elwyn Birchwood, a two-time Blues Music Award-winning singer/guitarist, will showcase music from his latest album when he performs Oct. 1 at Mauch Chunk Opera House, West Broadway, Jim Thorpe.

Birchwood, who self-released two albums prior to his 2014 BMA-winning Alligator Records debut “Don’t Call No Ambulance,” released “Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” in March. Lead single “The Church of Electric Swamp Funkin’ Blues” previewed the project.

Other tracks on Birchwood’s newest album include “Talking Heads,” “Damaged Goods” and “The Struggle is Real.” The set marks the artist’s first solo-produced album, meaning Birchwood “was able to put all of my artistic decisions into it without having to compromise.”

The musician, who won his second BMA when “I’d Climb Mountains” snagged Song of the Year in 2022, blends elements of blues, funk, R&B and psychedelic rock.

Birchwood’s other accolades include two 2013 International Blues Challenge awards: Best Band and Albert King Guitarist of the Year.

“Living in a Burning House,” the title track to Birchwood’s 2021 studio album, ranks as his most streamed track on Spotify, with nearly 1.6 million plays.

“Walking in the Lion’s Den,” “Addicted” and “Brown Paper Bag,” all from “Don’t Call No Ambulance,” each have topped 500,000 streams.

Prior to his show in Jim Thorpe, Birchwood — an electric and electric lap steel guitarist born in Orlando, Florida, and living in Tampa — discussed his road to the blues and beyond.

Q: What led you to begin playing guitar at a young age, and who were some musical favorites?

A: I always knew I loved music, but only decided that I wanted to play an instrument at 12. I started out playing whatever I could find in guitar magazines.

My world view changed when I heard Jimi Hendrix.

I was never one to want to make all of the shredding and spaceship sounds, but was fascinated by where his inspiration came from.

When I dug into his history, I found a ton of blues. When I heard Muddy Waters, Elmore James, B.B. King, Buddy Guy, I felt like I found the sound I was looking for.

Q: When did you start performing live?

A: I started playing at local jams when I was 17, as I tried to find musicians to start my own band.

Q: Did, at age 18, seeing Buddy Guy in concert bring on a lightning-bolt kind of moment?

A: It was an absolute lightning bolt. I didn’t know what I was experiencing, but knew that whatever it was, that was what I wanted to learn and what I wanted to do.

Q: Barely out of high school, you met blues guitarist Sonny Rhodes. Did he and your time touring with him have the biggest impact/influence on your career trajectory?

A: It was a defining moment. Getting out with Sonny showed me what was out there, and what it was to be a touring musician and a bandleader. I was able to get a ton of miles under my belt. My first drive to my first show with him was 88 hours, Orlando to Calgary, Alberta. That was how I started.

Q: Did you pursue your MBA in business and start work on an album after touring with Sonny?

A: I saved every penny I made with Sonny and other odd jobs to get enough money to make my first attempt at an album, “FL Boy.” I had to work other jobs to try and support my life because music definitely didn’t do it. I had an opportunity to go back to school on scholarship and took it.

It was two months after graduation that I won the IBC, which allowed me to start touring outside of Florida. It was another year after that I was signed to Alligator and released my first album for them.

Fast forward 12 years later: we have toured 25 countries, been nominated for eight Blues Music Awards — won two — and have released five albums for Alligator.

Q: Have you faced challenges in your career, and do you have any advice for aspiring blues artists?

A: Everything in this field is a challenge. If it was easy, everybody would be doing it. It is a ton of work, but doesn’t feel as much like a job.

My advice is, be prepared to work. Nobody is gonna give you a career because you can play a guitar.

Q: Do you wish to work with anyone in the future, and what would you still like to accomplish?

A: I have been fortunate to collaborate with some of my heroes. I have shared the stage with Buddy Guy and recorded a song with Bobby Rush. The approval of the old guard means the world to me.

My goal has remained the same; I am just looking to create imaginative blues music that connects with people in a modern landscape.