JTAMS Productions will welcome legendary artist Steve Forbert, one of the most gifted songwriters and compelling live performers in contemporary folk music, back to the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 8 p.m. Jan. 15.

At 21, Steve Forbert left the small town of Meridian, Mississippi, where he grew up, and traveled north to become a folk hero in the giant metropolis of New York City. With only a guitar and harmonica, he managed to cause a stir.Performing at Folk City and eventually opening for artists like Talking Heads and John Cale at "CBGB," the legendary Manhattan music club, Forbert became something of a local sensation. He signed his first record deal with the CBS-distributed label Nemperor.Released at the height of the new wave explosion, his 1978 debut, "Alive On Arrival," offered a first look at his colorful mix of spare acoustic introspection and scrappy rock 'n' roll to become one of the year's most acclaimed albums.While critics tagged him, "the next Dylan," Forbert never put too much stock in the comparison and forged his own path, expanding his audience substantially with 1979's commercial breakthrough release, "Jackrabbit Slim," which included his era-defining hit single, "Romeo's Tune."Nearly 28 years since breaking into pop consciousness, Forbert remains a master of songs offering clear-eyed insight and plain-spoken, heartfelt eloquence.On his 429 Records/SLG debut, the well-traveled, now Nashville-based troubadour maintains a busy touring schedule of over 100 dates a year.Forbert remains an enduring and endearing Romeo to folk-rock fans. He continues to write particularly insightful songs and has grown an impressive legacy.He's received a Grammy nomination, seen his songs performed by Keith Urban, Rosanne Cash and Marty Stuart, and appeared opposite Cyndi Lauper in her music video for "Girls Just Wanna Have Fun."At 8 p.m. Jan. 16, New West Guitar Group returns to the opera house with special guest vocalist Sara Gazarek, who will perform select tunes. Her mix of contemporary jazz and singer/songwriter style makes her a unique voice and perfect blend with the band.The New West Guitar Group has developed a wide spread reputation as one of the premier guitar ensembles in the world. Featuring guitarists Perry Smith, John Storie and Will Brahm, NWGG performs classic pop covers, jazz standards and exciting originals.At 6:30 p.m. Jan. 17 the new acoustic group Taarka performs.Described by SF Weekly as a "collision of Django Reinhardt and David Grisman. Taarka is the new acoustic supergroup presenting masterfully deep Americana and gypsy jazz string band music led by husband-and-wife team of David and Enion Pelta-Tiller.Taarka fills out its unique sound with bassist Troy Robey and guitarist Mike Robinson.Tickets can be purchased by calling 570-325-0249 and 24/7 online at MCOHJT.COM. Tickets are also available at Soundcheck Records in downtown Jim Thorpe Phone at 570-325-4009 and at the opera house day of show. Parking is available and free after 5 p.m. at the Carbon County lot behind the train station.