The Steepwater Band Friday at opera house

The Steepwater Band's brand of rock 'n' roll takes them for a return engagement at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe Friday, with singer-songwriter Jordan Koza.

Steepwater's latest album, "Live & Humble," was recorded in Chicago, and band members Jeff Massey (vocal, guitar), Tod Bowers (bass), Joseph Winters (drums) and Eric Saylors (guitar, backing vocal) had played over 200 shows together leading up to the night of a remarkable show.

Critics and fans agree the record captures Steepwater's signature kinetic energy, and their distinctive brand of rock n' roll improvisation.

Formed in Chicago in 1998, The Steepwater Band's sound is a nod to early British blues, combined with a modern, raw and gutsy musical approach. It has earned performing slots with Gov't Mule, Buddy Guy, Wilco, Taj Mahal, Marc Ford, ZZ Top, T-Model Ford, North Mississippi All Stars, Leon Russell, Drive-By Truckers, Bad Company and Heart.

On Saturday celebrate spring and the return to the farm with Free Range Folk and Bovine Social Club. This evening will consist of good earthy music and local organic appetizers prepared by 14 Acre Farm.

Six years ago, during the growing season, a group of friends sang songs around a nightly campfire at 14 Acre Farm. The songs were as diverse as the weeds in the unkempt corners of the fields, but lived together in symbiotic ways. First described as a "Free Range Folk" band, later that genre became their name.

Bred on the northern banks of the Delaware River, Bovine Social Club, is a grassy, twangy, swinging breed of Americana Alt-Country sounds sure to get your dancing cow on.

On both nights, doors open at 7 p.m. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets are $15.

For tickets, visit online at www.mcohjt.com, call SoundCheck Records at 570-325-4009 from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m., or call the box office weekdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 570-325-0249.

On show days, the box office is open from noon until 5 p.m.