UNITY — Gary “Mr. Music” Knowles will perform at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 19, at the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts with special guest Carolyn Hutton.

Named 2012 solo artist of the year by the Maine Country Music Association, Knowles will make his first appearance in Unity. He is known for keeping audiences engaged, from his Rock ‘n’ Roll early days to his award-winning years playing country music with Madison-based Borderline Express. The Down East Country Music Association awarded him the Yodeling Slim Clark Award in 2013 after conferring dozens awards on bands he performed with, including Vocal Group of the Year, Duet of the Year, and Rhythm Player of the Year, according to a news release from the Unity College Center for Performing Arts.

Hutton grew up in North Carolina singing gospel music with her family. Years later, when her children were grown, she returned to her old-time roots, forming a gospel-bluegrass band with church friends in Dover, New Hampshire. For three years, she played mandolin with an all-female folk rock band, and she joined Bangor-born veteran musician Mac McHale, singing harmony and playing guitar in an old-time country and gospel duo. She currently teaches English at the University of New Hampshire, plays guitar and mandolin, and co-hosts a monthly bluegrass jam in Rollinsford, New Hampshire, according to the release.

“This is a something-for-everyone concert. Gary is a known storyteller who will garnish his songs with a lot of history and lore from an extensive musical background. There will be oldies from Elvis and Roy Orbison, along with Country and Bluegrass. It should be a good, lively, family-friendly event,” UCCPA Events Manager Wendi Richards said in the release.

About the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts

Built from a 100-year-old barn with attached farmhouse, the Unity College Center for the Performing Arts (UCCPA), is a vibrant cultural and arts center that offers an eclectic mix of music, films, art, lectures, and more. Since opening in 2000, the UCCPA has seen many events including world-renowned musicians, award winning speakers, and memorable community gatherings. The UCCPA is also home to the Leonard R. Craig Gallery featuring up-and-coming as well as renowned artists throughout the year.