Gandalf Murphy & Slambovan Circus back at Opera House

JTAMS Productions presents Gandalf Murphy and The Slambovian Circus of Dreams live at the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe, on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 8:30 p.m.

Emerging from the misty hills of Sleepy Hollow, New York in the late 90's, Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus of Dreams exploded upon the Hudson Valley music scene with their stunning self-produced debut release, "A Good Thief Tips His Hat".

The quirky quartet then began touring throughout the northeast sharing the stage with Greg Brown, Ani DiFranco, Dar Williams, The Neilds, The Kennedys, Fred Eaglesmith and other luminaries of the folk/alt-country circuit and rapidly developed a fiercely loyal following.

They are one of the best known bands in their home state, singled out as Hudson Valley Magazine's "Band of the Year" for the past three years.

Gandalf Murphy and the Slambovian Circus of Dreams is led by Joziah Longo, singer-songwriter and guitarist; his wife, multi-instrumentalist Tink Lloyd, who plays the accordion, cello, flute and theremin; Sharkey McEwen, lead guitarist, mandolin, vocals; and Tony Zuzulo, drummer and percussionist.

Beginning in 2004 The Circus reinforced their sound with the addition of Chen Longo (bass, backing vocals). Further reinforcement came in 2008 with the addition of Orien Longo (keyboards, backing vocals, percussion). These two are better known as The Longo Twins.

Their last studio release, "Flapjacks From The Sky" has been hailed as a masterpiece by many and continues to make a buzz internationally as a great Americana work of art. Their newest CD, "The Great Unravel" was released in August, 2008.

Gandalf Murphy's repertory is filled with lively songs that are imbued with mystical stirrings and idealism suggestive of the 1960's. The music of Slambovia has been described as "surreal Americana" citing influences as diverse as Hank Williams, Dylan, Bowie, Incredible String Band and early Pink Floyd.

And while Longo says that "Slambovia" was originally intended to be a quirky, made-up descriptive adjective, akin to something like "whamboozical", the band's dedicated fanbase has treated it more like the utopian nation it sounds like.

This Circus is pleased with the interpretation of Slambovia as a place, because it dovetails nicely with the band's message of enlightenment and free thought.

The music of Gandalf Murphy and the SCOD brims with hope, goodwill and unsinkable optimism - rare (perhaps even delusional) qualities in these troubled days. The result is the sound of a yesterday long forgotten, and a refreshing revival of what made you listen to music in the first place.

Doors for this concert open at 7:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 8:30 p.m.

To reserve tickets by phone, or for more information, call (570) 325-0249.

Tickets can be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com.