PLATINUM-selling recording artist Edwin McCain is to kick off the annual Cup Match holiday weekend tonight, before a large crowd at the Bermuda Athletic Association (BAA) field.

The voice behind the hit singles, I'll Be, Solitude and I Could Not Ask For More, Mr. McCain said he had enjoyed a bit of down-time, a few rounds of golf, a jam session at the Swizzle Inn, and loads of sunshine in between, but was looking forward to performing in one of his favourite holiday spots.

"Bermuda is a beautiful place," he said yesterday. "I was hoping to come down and play some golf but didn't know if I'd be able to get a gig here. It worked out perfectly. I've heard The Kennel Boys' music and it's great. I'm really looking forward to the concert."

Since the debut of his first album, Solitude, in 1993, a string of hit singles brought Mr. McCain's music to the attention of millions. Known as much for his voice as for his songwriting skills and talents on the acoustic guitar, he's the featured artist in tonight's concert. Also performing are The Kennel Boys and, reuniting for tonight only, the Sharx.

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 fact that the band's attorney, Richard (Gus) Gussler, is Mr. McCain's co-manager, made tonight's concert relatively easy to organise.

"We'd been talking about putting on another show for a while and this opportunity came along just in time for Cup Match," Mr. Sheppard said.

A native of South Carolina, Mr. McCain began playing solo acoustic shows on the resort island of Hilton Head and gradually expanded his territory and formed the Edwin McCain Band. At the moment, the artist said, he is busy.

Performances in North Carolina next week, are to be followed by a trip to Liverpool, northern England where he and his band will record 15 new songs for a studio album. On top of that, he has parts in two independent films and is to shoot a pilot for an HBO television show .

"I've done some stage acting before but it was some time ago and film is a completely different animal," he said. "I am busy."

This marks the singer's second trip to the island, having last come for (lead singer of Hootie and the Blowfish) Darius Rucker's wedding in 2000.

"Bermuda is just amazing," he said. "I could come back over and over just for the scenery and the people - everyone is so friendly."

Golf, he added, had been high on his list of enjoyments this time around.

"I've been playing a lot of golf. (Yesterday) I played Tucker's Point which is probably the hardest round I've played here, but the Mid Ocean course is truly beautiful."

The event kicks off at 5.30 p.m. Food and beverages will be available. The Sharx perform at 6.30. At 8 p.m. the Kennel Boys take to the stage, and Mr. McCain at 10. Tickets are $50 in advance and available from Music World, Great Sound and the Robin Hood Pub & Restaurant. Tickets are also available at the gate, for $60.