Blues guitarist Chris Smither will perform at the Mauch Chunk Opera House on Friday night.

On Saturday, The Youngers and Free Range Folk will be on the Opera House stage.Both concerts begin at 8:30 p.m.Both are productions of Jtams Productions.Smither is highly regarded among his peers for his blues and Americana music.What is immediately recognizable to anyone who has encountered Smither on record or in live performance during the course of the last four decades are his been-there, done-that voice and the crystalline, wordlessly eloquent sounds of his fingerpicked acoustic guitar.Smither is truly an American original.Having released 12 albums since the early 1970s, he is a profound songwriter, a blistering guitarist and, as he puts it, a 'one-man band to the bone.' He melds the styles of his two major influences, Lightnin' Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt, into his own signature guitar sound.His music continues to draw deeply from the blues, American folk music, modern poets and humanist philosophers.He may be best known for writing "Love You Like A Man" which Bonnie Raitt who deeply admires his playing, dubbing him "her Eric Clapton."His music has also been covered by numerous other artists and featured in various soundtrack albums, independent film, television and commercials.Pa. based roots-rock band "The Youngers" boldly staked their claim as one of the most promising and vital bands in America with a stunning new album "Heritage" released in 2008.Lead singer/songwriter/guitarist Todd Bartolo funnels the vibrant energy of a hard-charging, up-and-coming four piece rock band through the sieve of his disparate influences.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.Special musical guests Ruch, Finsel and McCarty known as "Free Range Folk" will open for "The Youngers".Tickets can be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com. Parking is recommended downtown at the Carbon County Municipal Lot.