Sultans of String bandleader and violinist Chris McKhool acknowledges that a lot of bands like the Sultans mix different styles from around the world. But the Toronto-based band a trio from the group performing Saturday in Jim Thorpe at the Mauch Chunk Opera House plays their music in one voice.

It's heavily tinged with Cuban and Arabic rhythms, Spanish flamenco, East Coast Celtic, French gypsy jazz, Americana and "pretty much everything in between," McKhool says. "We love playing real music, everything that comes to North America through musical immigrants," he said. "Certainly there are other bands that play those styles, but we're a band that kind of plays with all one voice, in one band."Another thing fun for the Sultans is connecting with their audiences. "It's kind of a special thing for me to be able to connect with people musically and tell stories through the music even though a lot of our music is instrumental," McKhool says. "For me, music is a great way for people to connect with one another and to connect with what's important. I hope that comes through. Maybe that's part of why people have been drawn to it as they have."Indeed, the band has attracted fans and critics alike. A reviewer for Maverick Music magazine in the United Kingdom wrote: "Energetic and exciting music from a band with talent to burn ... the very epitome of world music: no boundaries, no rules." The audience will get to see them in an environment seemingly tailor-made for their sound, relaxed and no (or very few) rules.Tickets are $20 and available 24/7 on the Opera House website,

www.mcohjt.com, by visiting SoundCheck Records in downtown Jim Thorpe from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., or by calling 570-325-4009. The Opera House box office is open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 570-325-0249. The facility is open from noon until 5 p.m. on show days, and tickets are available for most shows at the door at showtime.