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BEST BET: The 35th annual Celebration of the Arts gets underway this weekend in the natural amphitheater setting in downtown Delaware Water Gap. The festival opens tonight with a Musical Motif Art Show 6 to 8 at the Dutot Museum followed by a stage tour de force of classical music, edgy theater, modern dance and jazz ($10). The music moves outdoors at noon on Saturday with performances on the hour until 9 p.m. with such jazz great as the SheilaMark Band, Phil Woods and the COTA Festival Orchestra, Nellie McKay, Cohn Green Walsh, Sue Terry & Dangerous Sax and more. Sunday starts out with a Jazz Mass at 10 a.m. and continues with jazz sounds until 8 p.m. with performers Vinny Bianchi & La Cuchina, Lineage, Eric Doney & Zach Brock, Five Play, COTA Cats, Spencer Reed “Not All” Blues Band, Bob Dorough & Friends, Nancy Reed and David Liebman. Daily admission is $25; $40 for both days. Schedule is at cotajazz.org.

THIS WEEK: SEPT. 7 to 13, 2012

Live Wire, a high-voltage tribute to rock band AC/DC with special guests Completely Unchained, paying homage to rockers Van Halen. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 tonight. $27. 866-605-7325.

Scott Ainslie, the blues guitarist, historian and author (“Robert Johnson: At the Crossroads”). The Cooperage, 1030 Main St., Honesdale. Saturday with a blues workshop at 4 p.m. and concert at 8 p.m. $15 advance, $18 at the door. BYOB. Reservations: 845-252-6783.

The Big Bandingo, an outdoor music fest to benefit Camp Papillon Pet Rescue. With Saturday performers Big Boss Sausage, Mike Lawlor, Subcommittee, Fantasia Project, Moving Company, Thunder Mountain and Free Space. Sunday’s entertainment includes Blue Smoke, Reno, All Trio, Maribyrd, Devil Grass, Luke & Tom, Morning Door, Surf Cowboy Reunion, the Complex and Eric Waldman. With a Jungle Tiki Bar, local camping, food and beer, Pie-athlon and raffles. Petrizzo’s Restaurant, 5789 Milford Road, East Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. $10. 588-6414.

Coryell, Bailey and White, eclectic jazz, R&B and rock by bassist Victor Bailey, guitarist Larry Coryell and drummer Lenny White. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Saturday. $28. 325-0249.

SafetySuit, the Nashville-based pop-rock group. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 7:30 p.m. Sunday. $15 advance, $20 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Anti-Bullying Concert, with performers, guest speakers and door prizes. Organized by 14-year-old Jordan Tarter who will also perform. Osterhout Free Library, 71 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday. Free but donations welcome. 823-0156.

Paging Samuel, a Christian-music band. Presented by the Catholic Underground at St. Gabriel’s Church, 122 S. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. Sept. 14. Donation. 403-3094.

B.L.E.S.T., a concert of Christian music by duo Stephen L. Perillo and Barbara Roberts. The Truth Café, New Life Community Church, 570 S. Main Road, Mountain Top. 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 14. Free. 301-7081.

Eric Church, the Nashville recording artist on his “Blood, Sweat & Beers Tour” with country artists Justin Moore and Kip Moore. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 14. $47.50, $42.50, $37.50. 800-745-3000.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, the season opener with guest pianist Adam Neiman performing Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. Also: Brahms’ “Academic Festival Overture” and Copland’s “Appalachian Spring.” Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. Sept. 14. 341-1568.

Tracy Lawrence, the country music hitmaker. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 14. $33, $28. 866-605-7325.

Spencer Bohren, the singer-songwriter, guitarist and storyteller along with blues duo Ed Randazzo and Bret Alexander. Sponsored by Poco Notes at the Tripp House, 1011 N. Main Ave., Scranton. Sept. 15 with doors at 7 p.m. and show at 8 p.m. $20 advance; $25 at the door if available. 888-800-7626.

Real Diamond, a re-creation of a live Neil Diamond show by the 10-piece tribute band led by Curt DiDomizio. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 15. $23. 325-0249.

Laughter with a Purpose, a benefit for Michael Meoni, who suffers from acute myeloid leukemia. With improv groups Here We Are in Spain and Unorganized Business, juggler Mike Simon, rock band Fire with Friends and acoustic guitarist Brendan Regan. Artists for Art Gallery, 514 Lackawanna Ave., Scranton. Sept. 15 with shows at 8 and 10 p.m. $20. 604-1874.

The Barstool Blackout Foam Tour, a dance party with DJs spinning electronic and club tracks along with lasers, fog, black lights and foam. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 10 p.m. Sept. 15. $30. 420-2808.

KISS and Motley Crue. Two of the biggest, baddest bands in rock history team up for a concert at the Toyota Pavilion, 1000 Montage Mountain Road, Scranton. 7 p.m. Sept. 18. $35 to $185. Tickets at livenation.com or ticketmaster.com.

Emmylou Harris, the 12-time Grammy winner and Billboard Century Award recipient whose career spans 40 years, opens the 85th season of Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 7 p.m. Sept. 19. $55, $45. 955-1455.

Musical Journey, an evening with singer-songwriter, guitarist and pianist Matthew Fishteyn who performs jazz, Latin, blues and rock. The Bookhouse, Eastern Monroe Public Library, 1002 N. Ninth St., Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. Sept. 21. Free but donations welcome. 421-0800.

Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, the multiplatinum country-rock and roots band delivering its string of hits including “Mr. Bojangles.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 21. $24 advance, $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Choose This Day, the contemporary Christian band in concert with refreshments and fun door prizes. The Rock Center, 340 Carverton Road, Trucksville. 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 22. $20. Sponsored by Pathways Unplanned Pregnancy Help Center. 714-4674.

Up and Coming Comedy, an evening of cabaret-style standup comedy and music. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Sept. 22 with a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. and show 8 to 10 p.m. $16. 344-1111.

Enter the Haggis, the Celtic band blending traditional sounds with rock, bluegrass and Latin. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 22. $25. 325-0249.

Sandra Bernhard, the standup comedian, delivers some outrageous humor and keen satire. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Sept. 22. $30, $20. 877-682-4791.

Gaither Vocal Band, the southern gospel group led by Bill Gaither. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7 p.m. Sept. 23. $36, $31. 784-4949.

Steve Green, the Dove Award-winning recording artist. Shavertown United Methodist Church, 163 N. Pioneer Ave., Shavertown. 7 p.m. Sept. 23. $20. 675-3616.

Kenny Rogers, the country-pop singer with harmony quintet Savannah Jack. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 24. $35, $30. 784-4949.

Rodney Atkins, the country singer with special guest Kip Moore. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 25. $35, $30. 784-4949.

Alan Evans Trio, the soul-jazz-funk group. River Street Jazz Café, 667 N. River St., Plains. Sept. 26 with doors at 7 p.m. and show at 9 p.m. $12. 822-2992.

Brantley Gilbert, the country-rock singer-songwriter. Bloomsburg Fair, off Route 11, Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 26. $35, $30. 784-4949.

Fishtank Ensemble, French hot jazz, wild Serbian and Transylvanian gypsy anthems, Flamenco and oddball originals. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 27. $15. 325-0249.

Billy Currington, the country-music artist with “American Idol” alum Aaron Kelly. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 27. $35, $30. 784-4949.

Doo Wop Plus, the latest installment in Joe Nardone’s Doo Wop series with Lou Christie, Johnny Tillotson, the Skyliners, the Chantels, Larry Chance and the Dubs. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7 p.m. Sept. 28. $49.50, $39.50, $29.50. 826-1100.

Soul Searching, the Christian music trio. Voice of Hope Christian Coffee House, St. John’s Lutheran Church, 231 E. State St., Nanticoke. 7 to 9 p.m. Sept. 28. Free. Broadcast live on WVHO-FM. 735-1760.

Jeff Dunham, the cutting-edge comedian and ventriloquist with his cast of characters including Achmed the Dead Terrorist, the backwoods Bubba J and the talking hot pepper Jose Jalapeno. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. $58, $53. 784-4949.

Rubix Kube, a 1980s retro cover band performing the best pop and rock hits from the era. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 9 p.m. Sept. 28. $20 advance, $25 day of show. 866-605-7325.

An Evening with Alan Jackson, the multiple award-winning country singer delivering his arsenal of top hits. Bloomsburg Fair, 620 W. Third St., Bloomsburg. 7:30 p.m. Sept. 29. $58, $53. 784-4949.

Ted Vigil’s Tribute to John Denver, with Denver’s former guitarist Steve Weissberg. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Sept. 29. $25. 325-0249.

The Lyra Trio, with pianist Michael Toth, cellist Debbie Davis and violinist Stephan Xhori. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 5 p.m. Sept. 30. $15. 325-0249.

Listen Local Series, an evening of music with local talent. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Oct. 5 with a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. and show 8 to 11 p.m. $10. 344-1111.

Herman’s Hermits, with British singer Peter Noone. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 5. $32, $27. 866-605-7325.

George Fiore, a classical piano concert with the former associate conductor of the Seattle Symphony. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 5. $20. 325-0249.

Celtic Thunder, a celebration of Irish culture by the ensemble of male vocalists: Emmet Cahill, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Neil Byrne and George Donaldson. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 6. $75, $65. 826-1100.

Michael Feinstein, the multiplatinum “Ambassador of the American Songbook” performs pop standards. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Oct. 6. $40, $30. 877-682-4791.

Art Garfunkel, one-half of the celebrated Simon & Garfunkel duo performing with his backup trio. Wiltsie Center, 700 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 8 p.m. Oct. 6. $62, $55, $47, $42, $37. 855-945-8743.

Battlefield Band, the four-piece Scottish flagship band performing traditional and contemporary tunes. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 6. $25. 325-0249.

Resurrection: A Rock Opera, with The Glass Prism, originators of progressive concept-based rock music performing selections from albums “Poe Through the Glass Prism” and “Resurrection.” Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 7 p.m. Oct. 7. $40 (VIP), $25. 344-1111.

Medeski, Martin & Wood, the jazz-funk, “avant-noise” trio. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 8 p.m. Oct. 11. $32, $25. 420-2808.

Donna the Buffalo, performing a soulful blend of Americana including Cajun, reggae and country. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 12. $26. 325-0249.

Disney in Concert, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and four guest singers performing music from Disney’s most popular films including “The Little Mermaid,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “The Lion King,” “Mary Poppins” and more. 7 p.m. Oct. 13 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 2 p.m. Oct. 14 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

Steve Solomon, the award-winning comedian in his show “My Mother’s Italian, My Father’s Jewish and I’m in Therapy.” Wiltsie Center, 700 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 8 p.m. Oct. 13. $26, $15. 855-945-8743.

Ryan Shupe and the Rubberband, the Utah-based bluegrass group. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 13. $24. 325-0249.

Manhattan Lyric Opera, performing works from classic operas, operettas and Broadway. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 5 p.m. Oct. 14. $25. 325-0249.

Tanya Tucker, the vibrato sounds of the “Texas Tornado” country singer. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 14. $34, $29. 866-605-7325.

Primus, the San Francisco-based rock group led by Les Claypool on its first-ever 3D-enhanced tour. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Oct. 16. $49.50, $39.50, $34.50. 826-1100.

Jackson Browne, the Rock and Rock Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee with opener Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek and the Decemberists. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Oct. 18. $170 (VIP), $68, $58, $41. 826-1100.

Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks, jazz styles of the 1920s and ’30s with the multi-instrumentalist and his group. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 8 p.m. Oct. 19. $30, $20. 955-1455.

An Evening with Jonathan Edwards and Michael Martin Murphy, the folk and country sounds of the veteran singer-songwriters. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 19. $34. 325-0249.

The Stylistics, the Philly soul group who had 12 straight Top Ten hits in the early 1970s. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 7 p.m. Oct. 20. $40, $30. 877-682-4791.

Simon & Garfunkel Retrospective, by the sound-alike duo of AJ Swearingen and Jonathan Beedle. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 20. $24. 325-0249.

Up and Coming Comedy, an evening of cabaret-style standup comedy and music. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Oct. 20 with a cocktail hour at 7 p.m. and show 8 to 10 p.m. $16. 344-1111.

Swearingen & Kelli, acoustic folk and indie pop from the duo of singer-songwriters. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 6 p.m. Oct. 21. $12. 325-0249.

Trey Anastasio Band, the guitarist-songwriter who founded the seminal improvisational rock band Phish. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7:30 p.m. Oct. 22. $39.50. 420-2808.

The Maine, the Arizona-based rock band along with pop-punk rockers Mayday Parade. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. 7 p.m. Oct. 23. $17 advance, $20 day of show. 420-2808.

The Badlees, the Pennsylvania rock band performing highlights from the recently released “See Me As a Picture: The Best, So Far.” Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Oct. 26. $17. 325-0249.

Paul Revere and the Raiders, the veteran pop-rock group (“Louie, Louie,” “Indian Reservation”). Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 26. $32, $27. 866-605-7325.

Straight No Chaser, the 10-voice a cappella group and YouTube phenomenon. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Oct. 27. $39.50, $34.50, $29.50. 826-1100.

Badge: A Tribute to Eric Clapton, a retrospective tracing Clapton’s career from the Yardbirds onward with Lehigh Valley musician Craig Thatcher. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 27. $23. 325-0249.

Martina McBride, the singer-songwriter performing selections from her latest release “Eleven.” Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Oct. 28. $85, $62. 866-605-7325.

Uriah Heep, the 1970s English hard-rock band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 1. $22 advance, $27 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Bruce Hornsby, the three-time Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter and pianist in a solo performance. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 2. $75 (limited), $49.50, $29.50. 826-1100.

Montana Skies, a guitar-and-cello fusion duo performing classical, jazz and rock. With openers Victor and Penny playing “antique pop” on vintage instruments. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 2. $18. 325-0249.

Umphrey’s McGee, the innovative rock band with special guests The Bright Light Social Hour. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 2. $21.50 advance, $24 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Liza Minnelli: Confessions, the legendary performer, winner of four Tony Awards, an Oscar, a special “Legends” Grammy, two Golden Globes and an Emmy. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 3. $150, $125, $89, $69. 826-1100.

Bill Medley, the baritone half of the popular Righteous Brothers duo. Wiltsie Center, 700 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 7 p.m. Nov. 4. $52, $27. 855-945-8743.

Crossing Borders, Latin-American music including Ariel Ramirez’s Argentinean folk Mass, Alberto Ginastera’s “Psalm 150, selections from “West Side Story” and folk music of Cuba and Argentina. Presented by the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania at St. Luke’s Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. Nov. 4. 343-6707.

Ryan Pelton, the Elvis Presley tribute artist. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 9. $27, $22. 866-605-7325.

Claire Lynch and the Front Porch String Band, the emotive bluegrass singer and her group. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Nov. 9. $20. 325-0249.

Brian Regan: All by Myself, one of the nation’s premier comedians delivers a perfect balance of sophisticated writing and physicality. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 10. $39.50. 826-1100.

The Last Waltz Celebration, a tribute to The Band’s iconic final performance by a group of tribute artists called ‘The Band’ Band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 10. $25. 325-0249.

Lonestar, the multiplatinum country recording artists. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 16. $45, $40. 866-605-7325.

A Night in Vienna, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performs Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1 along with waltzes, polkas and marches by the Strauss Family. With guest soprano Katy Williams performing arias from “Die Fledermaus.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 17. 341-1568.

Northern Tier Symphony Orchestra, performing “Night on Bald Mountain” by Modest Mussorgsky, Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, Enesco’s Romanian Rhapsody No. 2 and Paul Hindemith’s “Symphonic Metamorphosis.” Tunkhannock High School, 200 Franklin St., Tunkhannock. 8 p.m. Nov. 17. $9, $5 students. 289-1090.

Start Making Sense, a seven-piece Talking Heads tribute band. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Nov. 17. $20. 325-0249.

Dark Star Orchestra, the Grateful Dead tribute band returns for its traditional Thanksgiving show at Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 21. $24 advance, $29 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Michael Feinstein, the multi-platinum-selling “Ambassador of the Great American Songbook.” Wiltsie Center, 700 N. Wyoming St., Hazleton. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. $72, $37. 855-945-8743.

Shawn Klush & the Sweet Inspirations, a tribute to Elvis Presley by the look-alike artist deemed the “Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist.” F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. Proceeds benefit the Pittston Memorial Library. 826-1100.

The Trammps, the Philadelphia-based disco and soul group. Mount Airy Casino Resort, 312 Woodland Road, Mount Pocono. 8 p.m. Nov. 24. $30, $20. 866-468-7619.

Christmas with the Choral Society, a holiday program by the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania joined by the five children and youth choirs. Covenant Presbyterian Church, 550 Madison Ave., Scranton. 3 p.m. Nov. 25. 343-6707.

The Vienna Boys Choir, the 25-chorister group of boys age 10 to 14 performs the classical sounds of 15th-century Vienna. Sherman Theater, 524 Main St., Stroudsburg. Nov. 29. $45, $35, $25. 420-2808.

Celebrate Christmas with Travis Tritt, a special holiday show with the country singer. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Nov. 30. $42, $37. 866-605-7325.

Christmas with a Twist, a holiday concert by local Christian-music performers and a Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins hockey game. Mohegan Sun Arena, 255 Highland Park Blvd., Wilkes-Barre Township. Dec. 1 with concert at 6 p.m. and game at 7 p.m. $16, $14, $10. Advance tickets only. 970-3607.

Twelve Twenty Four, a holiday show by the tribute band playing the music of the Trans-Siberian Orchestra. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 7:30 p.m. Dec. 1. $23. 325-0249.

The Virgin Consort, a holiday concert with New York’s finest choral singers performing sacred and period choral works. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 7 p.m. Dec. 6. $20. 955-1455.

Paul Anka: Christmas My Way, the enduring singer-songwriter brings his signature hits and holiday classics to the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. Dec. 7. $125 (VIP Meet and Greet), $79, $59, $39. 826-1100.

Blue Oyster Cult, the influential hard-rock and heavy-metal band. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Dec. 7. $27 advance, $32 day of show. 866-605-7325.

Gandalf Murphy & the Slambovian Circus, a Christmas show by the quirky quartet performing a whimsical blend of folk, rock, hillbilly and pop. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8:30 p.m. Dec. 7. $26. 325-0249.

The Lettermen: The Christmas Tour, the romantic male harmony ensemble mixing big-band with R&B. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Dec. 8. $32, $27. 866-605-7325.

A Ceremony of English Carols, a concert by the adult chamber choir of the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania joined by the premier treble ensemble Cantare and organist Mark Laubach. Included: Benjamin Britten’s “Ceremony of Carols” and choral music from the traditional Anglican Service of Lessons and Carols. Followed by a wassail reception. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. Dec. 9. 343-6707.

Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, contemporary southern gospel. Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 7 p.m. Dec. 9. $25, $20. 866-605-7325.

Mark O’Connor’s Appalachian Christmas, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic joins forces with the Grammy Award-winning composer and violinist for a concert of holiday favorites. 7 p.m. Dec. 14 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 7 p.m. Dec. 15 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

A Rita Coolidge Christmas, the award-winning songstress celebrates the holidays at Penn’s Peak, 325 Maury Road, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Dec. 15. $24, $19. 866-605-7325.

The Tartan Terrors, a kilted octet performing Celtic music, comedy and dance. Mauch Chunk Opera House, 14 W. Broadway, Jim Thorpe. 8 p.m. Dec. 30. $28. 325-0249.

Midtown Men, a concert of 1960s music by the quartet of singers/actors from the Broadway musical “Jersey Boys.” Presented by the Broadway Theatre League at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. Jan. 18 to 20. 342-7784.

I’ll Take Romance, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and Grammy Award-winning vocalist Steve Tyrell in a selection of favorite love songs. 8 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton; and 8 p.m. Feb. 9 at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 341-1568.

The Marvelous Wonderettes, a 1950s musical revue set at the “1958 Springfield High School prom.” Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 8 p.m. Feb. 8. $30, $25. 955-1455.

Mendelssohn and Mozart Festival, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performing Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 “Jupiter” and Mendelssohn’s selections from “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” and his violin concerto performed by young violinist Shanshan Yao. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. March 9, 2013. 341-1568.

Tim Warfield’s Organ Band, a jazz tribute to the legendary Shirley Scott by the tenor saxophonist and his group. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 8 p.m. March 22. $30, $25. 955-1455.

The Streisand Songbook, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic and award-winning vocalist Anne Hampton Callaway perform Barbra Streisand favorites. 8 p.m. April 12, 2013, at the F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre; and 8 p.m. April 13, 2013, at the Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 341-1568.

Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania, a program of contemporary British and American composers. St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 232 Wyoming Ave., Scranton. April 20. 343-6707.

The Four Freshmen, the second incarnation of the veteran vocal harmony group begun in 1948. Sponsored by Community Concerts at Lackawanna College. Mellow Theater, 201 Vine St., Scranton. 8 p.m. April 20. $30, $25. 955-1455.

Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic, in an all-French concert including Berlioz’ “Symphonie Fantastique,” Ravel’s “La Valse” and Saint Saens’ first cello concerto with soloist Alberto Parrini. F.M. Kirby Center, Public Square, Wilkes-Barre. 8 p.m. April 26, 2013. 341-1568.

War and Peace, two of the greatest choral works to arise from World War II: Zoltan Kodly’s haunting “Missa Brevis” and Maurice Durufle’s “Requiem.” Performed by the Choral Society of Northeastern Pennsylvania. St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 35 S. Franklin St., Wilkes-Barre. May 11. 343-6707.

Maestro at the Movies, the Northeastern Pennsylvania Philharmonic performing favorites from the silver screen. Scranton Cultural Center, 420 N. Washington Ave., Scranton. 8 p.m. June 8, 2013. 341-1568.

Choral Arts of Luzerne County welcomes new members for its fall 2012 season. Rehearsals and auditions begin Tuesday and repeat at 7 p.m. Tuesdays at Church of Christ Uniting, 190 S. Sprague Ave., Kingston.