Many people are ready to move forward with the start of a new year. But before you can do that, you have to look back.

And musically speaking one can do that through the folk music of Dave Mallett.

In a career spanning four decades, Mallett has recorded 14 albums and had several hundred covers of his songs, including the American folk classic “Garden Song.” Known for his carefully written, poetic offerings, his body of work has provided material for an eclectic list of artists including Alison Krauss, Pete Seeger, Hal Ketchum, Emmylou Harris, John Denver and the Muppets.

Mallett has also performed in clubs, concert halls and festivals across the United States, Canada and Europe and appeared on numerous broadcasts, including National Public Radio’s “A Prairie Home Companion.” Now he will play at the historic Holly Theater in downtown Dahlonega.

The concert will be at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 15, at 69 W. Main St., in Dahlonega. Tickets are $15 to $20 and can be purchase online or at the box office.

For more information, visit www.hollytheater.com.