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SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 11

REAL DIAMOND Neil Diamond Tribute ::: BUY ONLINE

Real Diamond brings a hugely entertaining show while passionately re-creates the live Neil Diamond experience. Faithfully providing the finest interpretations of these great songs, Curt Di Domizio fronts a terrific 11-piece band while providing a remarkable depiction of Neil Diamond himself. 

"For anyone looking to get their Neil Diamond fix, Real Diamond shines like the real deal."- Joe Plasko, Times News

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $23

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SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

ENTER THE HAGGIS ::: BUY ONLINE

Toronto’s Celtic rock band Enter the Haggis has found itself at the center of a grassroots success story ever-teetering on the brink of mainstream success. From playing Celtic festivals to rock venues, ETH wins over their passionate, devoted audiences one fan, one town, one region at a time.

"..Celtic and rock are merely baselines from which the quintet adds layers of world, country, roots and progressive music on its most recent album.." - PittsburghLive.com
 

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $25

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Sponsored by the

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 25

EL SALON
Contemporary Dance by Concert Dance Inc. of Chicago

::: BUY ONLINE

Concert Dance Inc., the resident contemporary dance company of Chicago's Ruth Page Center for the Arts, returns to the Opera House. Choreographer and artistic director Venetia Stifler presents a program inspired by the company’s recent choreographic exploration of different cultures.

Highlighting the program are two new works that had their world premieres this past June at the prestigious Ravinia summer festival outside of Chicago. “El Salón Mexico,” features Stifler’s setting of Aaron Copland’s wildly infectious music in a special two-piano arrangement written by Bernstein. The second new work is “Irregular Pearls,” a multi-media work that recalls CDI's experiences in China during a 2009 tour.

Free Salsa lessons from the Cuban-born dancers Victor and Mariah at 3PM before the show!

Recognized for its “inspired, magnetic stage presence” -New York Times

“Chicago's most inventive performers" - Chicago Tribune

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $20

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 2

ERIC CLAPTON RETROSPECTIVE ::: BUY ONLINE

For fans of Eric Clapton, this show is a treat. The Craig Thatcher Band performs Slowhand's greatest hits along with tunes more obscure, tracing his history as an artist and rendering his tunes with all the same gut-wrenching emotion.

"..With both worldwide recognition and a slew of Lehigh Valley Music Awards, the Craig Thatcher Band has a well earned reputation for blending classic rock and blues standards.. " - Godfrey Daniels
 

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $21

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 3

THE BADLEES ::: BUY ONLINE

The Badlees’ history is a colorful one. The band’s third full-length album, 1995’s “River Songs,” resulted in a national recording contract. Songs such as “Angeline is Coming Home” and “Fear of Falling” were national hits, the highly-publicized video for “Angeline” appeared on VH1 and the band toured the nation’s largest arenas with acts such as Bob Seger, Plant/Page and Gregg Allman. An Americana band in the spirit of John Mellencamp and Tom Petty, the Badlees are fronted by singer Pete Palladino and have always drawn dedicated fans. With their new album "Love Is Rain" it's easy to see why.

This special Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival presentation will feature the band performing their best selling album "River Songs" along with a mix of songs from their other albums, including their new release, "Love is Rain." And perhaps some surprises!

doors 5:30 / showtime 6:00 / ticket $15

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FRIDAY, OCTOBER 8

JTAMS PRODUCTIONS
IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE PA JAZZ ALLIANCE PRESENTS:

BILLY COBHAM BAND ::: BUY ONLINE

You don't get see many musicians that perform at the rarified level of Billy Cobham, but we have that problem taken care of with this exclusive engagement with jazz fusion's greatest and most explosive drummer. Accompanied by brilliant musicians from France, England and Brazil, the Billy Cobham Band brings a powerful world music experience to Jim Thorpe. Jean-Marie Ecay - guitar, Fifi Chayeb - bass, Junior Gill - steel pan/Pan Cat Mallots, Christophe Cravero - keyboard/violin, Camelia Ben Naceur - keyboards join Cobham for an unforgettable evening.

Billy Cobham is arguably the world’s greatest living drummer, having started out over 30 years ago with Horace Silver and Stanley Turrentine. In his jazz fusion element with Miles Davis, he shot to international stardom with the groundbreaking Mahavishnu Orchestra. He has worked with musicians as diverse as James Brown, George Benson, Bob Weir, Herbie Hancock, Santana. His music has been very influential - even Massive Attack sampled a notable Cobham riff.

Meet Billy Cobham at 5 PM before the show at Soundcheck Records!

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $38

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SATURDAY OCTOBER 9

SIMON AND GARFUNKEL Tribute ::: BUY ONLINE

AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle have been performing this remarkable tribute to the music of “Simon & Garfunkel” for more than a decade and their sold out shows demonstrate the effect on their audiences. AJ’s warm baritone and Jonathan’s soaring tenor combine flawlessly to capture the essence and magic of “Simon & Garfunkel’s” magical sound.

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $23

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SUNDAY, OCTOBER 10

CRAIG THATCHER AND FRIENDS ::: BUY ONLINE

Craig Thatcher has a long history with rock and blues, both as an acoustic and electric guitarist. Along with his role as bandleader of CTB and guitarist for the jazz singer Simone, Martin Guitars has selected him as a Guitar Clinician traveling the country extolling the virtues of their guitars.

In this special Jim Thorpe Fall Foliage Festival show, the band will perform both acoustic and electric sets of original and classic rock-blues in the fervent style of playing that Craig Thatcher is known for.

"..Though inspired by the music of road-house bad-boys like Stevie Ray Vaughn, Thatcher and his bandmates avoid the darker corners of the blues, concentrating instead on bright leads and solid musicianship." - The Morning Call

doors 5:30 / showtime 6:00 / ticket $15

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 16

CABINET ::: BUY ONLINE

This band has most definitely arrived, honing their distinctive jam/bluegrass sound and stage presence at live venues around the East for years. With solid, rollicking original tunes and a mix of standards made new by their fine arrangements, Cabinet leaves it all onstage.

"..We’re telling you there is no better cure for what ails you than the heart-pounding good time medicine that is Cabinet.."  - FestivalFamily.com

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $18

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 22

TOM RUSH ::: BUY ONLINE

Tom Rush is a gifted musician and performer, whose distinctive guitar style, wry humor and expressive voice have made him a legend to audiences around the world. His shows are filled with the rib-aching laughter of terrific story-telling, the sweet melancholy of ballads and the passion of gritty blues. James Taylor told Rolling Stone, "Tom was not only one of my early heroes, but also one of my main influences."

"..[Joni] Mitchell’s “The Circle Game” and his own “NO
Regrets” were stunning reminders that well-crafted lyrics need no bells, whistles or synthesizers." - The Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Crowd pleasing ... an outstanding performance." - The New York Times

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $26

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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 5

IMAGINED The John Lennon Song Project ::: BUY ONLINE

No Video at this time

Fans of the late John Lennon will undoubtedly commemorate what would have been his 70th birthday on October 9, 2010 in a variety of ways. Folk/rockers Rex Fowler of Aztec Two-Step and Tom Dean of Devonsquare have teamed up with Tom’s former band mate Alana MacDonald. Together, as The John Lennon Song Project, they have produced Imagined, a thoughtfully re-imagined tribute that celebrates the genius and artistry of Lennon's music. The tribute combines a number of his best known Beatles songs in new and unexpected ways, weaving melody, lyric and song together in a series of singles and mini-medleys. The performance will also feature Dean’s band mate Alana MacDonald and a host of talented musicians who provide backing on acoustic and electric guitars, bass, cello, violin, mandolin, accordion, chromatic harmonica and percussion.

"One listen to these intelligent heartfelt covers will convince you that Rex and Tom have been infused with the spirit of John Lennon and that they rank right up there with the very best Lennon interpreters ever."
~ Pete Fornatale, WFUV, New York

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $26

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 6

THE ANGEL BAND ::: BUY ONLINE

Boisterous, sad, sweet, goofy, glorious and angelic - any which way you look at it this music gets your attention. It might be the crazy tight three-part harmony, the killer backup playing, the stories, the passion or the compassion. The songs are mostly self-penned, weaving vivid images, powerful lyrics, musical integrity and "chops" to write home about.

"From the high-kicking 'Coming Home to You' to the richly textured 'Place of Grace,' it was an inspiring set, with an icing-on-the-cake cover of 'Angel of the Morning'.." - Metroland Online

Meet the Angel Band at 4 PM before the show at Sound Check Records in downtown Jim Thorpe!

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $23

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 13

THE TONY BENNET SHOW the music of TB ::: BUY ONLINE

Eddie Bruce recreates an intimate and passionate performance
Bennett’s personal songbook in his cabaret show called Bruce on Bennett: A Loving Tribute.

This show’s music will include selections from throughout Bennett’s five decades-plus career including an exploration of the range of styles that Tony Bennett performs. Eddie Bruce speaks about the different Bennett styles -the Bennett ballad, the Bennett swing and the mix of both.

Eddie Bruce gives a beautiful well-deserved vocal tribute to Tony Bennett. It’s uncanny how often he sounds like Tony,and with only a Trio as backup.

doors 7:00 / showtime 8:00 / ticket $20

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SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 20

TONY KENNY'S Christmas Time in Ireland ::: BUY ONLINE

Christmas Time in Ireland is a dynamic concert that presents the finest in Irish song, dance, music, and laughter. Starring vocalist, Tony Kenny, Ireland’s 1998 Entertainer of the Year, the lineup also includes Joe Cuddy, Victoria Kenny, and The Dublin City Dancers.

Celebrate the holidays in your hometown with Tony Kenny and these outstanding performers as they capture and present the warmth, spirit, and sparkle that is –
Christmas Time in Ireland.

doors 7:00 / showtime 8:00 / ticket $28

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SATURDAY NOVEMBER 27

THE ERIC MINTEL QUARTET ::: BUY ONLINE

Pianist Eric Mintel serves up a pleasant mix. Music from the popular CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS sound track, Dave Brukeck w/ some orignals sprinkled in.

Eric's gigs have ranged from Bill Clinton's White House to Marian McPartland's Piano Jazz radio show, approaches listeners in an amicable way, and plays hard. His quartet recording with Maynard Ferguson alum Nelson Hill on saxophones and flute features slivers of funk, Latin and gospel. But it's mostly a straight-ahead set of positive-sounding original tunes. Hill is a hard-charger, befitting his role as Ferguson's lead altoist in the early 1980s. Electric bassist Dave Antonow and drummer Dave Mohn comprise the backbone for this quartet, which aims to please and often succeeds.

" fantastic group of cats that can hold their own in any setting at any time.It makes me feel good to know that their are still some deep, fun, and talented jazz bands out there and The Eric Mintel Quartet is all the
above!" -Baldwin "Smitty" Smith from Jazz Monthly writes:

doors 7:00 / showtime 8:00 / ticket $21

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4

GANDALF MURPHY & THE SLAMBOVIAN CIRCUS ::: BUY ONLINE

Known and loved in their home state of New York, Gandalf Murphy has been singled out as Hudson Valley Magazine's "Band of the Year" for the past 3 years. On stage they create an enchanting atmosphere, using traditional folk instruments, tasty electric guitar and the distinctive singing and songwriting of Joziah Longo.

Citing influences as diverse as Hank Williams, Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band and early Pink Floyd, Longo describes the band's music as "punk-classical-hillbilly-Floyd", a mental rollercoaster of whimsical, thought-provoking songs. The Circus' live shows are where the real magic comes down, earning them critical acclaim as well as a deeply loyal following.

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $25

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 10

ROCKIN' CHRISTMAS Craig Thatcher Band and Guests

::: BUY ONLINE

Now an annual tradition, bluesman Craig Thatcher and his all-star band perform rocking and traditional holiday music with an energy and festive spirit sure to satisfy all ages.

Each year Craig assembles a line up of special guest to perform their favorite christmas tunes, ending the evening with an all-star jam.

doors 7:00 / showtime 8:00 / ticket $21

artist website

FRIDAY, JANUARY 14

CROOKED STILL ::: BUY ONLINE

Purveyors of the new-folk, bluegrass movement, Crooked Still are equal parts ambassador and innovators as evidenced on their newest release Some Strange Country available May 18th on Signature Sounds. The musical prowess of this defiantly non-traditional bluegrass quintet is on display as radically re-imagined traditional fare blends seamlessly alongside four original compositions and a surprising take on the Rolling Stones’ “You Got The Silver”.

“There is a new richness to the music, evident in the Celtic elements on the banjo-laden bluegrass of “Sometimes in This Country” and the heart-wrenching emotions wrung from both instruments and vocals in “Half of What We Know.”    – The Washington Post

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $21

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FRIDAY JANUARY 21

CHRIS SMITHER ::: BUY ONLINE

His ability to take the emotion at the heart of a song, make it transparent and pass it on to the listener is unmatched. Smither’s rich, deep, emotion-charged voice and his exquisite guitar playing imbue these simple thoughts with a profundity forged out of genuine passion.

His songs have been recorded by many great artists including Bonnie Raitt.

"Bathed in the flickering glow of passing headlights and neon bar signs, Smither’s roots are as blue as they come. There is plenty of misty Louisiana and Lightnin’ Hopkins in Smither’s weathered singing and unhurried picking. So fine." - Rolling Stone

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $25

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SATURDAY,  JANUARY 22

THE YOUNGERS ::: BUY ONLINE

The Youngers have crafted well-written Americana rock/folk tunes. If you long for the high lonesome sound it's there. If you need to hear roots rock and twang it's there. If you take a little neil young mixed with R.E.M. and cook it in a pot of Bill Monroe you'll get served heaps of great american made music.

“The Youngers are not just the cutting edge of where music should be right now, they hold to the roots. Their style is both unique and reminiscent of some of the greatest Rock and Roll of our time, timeless and groundbreaking.” - John Carter Cash

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $18

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SATURDAY JANUARY 29

STEVE FORBERT ::: BUY ONLINE

In the past quarter-century, the Mississippi-bred, Nashville-based singer/songwriter has built a deeply personal body of work that's won him a reputation for clear-eyed insight and plainspoken eloquence. In the process, he's evolved from the wide-eyed young troubadour of his early classics Alive On Arrival and Jackrabbit Slim to the mature, bittersweet outlook of his more recent work, which surveys darker territory
with hard-won empathy and deeply-ingrained rock 'n' roll soul.

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $27

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SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5

EILEN JEWELL ::: BUY ONLINE

Boise-born and Boston-based, Jewell has quickly distinguished herself as one of the rising stars of a new generation of roots musicians.

With a voice that calls to mind Patsy Cline, Neko Case and even, at times, fellow New Englander Kris Delmhorst, Eilen Jewell is backed by a tight band, held together particularly well by exquisite electric guitar solos from Jerry Miller. Some songs sound a little Dylanesque, while others are good, old-fashioned down-home country, but mostly they linger stylistically, somewhere in-between.

”Indicative of Jewell’s strong following in Europe, The Word in the UK described her as “A voice of real distinction that manages to transcend some powerful influences and pierce the fog long enough for her own point of view to emerge.”

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $18

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SATURDAY FEBRUARY 12

TUSK The Fleetwood Mac Tribute ::: BUY ONLINE

the Ultimate Fleetwood Mac Tribute TUSK takes its audience members on a sweet ride down memory lane. Authentic-sounding and always respectful, TUSK leaves no stone unturned in replicating the sounds of one of the world's best-loved, top-selling bands.

TUSK covers all the great hits of Fleetwood Mac, which has featured the talents of Mick Fleetwood, Christine and John McVie, Lindsey Buckingham, Stevie Nicks.

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $23

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SATURDAY, MARCH 5

KASMIR Led Zeppelin at it's finest ::: BUY ONLINE

Kashmir, The Led Zeppelin Show, is the most  authentic and accurate representation of Led Zeppelin out there today. All 4 members of the band assume their individual roles with amazing accuracy. Kashmir brings the stage show, the sound, and likenesses to bring your audience and patrons back to a day when the Mighty Led Zeppelin ruled the musical landscape.

Kashmir has played over 500 shows performing to crowds as large as 30,000 people and tours extensively. Includes light show!

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $20

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SATURDAY, MARCH 12 2011

TARTAN TERRORS ::: BUY ONLINE

The Tartan Terror shows at the Opera House during Jim Thorpe's St. Patrick's Day Weekend are some of the most sought-after in our program and it's not hard to see why. North America's premiere Celtic comedy group, the Tartans' mix of music, comedy and theater make for a thoroughly entertaining and uplifting evening.

doors 7:30 / showtime 8:30 / ticket $35