When it comes to songwriting, Ron Sexsmith is one of the best in this country .

The featured artist at Mount Forest's Old Roxy Theatre on Saturday, May 5, Sexsmith started his first band at 14. After moving to Toronto he formed the Uncool and released his cassette Out of the Duff, and a year later, There's a Way.

Meanwhile, he worked as a courier, and released Grand Opera Lane in 1991. On the strength of this album he earned a contract which led to a self-titled album in 1995.

Sexsmith has already won two Juno awards and this year, he's up for two more, including songwriter of the year.

Sexsmith maps the human heart with surgical skill and great compassion. He offers us hard-earned pieces of wisdom, all set to strong yet gentle melodies and sung unaffectedly, with emotional eloquence and genuine soul.

These are his creative signatures, and they have earned the Toronto-based singer/songwriter immense respect from his peers, critics, and a devoted international audience.

These assets are vividly displayed on Time Being, the 10th release to his formidable catalogue. The Toronto Star recently noted Sexsmith "has produced a body of quality work that's unequalled in contemporary Canadian music in originality and musical daring." It is no stretch to extend that statement into the international arena, as Ron's peers would agree.

Time Being marked a happy creative reunion with ace American producer Mitchell Froom (Elvis Costello, Crowded House, Suzanne Vega, Paul McCartney). He has played a pivotal role in Sexsmith's career, producing Ron's first three major label albums and offering valuable advice ever since. Their empathy and trust made for a smooth recording process. "It really felt like we hadn't stopped or taken time away from each other," recalls Ron.

"I've kept in touch with Mitchell with every record I'd made since, and now I felt I was more on level ground with him."

The Roxy show will include as special guests Orangeville's own Grande Fir.