West Virginia’s own The Trainjumpers plays funky music with fat backbeats and soul music that sounds like it was made in a different age.

In praising its “soul-swinging” style, late great Steubenville rock critic Mark J. Miller once said the Trainjumpers “sound like they haven’t listened to anything after 1975.”

That might be stretching it a bit, but the band’s first three records – “Deadtown” then “Bring on the Trainjumpers” and finally, “Wide-Eyed Tragic Myth,” all have definite reggae, soul and Americana influences. A new recording is currently in the works that would further stretch the sound.

The band’s focus on groove is logical considering the drummer is Brian “Nugget” Gorby, the center of the Hackensaw Boys’ rhythmic throwdown the last few years during extended international touring.

Nugget is a great throwback reggae/funk drummer and he and guitarist Matt Heusel have been playing together for years, while looking forward to making more good music. Bassist/vocalist/outlaw Scotty Harkness is a Trainjumpers veteran, a great player, and goes way back to the early Wheeling jam years with Heusel and Gorby. The tight sound the little group makes is testament to the years of logging musical minutes together.

Formed in 1992, Splintered Sunlight has been captivating audiences with their authentic tribute to The Grateful Dead for years. The band’s faithful following reflects their deep understanding of the improvisational traditions of The Dead.

Splintered Sunlight is every bit the equal of the various bigger-name Dead bands. From its authentic two-drumset lineup, to Butchy Sochorow’s soaring lead guitar and naturally dead-on Jerry-like voice, to Dan Leyden’s rhythms and Bob Weir vocals, Splintered can do it all in a big way. If you have never heard them, well, look out!

They’re musically superb, imaginative, and always changing set lists, like the Dead. Experience them for yourself!

Donna the Buffalo’s feel-good, groove-oriented, danceable and often socially conscious music all began over twenty years ago with roots in old time fiddle music that evolved into a soulful electric Americana mix infused with elements of cajun/ zydeco, rock, folk, reggae, and country. Donna the Buffalo is known for touring the country remaining fiercely independent as one of the industry’s most diverse roots-music bands and has “earned a reputation as one of the most respected, eclectic and hardest-working acts today,” praises Encore.

THE LA HUSTLE, from Los Angeles, California, was formed by singer/songwriter Ken Goldstein and drummer Daniel Thomson of The Calling in 2015. The duo recorded their first songs with Marty Rifkin (Springsteen), Benmont Tench (Tom Petty), Leland Sklar (James Taylor) and Leon Mobley (Ben Harper), after the completion of Goldstein’s solo album at Capitol Records (featuring members of Keith Richard’s band, X-Pensive Winos with a horn arrangements and performance from Lee Thornburg (Tower of Power/Chicago)). Openers Len Brunson and Doug Makofka are examples of the phenomenal talent that exists locally. After several years touring and recording their own original material, the LA Hustle teamed up with lead guitarist Ryan Straw and bassist Jeff Kinsey, now permanent members of the group. They have co-written their first record, a collection of acoustic songs called “A Series of Small Victories,” which will be released in the summer of 2018. Goldstein began his creative career as a street musician on Maxwell Street in the late 1970s in Chicago’s South Side. By the mid-1980s he was training for the London Ballet in England and busking outside the High Street Kensington tube station. In 1991, after six months as a production manager for Oprah Winfrey’s Harpo Studios in Chicago, Ken was hired to be an executive creative assistant for legendary director John Hughes (Home Alone, Breakfast Club). Ken wrote songs with John, who remained a treasured mentor. A graduate of Syracuse University, he currently resides in the hills above Hollywood in Los Angeles, California.

audiences are always amazed and delighted as they enjoy being encouraged to participate and sing along with their favorite “Crosby Stills Nash & Young” hit songs throughout the show. “Teach Your Children”, “Suite: Judy”, “Our House”, “Love The One You’re With” , and the list goes on…

Exciting dialog adds expression to this musically dynamic performance, while taken you back to a time in history that will never be forgotten. All of Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s musical compositions are highly respected by “CSNsongs” and reproduced live as closely as possible to how they were originally written, recorded and performed throughout “Crosby Stills Nash & Young’s” musical legacy.

Kevin Miller, renowned multiplatinum drummer formerly of Fuel who performed on the #1 songs “Hemorrhage (In My Hands)” & “Shimmer” has launched the new Rock/Pop Party band SMASHED, focused on the greatest hits of all time, performed by his all-star lineup of national level musicians.

The band has recently added Ash Hill as a co-lead vocalist and is driven by Miller’s percussive backbone that added fire to Fuel live to earn the #6 spot among Billboard’s Top Alternative Rock Songs of all time.

This six-member band with six lead vocalists perform a high-energy exhilarating show and spotlights Fuel’s smash hits along with medleys and mashups of Rock and Pop anthems. Get SMASHED with this Good Time Party Band fueled by songs that will pack the floor!

The Fireside Collective, “Bluegrass, Newgrass, perhaps Progressive folk…” These are some descriptions mandolinist and songwriter Jesse Iaquinto chooses to identify with. “Depending on where you come from and your experience with folk music, you may think we’re very traditional, or on the other hand, consider us a progressive act. We appreciate both ends of the spectrum and may lie on a different end on any given night.” While roots music lies at the core of the Collective’s songs, a willingness to explore the boundaries and present relevant new material remains fundamental.

The band burst onto the scene in early 2014 following the release of “Shadows and Dreams.” The album weaves bluegrass, funk, rock, and blues influences into a refreshing representation of modern folk music. From the opening track “Poor Soul” with it’s energetic bluegrass overtones to the closer “Shine the Way Home”, the album takes listeners on a journey through simple love songs to complex themes such as metaphysics and coexistence. The album, recorded in Asheville at Sound Temple Studios, features guest musicians from Asheville’s rich acoustic music scene alongside members of the Fireside Collective.

His lyrical insight is matched by a smooth baritone voice, virtuosic guitar chops, and creative open tunings, giving him a range and tenderness rare in folk music.

Considered a ‘songwriter’s songwriter’, his songs have been covered by artists such as k.d. lang and many others.  In addition to his writing prowess, his skills as a performer and storyteller are unmatched.  He holds audiences rapt with nothing more than a single guitar, thoroughly written songs, a fearless ability to mine the depths of human emotions of joy, sorrow and everything in between, and all tempered by a quick and wry wit.

Reflecting on well over 20 years of record-making and touring extensively around the US and world, Wilcox says, “Music still stretches out before me like the head-lights of a car into the night.  It’s way beyond where I am, but it shows where I’m going.  I used to think that my goal was to catch up, but now I’m grateful that the music is always going to be way out in front to inspire me.”

There is perhaps no more influential, profound, successful, or enigmatic songwriter in history than Bob Dylan. From the “protest songs” of his early years to his introspective, sometimes caustic commentary on love and humanity, his songs have become an integral part of Americana, and have garnered countless awards and honors around the world. In 2016, he added the Nobel prize for literature to his dossier.

The THE BAND Band, the acclaimed tribute to The Band and a MCOH favorite known for their annual celebration of The Last Waltz, will return for a summer show to celebrate the music of Bob Dylan, performing songs from his folk days in Greenwich Village, NY, his breakout into rock and roll after “going electric” in 1965, his celebrated partnership with The Band through the late sixties and early seventies, and beyond. From the hit songs “Like A Rolling Stone,” “Lay Lady Lay,” and “Just Like A Woman” to deep cuts from his ground-breaking albums Blonde On Blonde, Nashville Skyline, and New Morning, to The Basement Tapes, his mysterious collaboration with The Band, Dylan’s music was a cornerstone of the soundtrack of his generation.

The music of Neil Young, a friend to both Dylan and The Band, will be celebrated by Norm Vincent, who also performs his rendition of “Helpless” with The THE BAND Band at their Last Waltz shows.

Don’t miss this special show honoring two of the most beloved songwriters of our time!

About The THE BAND Band: The THE BAND Band is renowned for their Tribute to Bob Dylan and The Band. This special appearance at MCOH will present the music of Bob Dylan exclusively.

The THE BAND Band has shared the stage with artists that include Richie Havens, New Riders of the Purple Sage, Aztec Two-Step and Marshall Crenshaw. The individual band members have performed or toured with original Band members Rick Danko and Levon Helm; Bruce Springsteen, Chuck Berry, John Hall, Patti Smith, Keith Richards, Steve Forbert, Paul Butterfield, Mike Bloomfield, Roy Rogers, Roger McGuinn, Robbie Dupree, Max Weinberg, Clarence Clemons, Willie Nile, Maria Muldaur, Genya Ravan, Jimmy Vivino, The Shirelles, and the list goes on.

Based on looks alone, Chatham County Line conjures a sepia-toned timelessness by huddling around a single microphone on stage, playing  traditional string band instrumentation while clad in suits and ties. But for nearly two decades, the Raleigh, NC-based outfit has consistently crafted top-notch, original modern acoustic music that draws upon American roots forefathers like bluegrass inventor Bill Monroe and folk innovator John Hartford while acknowledging its own members’ backgrounds in rock ‘n’ roll band

From elegant European concert halls to large American folk festivals, Chatham County Line has become a fixture on both sides of the Atlantic, where the musical relationships fostered by its consistent line-up are apparent through an unspoken chemistry that allows the freedom for improvisational flashes that seem as polished as the rest of its set.

If your thing is the music of Elton John and his band, then this is the perfect show for you. Greg Ransom plays the Elton John character with aplomb, but most importantly – he has mastered the songs, both vocally and on the piano.

His band is top-shelf too, pulling together all the parts of a master’s music and performing it like you want to hear it.

Benny and the Jets have performed all across the country and also overseas, last summer entertaining our troops in Iraq. This is a classy show, pure fun and great music, sung and played as it should be.

In My Life: The John Lennon Tribute, is performed on our stage exactly 36 years to the day that the great John Lennon sadly lost his life. An especially heartfelt tribute, it is led by Carlo Cantamessa as John, performing on guitar, piano and vocals.

Cantamessa is an internationally known and recognized performer of John Lennon’s music, having toured the world portraying John Lennon with The Cast of Beatlemania and various other Beatlemania-oriented touring shows for over thirty years. Cantamessa brings a lifetime of experience to the role, personally transforming into Lennon onstage every night.

The Beatles first caught his attention in 1964, and later he began portraying John Lennon onstage in 1978. Since then, promoters, agents and buyers around the world have encouraged Cantamessa to put together a John Lennon tribute show, now a reality. As one theater owner put it during his introduction of Carlo’s solo show, “For my money, this guy is the closest anyone can get to the legend. He will channel John Lennon before your eyes and ears”.

The rest of Cantamessa’s band includes Jim Filgate on lead guitar, piano, synthesizers and vocals. He is a legend, known as accomplished, versatile musician and music instructor who has taught in Connecticut area for over twenty years, well-known for his work with numerous musical acts, including his stellar performance as George Harrison in The Cast of Beatlemania.

John Delgado performs on drums, percussion and backing vocals, and has been an integral part of the Connecticut theater and music scene for over three decades. He has toured nationally and internationally, most notably performing with The Cast as Ringo Starr.

Cantamessa’s superb band is rounded out by Michael Filgate on bass guitar and vocals. Well-known for his work with Atlantic Records in the 1980’s, he has performed with several bands touring the Northeast and was responsible for many voice-overs for companies such as Pepsi, UPS, and American Can. He also owned and operated North Shore Recording Studios, working with many major label recording artists.

The Cast of Beatlemania recreates the sights and sounds of The Beatles so faithfully that you will recall when the world was engulfed in the most pleasant fever of all: BEATLEMANIA! Three different costume changes coincide with the evolution of Beatles music and times. Theirs is the first, original and only complete representation of the musical force called The Beatles.

The Cast features former members who starred in the Broadway production and have performed in all fifty states and over twenty foreign countries, including Canada, England, Mexico, Brazil and Japan. They were individually selected from thousands of musicians who auditioned from all over the U.S. for the Broadway show, “Beatlemania.”

The Beatles music set the pop rock standard for most of the 1960’s. Now, in the 2000’s, The Cast of Beatlemania recalls the memories of that exciting era when the Fab Four ruled the world of rock ‘n’ roll.

In the early 1960’s, The Beatles not only became a musical force but a sociological entity as well. Their hair, clothes and humor all contributed to their amazing impact. Probably the most celebrated of rock groups, The Beatles dominated rock music from the early 1960’s until they formally disbanded in 1970. Originally inspired by such U.S. performers as Elvis Presley, Chuck Berry and Buddy Holly, The Beatles recaptured most of the freshness and excitement of the earliest days of rock ‘n’ roll.

Even today, The Beatles remain universally popular in a music culture that thrives on look-alike and sound-alike bands. Through the exacting artistry and talent of bands like The Cast of Beatlemania, the music of the Beatles lives on.

This highly-acclaimed act from Venice Beach, California pays tribute to Jim Morrison and The Doors by recreating the magic and intensity of a Doors concert experience. Based out of Venice, California, lead singer Tony Fernandez lives out every move of Jim Morrison on stage and delivers a powerful recreation of true likeness in presence, vocals, mannerisms and spirit. Peace Frog is the drama and rock theater that made the Doors famous. Dark and spooky, mystical and hypnotic, the band demonstrates the ability to transform any room into an actual Doors concert experience. With intoxicating renditions of “Hello, I Love You”, “Light My Fire”, “L.A. Woman”, “The End” and many of the Doors classic songs, Peace Frog has the crowd entranced! Jim Morrison can no longer perform live, but when you witness Peace Frog you will think you are at Doors concert. It is a must-see for all Doors fans or anyone looking to experience an amazing recreation of a Doors show! The show was great. Did ‘Riders on the Storm’ and ‘Light My Fire’. Huge crowd for Napa. Very cool show.” - Ray Manzarek, Keyboard Player, The Doors “You guys sound great, it was fun jamming in Venice with you all.” - Robby Krieger, Guitarist, The Doors

Tony Sands captivates his audiences with the mannerisms, illusion and romance that have made him a must see in Atlantic City & Vegas for more than 20 years. Tony’s impressive resume includes numerous television appearances throughout the east coast as well as his spot on portrayal of Sinatra in a Rat Pack style revue.

Currently Tony Sands if producing a never before seen musical journey about the life and times of the late Frank Sinatra called “It Was A Very Good Year”.

The Mauch Chunk Opera House is an exquisite venue to hear Big Band music & this performance will feature an 8 piece world-class big band. You’ll hear all the best loved Sinatra Classic true to the original arrangements.

Half a million people came to a small dairy farm in upstate New York. They came to be a part of what would become an historic event. They came to be a part of  “a gathering of the tribes.” They came to be a part of the music. They came to “the Garden.” Gary Adamson, founder/leader of Back to the Garden 1969, has gathered a group of seasoned players who have toured, performed, and recorded nationally. The musicians all are multi-instrumentalists, as well as unique lead vocalists. They bring to life the music and spirit of the Woodstock era. By performing these well-loved favorites, they remind us of the astounding breadth and depth of the music of the Woodstock generation.

The group first formed in 2015 with the goal of capturing both the studio and live aspects of the songs and to really hone in on the essence of Bon Jovi.  First and foremost it is all about the music. So that means working the vocal harmonies, guitar and keyboard sounds, and most importantly the lead vocals.  To be a good Bon Jovi tribute you need to sound as much like Jon as possible!  A pretty tough feat….

DOA’s live performance are reminiscent of the rock shows from days long gone. Sound, lights and to engage the crowd, getting them on their feet while screaming for one more. Yes, our lead singer looks a little like Jon, and our guitarist (in a cowboy hat) could pass for Ritchie… But we are not trying look like the band, so you will not see us in wigs, trying to imitate the 80’s era group.  For us it is a celebration of the music, while at the same time, trying to deliver an authentic experience to all the other fans of Bon Jovi. 

Deep,raw funk. Stax-style Southern soul.Positively uplifting & Original Motown-channeling anthems. Atlanta’s Ruby Velle and the Soulphonics are the heirs to the thrones of the old-school masters. But they’re much more than just a group of revivalists trying to create a period piece. Powerhouse singer Velle and her band will settle for nothing less than bringing these classic sounds glimmering into the now with a fresh, new contemporary sheen. It’s this inviting and accessible bravado that has scored the band critical acclaim from outlets such as The New York Daily News, MTV, Paste and more. And in addition to their critical success, at a time when record sales are at an all- time industry low, the completely independent, DIY-minded Velle and the Soulphonics sold a quarter-million downloads of their single, “My Dear” on iTunes, landing them in the top 30 on Billboard’s Heatseeker charts and at a stunning #4 on the iTunes R&B charts when their debut album It’s About Time was released in 2012.

Whether alone with just the guitar and his voice or surrounded by a full band, Cris Jacobs enchants listeners with his inspired, poignant songwriting, virtuous guitar playing, and soulfully transcendent voice. Artists across the board have discovered Jacobs’ musicianship and supple versatility, resulting in an impressive variety of formats in which he has played over the last few years.

After a decade, five records, and 200 shows a year as principal songwriter and frontman for beloved Baltimore-based band The Bridge from 2001-2011, Jacobs wasted no time continuing to write music of his own and exploring different configurations for his craft.

If you’ve seen David Mayfield perform with The Avett Brothers, Mumford & Sons, Jessica Lea Mayfield, or at Bonnaroo, you’ve caught the charisma, the heart, and the comedy, and it’s likely you’ll come back for more. This singer-songwriter, band leader, and Grammy nominated producer David Mayfield grew up playing bass and touring with his family’s bluegrass band. As a teenager he established himself as a hot picker collecting national awards for his dexterity on guitar and mandolin. His knack for colorful performances was evident as a backing player in his sister Jessica Lea Mayfield’s band including their appearance on “The Late Show with David Letterman.” He oozed personality on stage – a trait that makes him a natural frontman. He took his skills and personality when he joined the bluegrass outfit Cadillac Sky, playing sold out shows with British folk revivalists Mumford and Sons. Encouraged by his friend Seth Avett, to record his original material, Mayfield did just that, to much acclaim. Since that time he has toured almost non-stop. Conscious of not just being a musician, but an entertainer – something his father instilled in him in the family band – he certainly makes an impression live. But it’s the strength of his songwriting and musicianship, combined with that charm and personality that keep audiences consistently lining up to join the parade.

An Evening with Nyke Van Wyk & Friends

Not your everyday violinist, Nyke Van Wyk has been captivating audiences for years. With his diverse musical background and unique blend of styles, you’re bound to hear a violin performed as you’ve never heard before. He, has traveled far and wide performing with incredible musicians around the globe, armed only with his violins.

On September 8th, at the Mauch Chunk Opera House, for the first time ever Nyke will be uniting a company of all-star musicians he’s written with, performed with and respected throughout the years. The evening will showcase a selection of originals featuring performances with Bret Alexander, Adam Web, Genevieve Gillespie, Laura Shay, Dustin Douglas, and perhaps a surprise or two more!

The most remarkable tribute to the great singer-songwriters Simon and Garfunkel, performed nationwide by AJ Swearingen and Jane Kelli. Acknowledged and respected singer-songwriters in their own right, they put together a compelling tribute to music that is one of America’s cultural treasures. So sit back and enjoy this remarkable tribute to the great Simon and Garfunkel.

Che Apalache is a four-man string band based in Buenos Aires with members from Argentina, Mexico and the United States. The group’s founder is Joe Troop (fiddle), a North Carolinian multi-instrumentalist, singer-songwriter and composer who moved to Argentina in 2010. While patiently carving out a niche in the local music scene, Joe taught bluegrass and old-time music for a living. That’s how he met Pau Barjau (banjo), Franco Martino (guitar) and Martin Bobrik (mandolin), his most dedicated students. They quickly became picking buddies and in 2013 decided to hit the stage.

Che Apalache began as a bluegrass band, but eventually incorporated Latin American styles into their repetoire. Combining instrumental prowess with tight vocal harmonies, they have created an authentic blend of genres to reflect the nature of their lives. Evoking images from Appalachia to the Andes, their debut album, “Latingrass,” is a testament to a powerful cultural and musical exchange. In 2017 the band received grants from the North Carolina Humanities Council and the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities to tour the United States. Everywhere they went on their five-week ramble, they were met with enthusiasm and praise. At the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, WV they were awarded first place in the Neo-Traditional band competition. The momentum is growing for Che Apalache, and the future looks promising in both South and North America.

Awaken is comprised of extremely talented and seasoned musicians dedicated to celebrating the music of Yes. By combining elements from the original studio recordings along with the inspirational power of past live Yes performances, Awaken provides a truly authentic and dramatic musical experience that will impress even the most critical and passionate fans of the band they pay tribute to.

HOME AGAIN leaves no stone unturned, covering the entire repertoire of the multi-award winning singer/songwriter Carole King.  Included on the list are songs Carole wrote & recorded on her own as well as songs she wrote that were recorded by other musicians. She made her mark with ‘Tapestry’ in 1971 but was already a well established songwriter for over a decade starting with her first hit in 1960 “Will You Love Me Tomorrow” recorded by the Shirelles.   Other well-known hits from Carole include “Pleasant Valley Sunday” by The Monkees, “Take Good Care of My Baby” by Bobby Vee, “Up on the Roof” by The Drifters & many more old favorites.  We will take you on a musical journey spanning decades of amazing music!  

John Denver is alive and well with Ted Vigil! With his uncanny resemblance to John Denver, both physically and vocally, singer/songwriter Ted Vigil has stunned audiences across the country with his tribute performances.

Born and raised in the same open air which John Denver so deeply cherished, Vigil recreates the original concert experience in his tribute to John Denver. Ted’s incredible voice and likeness elevates this show to the most accurate representation of any artist your likely to see on stage.

The Weeklings channel the music of The Beatles. The band performs Beatles material with a style that is at the same time authentic and freshly original—clearly distinguishing their musical approach from anyone on the “Beatles tribute” scene today. For the Weeklings, “channeling” means far more than simple note-for-note reproduction. 

The band lives in the spirit, humor, swagger and bold creativity of the 60s, bringing the Beatles to life, not through costumes and gimmicks, but through their own original edge. They infuse this vision into newly arranged covers such as “Paperback Writer” and “Baby You’re A Rich Man”, as well as in the original Beatles-inspired power pop rock ‘n roll that they compose and record. The Weeklings show their audiences both what The Beatles were, and what they might have produced if they were still together today.