CARTHAGE – New England Celtic Arts will present Cape Breton multi-instrumentalist J.P. Cormier – known for his original “story songs,” often basing his lyrics on true events – Monday, Oct. 29, at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center

Singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sideman, innovator, recording artist and award winner. His titles are many, but underlying is a young man with an ancient soul who has traveled the world for the past 23 years, bringing his music to audiences wherever he goes.

Cormier taught himself to play guitar at age 5 and quickly became immersed in the musical heritage of his Cape Breton roots. By 9, he was considered a genuine prodigy and won his first guitar competition against 30 other players three times his age. By his mid-teens, Cormier could play almost any stringed instrument he picked up.

At 16, he recorded his first album, a collection of bluegrass instrumentals. With the project in hand, he worked his way across the U.S. festival circuit. These appearances led to a move to the United State and 10 years of live appearances and memorable nights at the Grand Ole Opry with such notable artists as Waylon Jennings, Marty Stuart, Earl Scruggs, Bill Monroe and Vince Gill.

Since his return to Canada more than a decade ago, Cormier has released 10 award-winning recordings. He brings his compositions and finger work to the stage 250 nights a year in theaters, at festivals and with symphonies as guest performer. He is accompanied by Hilda Chiasson-Cormier on piano and harmony vocals and by multi-instrumentalist Darren McMullen.

The concert will begin at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10, reservations suggested. Call New England Celtic Arts at 562-4445. Skye Theatre is at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Road.