October Offerings at the Opera House

Jonathan Edwards and Michael Murphey

Two of the finest songwriters and entertainers in America,  Michael Martin Murphey  and Jonathan Edwards, join forces for a rare co-bill at Jim Thorpe’s Mauch Chunk Opera House on Friday, October 19.

Murphey penned several mega-hits including Wildfire and Carolina In The Pines, while close friend Edwards is best-known for his own gold hits Sunshine and Athens County. Both retain their characteristically sparkling voices and combine them in this exclusive concert.

Their 2-week tour marks the first time the two legendary singer-songwriters have ever performed together, and the Opera House is one of only two Pennsylvania stops. Pure entertainment by two masters!

Here’s the Hazleton Standard-Speaker story on this exclusive show offering!

AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle’s Simon and Garfunkel Retrospective

That acoustic and vocal theme carries on the rest of the weekend with AJ Swearingen’s and Jonathan Beedle’s remarkable Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective, an experience of close-your-eyes-and-you-think-it’s-S&G.

The duo performs throughout the United States, and returns to the Opera House where the warm acoustics are particularly suited to their show.

Mr. Swearingen  continues the next night with original acoustic music courtesy of his fine duo with Jayne Kelli. Here the focus is on Swearingen’s accessible but beautiful original songs. It’s their first performance here in Jim Thorpe.

The Badlees

The month’s final weekend brings the ever-popular Pennsylvania rock band The Badlees to town on Friday, October 26 with special guest fiddler Nyk Van Wyke. Rockers in the Americana vein of Bob Seger (with whom they’ve toured) or John Mellencamp, the band always brings a theme for their performance to the Opera House. We think the focus is going to be on their hits, like Angeline, and Up There Down Here.

Craig Thatcher

Van Wyke stays onstage for the talented Craig Thatcher Band’s Eric Clapton Retrospective on Saturday, October 27, one of the Opera House’s most popular productions and featuring an unforgettable survey of all the eras in Clapton’s musical career.

For more information and to select your seats, visit the Opera House website at www.MauchChunkOperaHouse.com. You can also obtain tickets by visiting SoundCheck Records in downtown JT or calling them at 570-325-4009. Call the Opera House box office at 570-325-0249.

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Retrospectives at the Opera House in September

Artists that portray or perform the work of others are under-appreciated.

Fact is, they dedicate huge amounts of time towards performing the music or telling the stories in ways that the originals would. Then they take their acts on the road all over the country.

Audiences are finding out just how good they are. With that in mind, the Mauch Chunk Opera House has a scheduled two more for September which have received rave reviews for quality and enjoyment, for a lot less than the originals that play far bigger venues.

AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle

On the 17th, singer-songwriters AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle take the stage with their Simon and Garfunkel Retrospective. A performance that has played before audiences all across the country and as far away as Hawaii, they recreate not only the stunning music with their silky harmonies, but let you in on the story of probably the USA’s most well-known folk duo.

Kurt Sutton

America’s most beloved storyteller, philosopher, and political commentator, Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain appears at the Opera House on Friday, September 23, courtesy of Atlanta-based actor Kurt Sutton.

With all the sharp wit, thoughtful stories, and ironic humor that Twain was so famous for, Mr. Sutton brings a sorely-needed and light-hearted world view to the stage.

In addition, he portrays the author in his parlor, where he was known in his day as a fine entertainer, singing songs on his banjo. It’s a thoughtful yet highly entertaining show for both children and adults.

You can obtain more information on this show by visiting the Opera House website or calling the box office at 570-325-0249.

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