This year’s Saskatoon Comic and Entertainment Expo will feature Billy Boyd of The Lord of the Rings fame — as will Louis’ Pub, during a performance of his band, Beecake.

Fans of The Lord of the Rings will know who Boyd is. He portrayed the lovable, accident-prone hobbit Pippin Took in the famous trilogy’s films. Though it has been well over a decade since the series’ first film was released, Boyd’s charming and memorable portrayal of Pippin continues to make him a fan favourite and a frequent guest at comic expos worldwide.

Boyd isn’t tired of it though, and expressed his delight at the experience that comic expos offer.

“They just seem like such a cool place to be,” Boyd said. “Plus, I always go shopping. I love buying things! I always buy a couple of lightsabers. Who doesn’t need lightsabers?”

This is a perfect example of the unguarded geeky personality and humour that make Boyd such an appealing performer. His voice and manner on the phone were energetic and open, despite the Sheaf’s phone call being one of many scheduled for him that day.

Boyd cares about his life as an actor and the fans who love him for his film work. But his latest work these days is his music, and U of S students will get to see him and his band Beecake at Louis’ Pub on Sept. 19.

“There’s never been a time I wasn’t playing music,” Boyd said. “This new album has been a long time in the making, and we’re excited to share it.”

Beecake has made two albums since their formation in 2006 and are excited about the chance to perform their third one live.

“We haven’t played it live yet,” Boyd said. “Saskatoon will get to see it for the first time.”

This will also be Beecake’s debut in Canada and though Boyd said he’s been to Regina before, independent of the band, he’s never been up to Saskatoon.

Audiences can expect a wide variety of sounds and styles from Beecake. Boyd also hinted they would pay homage to his history, saying those in attendance at the Louis’ performance can expect to hear Beecake’s version of “The Battle of Five Armies,” a song featured at the end of the 2014 film The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies.

Beecake will have much more to offer than that, though. Boyd was unable to explain Beecake’s sound in a few words, but only because he didn’t feel it fit into any specific genre. Their sound is unique and unclassifiable.

“Every song is like its own short story,” Boyd said.

The Saskatoon Comic and Entertainment Expo will feature an opportunity to meet Boyd, among many other guest stars. Fans of Star Trek can meet William Shatner and satisfy their inner Trekkie. Those who still aren’t over the Breaking Bad finale two years ago can relive the glory days by seeing Giancarlo Esposito — Gustavo “Gus” Fring on the show — in person at this year’s Expo as well.

The Expo isn’t just about meeting the famous headliners, though. Like Boyd said, there’s plenty to see, do and buy and you can expect to see local attendees in cosplay attire, booths offering accessories for every possible fandom and opportunities to learn rumours about your favourite shows or films’ futures.

I asked Boyd what to expect from him at the Expo, and he chuckled.

“People are often surprised to see that I’m tall,” he said. “But there are other aspects of me that are hobbit-like — I often eat second breakfast.”

If my interview with Boyd is any indication, the Expo is going to be an amazing experience of connecting with respected artists and actors. Boyd asked, at the end of our interview, “Will you be coming to our show?” in a completely earnest voice, which solidified my opinion of him as a man who genuinely cares about his fans.

Be sure to check out Boyd and others at the Expo and then come see Beecake’s Canadian debut at Louis’ Pub.

For more information, go to saskexpo.com.