. Fitzsimmons said. "It's been a while since there was any kind of rock and roll show in Bermuda. The last was Hootie and the Blowfish and that was eight years ago. It worked well, but we want to make this even more special."

Added Mr. Sheppard: "The reason we waited so long is that we've all been busy with other business projects. We'd been talking about putting on another show for a while and this opportunity came along just in time for Cup Match."

A native of South Carolina, Mr. McCain began playing solo acoustic shows on the resort island of Hilton Head and gradually expanded his territory, forming the Edwin McCain Band and releasing his first album in 1993.

He describes The Austin Sessions, his sixth album, as a tribute to his fans - consisting of a selection of new compositions, a few old favourites, and some choice covers in a stripped-down acoustic format.

"We've had people asking for this record for a long time," he said. "The core group of people that like what I do have always said they want an all-acoustic album, so here we go. It's real loose and it's not overproduced. I didn't redo the vocals, they just are what they are."

This will be the singer's second trip to the island. Having had a great first visit, it was easy to lure him back, according to Mr. Sheppard.

"He came for (lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish) Darius Rucker's wedding in 2000. He's an avid golfer, likes the island, and was keen to come back. He just released his latest album, The Austin Sessions, and loves performing."

The event kicks off at 5.30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available and a disc jockey - Paul Sofianos - will provide entertainment until the first live group, the Sharx, perform at 6.30. At 8 p.m. the Kennel Boys take to the stage, followed by Mr. McCain at ten.

Mr. Fitzsimmons said he thought Mr. McCain's music perfect for the festival-type atmosphere they were hoping to create on the night of the show.

"By virtue of the fact that there are multiple acts playing, it is a festival and it's going to be one of the lead-ups to Bermuda's biggest holiday. What a great way to start it off. We've spared no expense on sound and the lighting system is just as state-of-the-art.

"What we'd like is to have people show up early and kick in the night with the Sharx. We plan to do songs off the album we cut back in the '80s. We haven't played together, publicly, in over ten years and this is probably the only time it will ever happen again.

"The Kennel Boys need no introduction. They just rock. And Edwin will play his big hits such as I'll Be, which went platinum for him. The idea, with the 5.30 start, is that people can come early and stay late. It will all be over at midnight, so the earlier they come, the more enjoyment they get out of it."

q Tickets for the concert are $50 in advance and available from Music World, Great Sound and the Robin Hood Pub & Restaurant. Tickets are also available on the night, for $60.