One of the members of the band Justus is celebrating a milestone birthday in January, a cause for celebration according to his bandmates.

Jack Kulp, vocalist and blues harp player, is turning 65, so the band will celebrate by performing at the recently renovated Performing Arts Hall at the Tamaqua Community Art Center. The event is scheduled from 6 to 10 p.m. on Jan. 31 and will include dinner and an opening act, The Local Boys. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.In addition to Kulp, members of Justus include guitarists Buddy Musselman of Clamtown and Brian DeLay of Tamaqua, bass guitarist Doug Betz of Tamaqua and drummer Bill Frye of Coaldale.It was Musselman who suggested the birthday celebration after Kulp noted he was "surprised to still be alive, much less performing at this ripe old age."Group members pride themselves on interpreting music that is familiar but not often performed by other acts.They adapt the melodies to their own style, featuring prominent harmonies and blues harp (harmonica) leads. They take great pride in arranging music to ensure it doesn't sound exactly like the original.The Local Boys is a trio, with John Frye of Kaska on guitar, T.J. Walker of Tamaqua on drums and Steve Bloschichak of Frackville on bass guitar. Their specialty is music from the '50s, '60s and '70s.Advance tickets are available at a discount and are available from any band member or at the art center, 125 Pine St., Tamaqua. Information is available by calling 570-668-1192 or emailing

leona@tacp.info.