The Pocahontas County Opera House wraps up its 2011-12 Performance Series with singer/songwriter Naomi Sommers-joined by her father, Phil Rosenthal-on Saturday, May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

With roots in bluegrass, the blues, jazz, traditional folk and old-time country, Sommers is emerging as an exciting voice on the music scene. Her latest album, "Gentle as the Sun," produced by produced by the acclaimed musician and producer Jim Rooney (John Prine, Iris Dement, Nanci Griffith, Bonnie Raitt) is the culmination of years of devotion to the craft of songwriting and to the merging of traditional and contemporary styles in American music.

Rosenthal is known for his years as lead singer and guitarist in the Seldom Scene from 1977 to 1986. Since then, he has produced an award-winning series of recordings for all ages. ﾠA multi-instrumentalist at home on mandolin, banjo and guitar, Rosenthal's compositions have been recorded by Johnny Cash, Bill Monroe, Nick Cave and others. He was appointed Connecticut State Troubadour in 1994.

Sommers' three solo albums, as well as her work in the duo Gray Sky Girls, have won her praise for her rich voice and her compelling compositions. Her latest album, Gentle as the Sun, received a 5-star review in Maverick Magazine. She will be featured in the upcoming PBS-TV special On Record: the Soundtrack of our Lives.

With a vocal blend unique to family duos, thoughtful musical arrangements, and a wonderful, natural stage chemistry, their performances are a delight.

Admission is $7 for adults and free for children 12 and under.

Performances at the Opera House are informal, family-friendly and open to all. The entrance and main seating are handicapped accessible. Persons with disabilities are encouraged to attend; special accommodations can be arranged upon request. Admission is available at the door and in advance at pocahontasoperahouse.org or by calling 304-799-6645. Seating is on a first come, first served basis.

The Pocahontas County Opera House is located at 818 Third Avenue in Marlinton. For information on other upcoming Opera House events, visit pocahontasoperahouse.org, or call the Opera House at 304-799-6645.

This performance is part of the 2010-2011 Performance Series sponsored by the Pocahontas County Opera House Foundation with financial assistance through a grant from the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the National Endowment for the Arts, with approval from the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Financial support is also provided by Pocahontas County Drama, Fairs and Festivals.

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