It has been more than 29 years since Doyle Lawson's search for his "sound" came to an end. In fact, he can remember the exact day it happened.

"It was April the 1st, 1979," Lawson recalls in his laidback Southern drawl. That day, his band, Quicksilver, was formed -- finally providing him with his sought-after gospel bluegrass sound.

Now, after thousands of shows, a number of personnel changes and the same traditional foundation of his music intact, Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver is set to perform 8 p.m. Friday, May 30, at The State Theatre, 130 W. College Ave.

Lawson, an accomplished multi-instrumentalist who sticks to playing mandolin at his shows, will be performing with his five-piece band Quicksilver to promote the group's latest album, Help Is On The Way.

"They are recognized as one of the top bluegrass/gospel groups in the country. It's a simple fact," said Mike Negra, executive director of the State Theatre. "They're on top of their game."

Negra added Lawson and Quicksilver's previous show at the State Theatre in January 2007 was his "third-favorite" show he's seen there. The band will appeal to "anyone who likes good music," he said.

Lawson's wholesome blend of gospel and bluegrass is rooted in his Christian upbringing in the small town of Ford Town, Tenn.

"I grew up on it," Lawson said. "My father and mother sang gospel music as a pastime, and my grandfather was a missionary Baptist preacher."

He credits bluegrass forefather Bill Monroe for the creation of Lawson's particular style of music, in particular the Monroe Brothers gospel duet "What Would You Give In Exchange For Your Soul?"

"It was the first record they did, and it's the reason I say that gospel and bluegrass go hand-in-hand," Lawson said.

Lawson acknowledged he is well aware of current trends in popular music and enjoys a good amount of it -- as long as "it's not a bunch of racket" -- but he chooses to stay focused on his trademark sound.

While this sound that Lawson often refers to may not be anything particularly new, Negra said his performance is likely to draw fans of bluegrass-influenced "jam bands," such as Railroad Earth.

The current incarnation of Quicksilver, whose members have all joined the group within the past few years, is composed of a bassist, fiddler, guitarist, banjoist and dobro player. Lawson is well-versed in the banjo, guitar, bass and fiddle, but sticks to playing mandolin at recent shows "in the interest of sharing" with the rest of the band.

"I'm really happy with the current lineup, just about as happy as I've been with any lineup," Lawson said. "They play with consistency every week and they do their homework."

Rather than going on lengthy tours, Lawson and Quicksilver make sure there is time in between their short trips on the road -- in which Lawson still tries to make it to church every Sunday -- and have recently been putting on about 100 shows per year.

"I used to do well over 200," Lawson said, "but I decided to cut back a bit and try to enjoy what life has to offer."