AN AMERICAN folk-rock band with a fast-growing following will perform in Otley next month.

The Way Down Wanderers, who formed just three years ago, will play at the Courthouse on Friday, December 8.

The band, known for its fast and soulful blend of 'pop-laden bluegrass', has already taken America by storm and is hoping to win an army of new fans as it tours the UK.

Front-men and founders Austin Thompson and Collin Krause met in their hometown of Peoria, Illinois and embarked on their first tour at the ages of just 14 and 18, respectively.

The pair soon began writing music together and formed The Way Down Wanderers when Collin was 16 and Austin 20.

The quintet play mostly acoustic instruments and aim to whip up a musical frenzy at their live shows, showcasing their finely honed musicianship and tight harmonies.

The band is also known for its soaring instrumentals and foot-stomping sing-a-longs, and have created a buzz with their unplugged, off-stage encores.

The Wanderers are also famed for performing 'rest-stomps' - free acoustic sets played at rest and truck stops along their tour routes.

Audience members at their Otley show will hear tracks from the group's debut, self-titled album which features a guest appearance from Old Crow Medicine Show’s Critter Fuqua.

The performance begins at 8pm and tickets cost £13.

The can be booked at the venue, by visiting otleycourthouse.org.uk or by calling the box office on (01943) 467466.