Milwaukee-based singer-songwriter-guitarist Willy Porter will be performing at The Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe, on Saturday, April 9, at 8:30 p.m.

Porter, a guitarist ,singer, songwriter, storyteller, and entertainer, defies labels and bends genres, moving between slide blues, acoustic folk, grooving rock, and soulful pop, creating a unique sound.Porter's emergence as one of the artists at the forefront of the modern folk-music scene dates back to 1990 with his debut CD, "The Trees Have Soul."At that time he was traveling in his Volkswagen selling discs out his trunk, mesmerizing audiences with his guitar chops and original tunes, while quickly developing a cult following.In 1994, he released his second independent CD entitled, "Dog Eared Dream."The song "Angry Words" became a top-10 staple on Triple AAA radio stations around the country. This radio success established Porter as a nationally recognized artist. European and American tours with Rickie Lee Jones, Tori Amos and The Cranberries followed over the next year and a half.In 1999 Porter signed with San Francisco-based Six Degrees Records and released the folk-pop gem, "Falling Forward." Produced by Grammy winner Neil Dorfsman (Dire Straits, Sting), "Falling Forward" contained the radio friendly tracks "Mystery" & "Cut the Rope." National tours commenced with legendary artists Paul Simon, Sting, Jeff Beck and Jethro Tull.In 2002, Porter released a self-titled disc, "Willy Porter." In 2003, the solo live album "High Wire Live" clearly showcased his mastery of the acoustic guitar in his most comfortable environmenthis live show.Porter combined his experience at both major and independent record labels and ultimately fueled his drive to release a wider variety of music on his own label, Weasel Records in December 2005."Available Light" (Ryko Distribution), features Porter at the peak of his powers as a guitarist, singer, songwriter & recording artist.On his latest CD "How To Rob A Bank" Porter has crafted some of his most irresistibly tuneful songs yet. In his most recent offering on Weasel RecordsDoors open at 7:30 p.m. and the performance begins at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $23.00.To purchase tickets by phone call (570) 325-0249. Tickets can also be purchased on-line at: mauchchunkoperahouse.com, or when Opera House doors open at 7:30 p.m.Parking is recommended downtown at the Carbon County Municipal Lot behind the train station.