FOR Northwich-based musician Gus Glynn, his first proper paid gig back after lockdown is just reward after performing for free during recent months.

Irishman Gus, who moved over to Cheshire from his native Galway more than twenty years ago, is bringing his new one man show to Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham.

An accomplished singer and guitar player, the show traces the development of the music we love today from its roots in traditional folk and blues to contemporary classics and all-time favourites.

For Gus, his arrival on these shores two decades ago was one he did for opportunity, but one that soon led to him falling in love with the north of England and bringing plenty of surprises along the way.

"I had been working and playing music in Ireland," he said.

"When I came over here I kind of fell in love with the north of England.

"And I found out that some songs I thought were Irish turned out to be English and vice versa.

"I learned a lot more about Irish, English and Scottish folk music after I moved here.

"Before finding folk I was a normal young man in that rock music was my main focus, but when I moved here I missed live folk music and went looking for it."

He didn't have to look far, with decent folks scenes going on in pretty much every town and city, including at Northwich Folk Club on Queen Street.

"I did find it a surprise just how big the folk scene is over here," he added.

"The scene isn't huge here but it's definitely there and its a lot bigger in more rural areas."

The show - Routes to Classics - presents traditional folk and blues with contemporary classics from the likes of Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, Carole King, Mark Knopfler and Lou Reed to modern favourites from artists such as Arctic Monkeys and Amy Winehouse and a selection of Gus’s original songs.

He added: "I originally learned folk and then classical guitar.

"The show is about how I discovered the folk thing and the similarities I see between different genres of music.

"So the first part of the show is very folky, but then it goes onto the Blues with Woody Guthrie and Bob Dylan than through James Taylor and even the likes of James Taylor and Arctic Monkeys.

"I think they all fit in well together.

"I find when I do gigs and do busking, I'm surprised by how many people seem to love the folk stuff."

Having played several free gigs at Castle Park Arts Centre in Frodsham in the small outdoor courtyard over the last few months, they offered Gus the chance to take the main stage and do his show as a bit of a thank you.

"I've played for free in the courtyard to help the arts centre stay open," he added.

"They get very little in the way of funding and it's mainly through what they bring in via the cafe and donations.

"I spoke to the organisers about my idea for a show about how folk links up between the British Isles and America and some of the modern classics that we do.

"And he just offered me the chance to put it on here inside in the Gallery space and everybody will benefit from it."

The show takes place on Friday, July 30 between 7pm-9pm and tickets are £10.

Tickets are available from the Arts Centre or telephone 01928735832.