The Bach and Handel Chorale is pulling out all the stops for its 30th anniversary and will continue the celebration with a special concert at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe.

There will be two performances of "A Celebration of American Song"at 3 and 7 p.m. Saturday, May 17, featuring the combined efforts of the chorale and the Perseverance Jazz Band.Area concertgoers who are used to hearing the chorale perform the classical works of the masters will be surprised by a different musical genre, Dixieland jazz.The chorale is joining forces with the local Perseverance Jazz Band, which has been performing for audiences in Carbon County and the surrounding area for many years.Founded by Henry Long Sr., it plays the Dixieland style of jazz as well as many other old-time favorite styles.The instruments include trumpet, clarinet, sax, piano trombone, bass and drums.The Perseverance Jazz Band is in demand for parades, parties, banquets and all types of celebrations.Selections will include "When the Saints Come Marchin' In," "The Battle Hymn of the Republic," "Amazing Grace," St. Louis Blues," "You'll Never Walk Alone" and more.Tickets are available at the Dimmick Library, Nutritional Needs, Sound Check Records, and online at

www.mauchchunkoperahouse.org.Since its humble beginnings in 1984, the Bach and Handel Chorale has developed into a vibrant, committed and acclaimed chorale organization.Its first concert was performed on Dec. 14, 1984, at the Mauch Chunk Opera House with a Festival Orchestra formed through founder and conductor Randall Perry's friendships with colleagues from Wilkes University.The chorale is pleased to return to the opera house for this unique concert.