The Hope College Concert Series will host an artist with local ties for its next event, featuring area high school graduate Tyler James and band on Wednesday, March 12, at 8 p.m. at the Knickerbocker Theatre.

The series is partnering with the college's Independent Music Club to feature Seth Bernard and Daisy May as special guests to open the concert.

Tickets are $10 for the general public and $5 with a Hope College ID, and are available at the ticket office in the main lobby of the DeVos Fieldhouse.

Born in Seattle, Wash., and raised in Iowa, James graduated from Holland Christian High School in 2000. He moved to Nashville, Tenn., that same year to study and pursue his music career.

James has released two EPs, "An EP" (2005) and "Sweet Relief" (2007), and is working on a full-length album. In 2007 his music was featured on the ABC show "Brothers & Sisters."

As his influences, James cites Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Paul McCartney, Joni Mitchell, Rainer Marie Rilke, Brian Wilson, Nick Drake, Neil Young, Tom Waits, The Band, Woody Allen, Jaoa Gilberto, Billy Preston, Bill Withers, Randy Newman, David Bowie, Mark Kozelek, Wilco, Beck and Four Tet.

"The Nashville Scene" has said, "An understated, melodic singer specializing in lush, piano-driven pop, Tyler James has an unadorned vocal style that grows on you... adding complexity to deceptively simple lyrics."

"Paste Magazine" noted, "Tyler James' vulnerable lyrics, uncontrived vocals and memorable piano and guitar arrangements make for a sound as accessible as it is meaningful."

James's band mates include Adam Keefer, bass; Dan Burns, drums; Mitch Jones, b3 organ; and Aaron Roche, guitar.

Michigan-based Seth Bernard and Daisy May Erlewine have toured both as single acts and together. Their duo album, "Seth Bernard and Daisy May," released in 2006, was recorded in the historic Calumet Theater backed by Dominic Suchyta, bass; Drew Howard, pedal steel; and Andrea Moreno-Beals, cello.

The ticket office is open weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be called at (616) 395-7890. Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door.

The DeVos Fieldhouse is located at 222 Fairbanks Ave., between Ninth and 11th streets. The Knickerbocker Theatre is located in downtown Holland at 86 E. Eighth St.

The doors will open at 7:30 p.m. the night of the concert.