Jim Thorpe-born musician Josh Martonyak will make it a family affair when he and cousin Casey Kennedy perform Friday at The Mansion House, West Ludlow Street, Summit Hill.

The acoustic duo, known as Cuzins and Company, will also perform Saturday at P.J. Whelihan’s Pub and Restaurant, North Harrity Road, Lehighton. Cuzins and Company plays what Martonyak calls “a variety of feel-good ’70s to ’90s covers.”

In addition to his duo with Kennedy, Martonyak also leads his own band, playing covers by groups such as Santana, Steely Dan and Traffic, plus originals. He and Matt Filer also perform covers and each musician’s originals as part of acoustic duo Town Dogs.

Though not currently doing many gigs, Ecospheres — Martonyak’s jazz band playing jazz standards, fusion and originals — has a June date set for Vic’s Jazz Loft in Jim Thorpe.

Martonyak, residing in Nesquehoning/Hauto and working at Niche Fluoropolymer Products, started his musical adventure at around age 8 or 9.

“I was mainly a drummer at first,” he said. “I’ve also played a little piano, bass guitar and whatever else I can put my hands on, but ended up sticking to guitar and drums as a main instrument to, one day, play in bands.”

The singer-songwriter, whose slew of upcoming gigs include Jim Thorpe spots Bright Path Brewing and Ouros, credits his dad as his biggest influence.

“He’s the reason I started doing it. I was a toddler sitting and watching him have band rehearsals or work on his guitars. He was a guitar player and also was an amazing vocalist, which influenced me to start singing.”

Other influences and favorites include Allman Brothers, Miles Davis, Frank Zappa and Jeff Beck.

“I love funky, jammy music with a bluesy soul backbone, especially when it’s all jazzed up,” Martonyak said. “I also love many different styles, anything from country to heavy metal.”

Martonyak, whose first band was a punk group in Tamaqua around 18 to 19 years ago, also considers friends and local musicians with whom he performs among his influences.

Prior to performing and writing songs, Martonyak studied a little bit of music theory. As he checked out lessons, and exercises, he was “getting very interested in recording and trying to get really good tones out of instruments.”

At a young age, Martonyak watched his dad run live sound at other bands’ gigs.

“He would show me how to plug in speakers, what all the knobs meant, and how to get the right sounds and signals for the instruments.”

Martonyak then “started running live sound for festivals and live bands, so when it was time to have my own band booked, I could run my own equipment. Every day is new learning experience. It never stops.”

Wanting the world hear his music, Martonyak has “about 12 songs I’m currently working on and recording to put on my first ‘album.’ I am hoping I can get it done by fall. It might be titled ‘Narrow Valley.’ I would like to get it on CD, Spotify, iTunes and whatnot.”

Martonyak, who has done some session work with other artists, also hopes to tour with big acts and travel the world. In the meantime, aside from playing gigs, he enjoys the “good challenge” of promoting and keeping up with booking.

“It helps me figure out what needs to be done,” he said. “I enjoy all the challenges to get me to the next level.”