The Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe, welcomes Ambrosia at 8 p.m. Saturday.

Exploring the possibilities of progressive classical and world influences, yet rooted with the soul of the blues and R&B, Joseph Puerta, Christopher North, David Pack and Burleigh Drummond created a new sound that was defined and recognized as "Ambrosia."Originally labeled as America's answer to the progressive invasion of such English acts as "Yes" and "King Crimson," the group proved it was all that and more as its albums painted aural landscapes covering the gamut of musical styles and attracting the collaboration of such cultural icons as, Leonard Bernstein, Kurt Vonnegut Jr. and Alan Parsons.In its brief recording history, Ambrosia garnered five Grammy nominations, five hit singles, heavy airplay, and the admiration and respect of the musical community.Today, the band is more alive than ever.With three of the four original members, plus the addition of the talented and inspiring Ken Stacey on acoustic guitar and lead vocals, Mary Harris on soulful keys and vocals, and the six-string ace Doug Jackson on electric guitar and vocals. Ambrosia is recording a new CD and continues to tour throughout the world delighting audiences everywhere they perform.Tickets are $33. Doors open at 7 p.m.On Friday its progressive bluegrass by Grammy-nominated musician and producer David Mayfield. His boundless energy and enthusiasm for performing are evident at every show, whether it's with mates like the Avett Brothers or his own band, The David Mayfield Parade.Mayfield's ability to connect with audiences from performances at Bonnaroo and MerleFest, to NPR's Mountain Stage and The Grand Ole Opry, have earned him the reputation of being the kind of extraordinary artist who goes beyond trend and simply delivers genuinely essential music.Tickets are $20. Doors open at 7 p.m. The show starts at 8 p.m.Tickets for either show can be purchased by calling 570-325-0249 or visiting

www.mcohjt.com.