Two events scheduled this weekend at the Mauch Chunk Opera House

Special events are planned on both Friday and Saturday nights at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, both being presented by JTAMS Productions.

On Friday night, the Reading area multi-talented band "The Youngers" will perform at 8:30 p.m. Opening for The Youngers will be Tin Bird Choir.

"Girls Night Out," which has proven very popular in the past at the Opera House, will be held on Saturday night.

Girls Night Out Comedy presents Jen Grant, with special guest Tracy Tedesco, and their hilarious commentary on relationships, work, family life, and you-know-what-else, at 8:30 p.m.

The Youngers are based in Berks County.

Their new album, "Heritage," was released in 2008 and features a sampling of the band's influences including country, rock, and even a tinge of bluegrass.

Todd Bartolo, lead singer, songwriter, and guitarist, said the group has been together for 11 years and has toured throughout the country.

They have opened for such performers as David Allan Coe, Rick Hancok, Lee Rocker, and country great Marty Stuart.

Bartolo said his father was a big fan of country and oldies, and a good friend loved the blues, so he became a fan of many different genres.

The friend who he attributes to introducing him to the blues is Tom Hampton, who is a member of the band.

At times country, at times rock, the music is always spot on and informed by some of the great storytellers of American songwriting tradition including Springsteen, Neil Young and Gram Parsons.

Although the band hasn't had enough success to allow him to quit his day job (he works for his wife's landscaping business), he said his goal is to find an agent which will push the band to the next level.

"Our plans are to keep pushing ourselves, challenging ourselves, and making another record, and then hopefully find an agent," he said.

"Heritage" was produced by John Carter Cash (only son of the legendary Johnny and June Carter Cash). They recorded at the historic Cash Cabin studio in Hendersonville, Tenn.

The Youngers were joined on "Heritage" by an all-star supporting cast including musical guests on the album Ronnie McCoury of the Del McCoury Band, John Carter Cash, Laura Cash, and Ralph Mooney of the Waylon Jennings Band.

Musical guests "Tin Bird Choir" will open the concert. They've earned growing acclaim in the Philadelphia region for their distinctive "alt-folk barn rock" sound. Girls Night Out Comedy drew a full house at the MCOH last year.

Grant , a 2008 nominee for Best Female Comedian by the Canadian Comedy Awards, got her start in Ottawa, Ontario in 1999, later moving to New York City where she regularly performs at the Gotham Comedy Club, and The Broadway Comedy Club.

Tedesco delivers a deliciously savage brand of social commentary. After appearing in a Chicago Tribune cover story about women dating younger men, she was contacted by Geraldo at Large producers for a TV segment which aired multiple times on FOX and CBS affiliates nationwide.

To reserve tickets by phone, or for more information, call (570) 325-0249. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com