But that's not the case for nine-piece band Sun On The Moon who will be at Ballarat's Suttons House of Music on June 27 performing songs from American singer-songwriter James Taylor.

Taylor is still alive. In fact, he is still performing. His latest album was only released earlier this year.

The reason why the band has decided to perform Taylor's music was simply because they believe his music is worth sharing.

"We started the band because we’re all musicians who love James Taylor's music and we never get to perform his songs," bassist Gavin Pearce said.

"I was driving to a gig with Dan Conway and we were listening to James Taylor on the radio. I had said 'gee wouldn't it be great to do a gig playing this music’ and Dan said ‘why don't we’."

With decades of experiences behind them and lead by Australia's Got Talent finalist Dan Conway, Sun On The Moon have worked endlessly to perfect the difficult sounds of the Grammy award-wining singer.

"James Taylor doesn't sing regular harmonies, they drop in and out. To get that sound is a real artform," Pearce said.

Joining Conway and Pearce is Phil Turcio on keyboard, Darryn Farrugia on drums, percussionist and vocalist Hayden Meggitt, saxophonist Damon grant, vocalist Sandi Pearce, trombonist Dave Palmer and Shane Gillard on trumpet.

The group will perform songs from the last 30 years of Taylor's career including Fire and Rain, Carolina On My Mind and How Sweet It Is To Be Loved By You.

"You can't be unhappy about his music, he writes about real things," Sandi Pearce said.

"People who don't know his music will run out wanting to buy his album, his music touches everyone."

A masterclass with also be held on Saturday for a chance for budding musicians to learn from some of the industry's best.

The class will be held at the Ballarat Mechanics' Institute Hummfray Room at 1pm for intermediate and 2.30pm for the advanced session. 

Register at www.trybooking.com/141531