The Los Angeles-based trio New West Guitar Group returns to the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 14 W. Broadway in Jim Thorpe at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Featuring Jeff Stein, John Storie and Perry Smith, New West has been making their mark as a fresh, cutting-edge guitar ensemble. Performing popular covers and original music, New West combines the acoustic and electric guitar to create their signature sound. The trio tours extensively throughout the United States giving concerts and master classes.The New West Guitar Group continues to redefine the boundaries of the conventional guitar trio format. Combining the unique sonic timbres of various acoustics with solid and hollow body electrics, the collective creates an innovative and alluring sound. Their compositions feature brilliantly conceived unison and harmonic phrases, intricate fingerstyle chords and swinging jazz lines.Firmly rooted in classic jazz, the trio's versatility as both players and composers has given them a reputation as pioneers in the realm of guitar ensemble repertoire. Acoustic Guitar Magazine has praised the group for its ability to shift seamlessly "from chamberlike elegance and fragile introspection to exhilarating swing and gritty blues."Tickets are $15 and can be purchased by calling 570-325-0249 or visiting

www.mcohjt.com. Tickets are also available at Sound Check Records in downtown Jim Thorpe, 570-325-4009, and at the venue when doors open at 7 p.m. Parking is available at the Carbon County lot behind the train station and is free after 5 p.m.