Entertainment

June 26, 2009

Sebastian celebrates the sounds of Woodstock

By Mary Therese Biebel mbiebel@timesleader.com
Features Writer
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Woodstock veteran John Sebastian sat in a California restaurant on Tuesday, taking a break from his latest project with vocalist Maria Muldaur and a jug band.

Soon he would be on a plane for the East Coast, where he will perform a concert Saturday at the Mauch Chunk Opera House in Jim Thorpe. But first things first.

This was his time for a brunch of eggs and sausage and a telephone interview, in which he patiently explained why he rejects a set playlist in favor of spontaneity.

“I respond to an audience. It is an experience that we all have together. I’m very proud of all my songs, and I get around to as many as I can in the hour and a half that we have together. It varies from night to night.

“If an audience comes and treats me like a VCR, it might not be such a magical thing.”

Nevertheless, some of his classics, such as “Do You Believe in Magic,” “Summer In The City,” “Nashville Cats” and the theme to the sitcom “Welcome Back, Kotter,” just might show up.

The show is part of WXLV Radio’s 40th-anniversary-of-Woodstock celebration, and the event includes a free beer-tasting presented by the BrewWorks of Allentown and Bethlehem.

If you go

What: Woodstock veteran John Sebastian in concert

When: 8:30 p.m. Saturday; doors open at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Mauch Chunk Opera House, Broadway, downtown Jim Thorpe

Tickets: $29, $24

More info: 570-325-0249

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