Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband will once again grace the stage at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe with his presence for the third time in his tenure as the lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist of the group "Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband."

The Utah-based band will perform Aug. 28.Shape and his "rubberbandmates" are promoting the release of their new album, "We Rode On.""Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband" has been revolutionizing bluegrass, rock, country, and every genre in between since 1996. In fact, Shupe himself isn't quite sure how to describe his group's eclectic, classic-but-jam-packed sound, jokingly describing it in one interview as "Post Hee Haw funkadelic Hip-Hop New Grass."One thing's for sure, though - after hearing this group's mind-blowing talent and seeing their impressive musical adaptability, "Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband" might just deserve their own genre.Of their previous opera house concerts, the venue's website declares "They have put on some of the most entertaining nights of music ever here at the opera house. Incredible fiddle, guitars and banjo, original and classic tunes, lead vocals and harmonies, comedy even: there's just about nothing this band can't do - and do it well. Traditional instruments, such as mandolin, fiddle and acoustic guitar, are all featured."Six studio albums, one live album, a Christmas album, three singles (one reaching the Top-20 Country Billboard), and almost 20 years of music later, Shupe and his group have evolved drastically, and continue to do so through the release of their new album. The album, "We Rode On," is fittingly named and intended to musically demonstrate the constant forward motion that has kept the band and its fans on their toes for years.Shupe, a talented fiddler since the impressive age of 5, talks about the upcoming album with enthusiasm."I was just looking for something new; a little more rockin,' a little more driven. I just had a lot of these songs kinda running around in my head that I just loved …"Shupe, who has been involved in musical groups going back as far as the rag-tag, award-winning team of talented 10-year-olds (the "Peewee Pickers") that his father formed for him when he was in elementary school, is still clearly in love with the music he produces."I wanted it to be a little more focused than some of our last albums. I really like it, I think it's the best one we've done so far."Based in Utah, the "Rubberband" (named for its elastic ability to conform to the constantly evolving world of the musicians who play in it), has a strong and loyal local following."We have a decent number of fans in states like Arizona, Utah and Colorado," Shupe says modestly. "We're just trying to get our name out there."It was surprising to learn that the East Coast isn't uncharted territory for the band either; this summer's tour focused on several gigs in North Carolina as well as other eastern states."It's hard for us because we're so far away, but we try to get out there at least once a year."Debuting on the new album is the group's eponymous new single, in addition to a revamped re-release of their 2005 Top-20 Billboard hit single, "Dream Big.""I think this version is just a little more mainstream; it has a little more of a triumphant vibe to it …" Ryan says sincerely. "It still kinda keeps the same soul and the same spirit of the song, but it's a little more powerful I think."When asked how his fans would react to finding a new face on the beloved tune, Shupe said, "A few of our die-hard fans heard the new version … and they were all like 'yeah we really love it.' So it's cool that it's captured the original vibe while still taking it to a new, mainstream kind of modernized level, you know?"When asked what the public should expect from Shupe and his rubbergroup, he said, "Well, obviously the standard things. We do have a new album and a website to check out. But I would just say our show. Our live show is really great … and it doesn't matter what age, it's just a great show for every age and for all families."Shupe, a father himself, values the time he spends with his family and puts them first. Honoring a longtime "No gigs on Sundays" tradition, Shupe and his band are not only insanely talented and wholly dedicated to their work, but family-friendly and family-oriented as well, keeping their shows light, fun and improvisationally comedic."We work hard at putting out a great show and making it a really positive experience, you know? We worked really hard on making it a unique experience that people go away from just feeling good."