A WINCHESTER music venue is preparing for one of the biggest acts it has hosted, as a folk quartet from Montreal is set to perform.

The Barr Brothers will hit the stage of The Railway, bringing their dusty, hushed Americana, West African grooves and voyeuristic lyrics.

The foursome comprises Sarah Page, Andres Vial, Andrew and Brad Barr. The brothers began their music career as part of trio The Slip, in Boston.

At a gig in Montreal in 2004 a fire broke out, and during the break in the show Andrew met a Montreal resident after offering her his coat.

The encounter led to a relationship and a year later the brothers relocated, living next door to harpist Sarah Page.

The Barr Brothers was born and in September 2011 the band released their debut self-titled LP on Secret City Records. They were invited to play Osheaga Festival in 2011, and then toured North America promoting the record.

In January 2012 the band performed on the Late Show with David Letterman, and in June of the same year headlined the main stage of the Montreal Jazz Festival.

The Barr Brothers will play The Railway on Friday, January 30, at 8pm.