Singer-songwriter Steve Forbert at M. C. Opera House on Saturday

JTAMS Productions presents Steve Forbert, heralded as one of the most gifted songwriters and compelling live performers in contemporary folk music.

Forbert will perform at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe on Saturday, January 30, at 8:30 p.m.

At 21, Steve Forbert left the small town of Meridian Mississippi where he grew up in and traveled north, to become a folk hero in the giant metropolis of New York City.

With only a guitar and harmonica, he managed to cause a stir in New York City. Performing at Folk City and eventually opening for artists like Talking Heads and John Cale at "CBGB", the legendary music club which was located at 315 Bowery at Bleecker Street in the borough of Manhattan in New York City, Forbert became something of a local sensation and signed his first record deal with the CBS-distributed label Nemperor.

Released at the height of the new wave explosion, his 1978 debut "Alive On Arrival" offered a first look at his colorful mix of spare acoustic introspection and scrappy rock 'n' roll to become one of the the year's most acclaimed albums.

While critics tagged him, "the next Dylan", Forbert never put too much stock in the comparison and forged his own path, expanding his audience substantially with 1979's commercial breakthrough release "Jackrabbit Slim" which included his era defining hit single, "Romeo's Tune."

Nearly 28 years since breaking into pop consciousness, Steve Forbert remains a master of songs offering clear-eyed insight and plain-spoken, heartfelt eloquence.

On his 429 Records/SLG debut, the well-traveled now Nashville-based troubadour who maintains a busy touring schedule of over 100 dates a year. Forbert is and still remains an enduring and endearing Romeo to folk-rock fans.

"Strange Names & New Sensations" was his 11th release of the decade, a roll that began with "Evergreen Boy" in 2000 and included four live recordings in addition to a Grammy nomination for Best Traditional Folk Album for" Any Old Time": Songs Of Jimmy Rodgersa tribute to "America's Blue Yodeler" who was the first country music superstar (and a native of Forbert's hometown, Meridian, Mississippi).

In October of 2006, Forbert was inducted into the Mississippi Musicians Hall of Fame.

The Title of his latest CD" The Place and The Time" is a compelling follow up to 2007 "Strange Names & New Sensations".

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 also be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com. Parking is recommended downtown at the Carbon County Municipal Lot behind the train station.