The Maine-based band Skyler will take to the stage this Sunday, Jan. 9, at Higher Ground in South Burlington. The band features multi-talented instrumentalist John Mullett, who grew up in Worcester and attended U-32 High School in Montpelier. Twenty-year-old Mullett plays fiddle, guitar, and keys, among other instruments, in the five-man band.

The group takes its name from lead singer and rhythm guitar player Skyler Clark-Hamel, who also co-writes many of the songs with other members of the band. Skyler plays mostly original songs in the genres of rock, pop and country. Group members site the Beatles, Tom Petty, Bruce Springsteen, Wilco and numerous alt-country artists as major influences.

"I can't tell you how exciting this will be for me," Mullett said about the upcoming concert.

Doors open at Higher Ground on Sunday at 6 p.m., with the show beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Showcase Lounge. Tickets are $10 in advance, or $12 at the door. For more information, visit Higher Ground's website, or visit Skyler at its MySpace page.