The magnetic and edgy folk singer Todd Snider, who will appear at 8 p.m. Saturday at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe, credits his transformation into unpredictable, story-telling folk troubadour to a Jerry Jeff Walker show he saw at age 19.

Since then, he's never looked back on his more straight-laced days.Case in point: "Conservative Christian Right-Wing Republican Straight White American Male," is a country waltz that elevates equal-opportunity needling and name-calling to high art.The song first appeared on his album, "East Nashville Skyline," a record laced with the gallows humor of a clear-eyed guy regaining his footing after a particularly long night out.It is but one of many examples of Snider's refusal to pull punches when it comes to expressing his opinions.What's particularly remarkable is that Snider's devoted fans come from far and wide to see him again and again.There's good reason to make the pilgrimage: you never know what he will say or choose to sing about next.One thing is for sure, whether you see things his way or not, you will leave feeling like you've struck up a relationship with him.After a couple of decades, Snider's music career is on as solid footing as ever. His work has drawn high praise from heavyweight media outlets such as Rolling Stone and The New York Times.He's appeared on David Letterman and Conan O'Brien's shows. And, he's doubtlessly in the running for Nashville's best-loved folk singer, a crowded category to be sure.Tickets are $28 and available 24/7 on the opera house website,

www.mcohjt.com, or by visiting Soundcheck Records in downtown Jim Thorpe from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., or by calling them at 570-325-4009.The opera house box office is open from noon to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at 570-325-0249.The facility is open from noon until 5 p.m. on show days.Tickets are available for most shows at the door at showtime.Upcoming shows• June 25: 40 Story Radio Tower• June 26: Atlas Gray• June 27: Chatham County Line• July 4: Unforgettable Fire U2 Tribute• July 10: Hiroya Tsukamoto• July 11: Craig Thatcher's Luv it Live Benefit Bash• July 12: Jimi Hendrix Documentary