Folk Legend To Perform At Opera House

POSTED: November 4, 2008 FREDONIA - Folk legend Jonathan Edwards, best known for his 1971 No. 1 hit, ''Sunshine,'' will make a rare Western New York concert appearance at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House at 8 p.m. Friday. He will be joined by Stuart Schulman on keyboard, violin and bass, and Taylor Armerding on mandolin and guitar. The word ''legend'' is often used to describe veteran folk/rocker Jonathan Edwards, whose 1971 million-selling song ''Sunshine'' (''go away today...'') brought him instant fame. He was born in Minnesota and detoured into blues and rock before realizing he was hooked on folk music. ''My inspiration came from the soul of people, not so much the technique,'' Edwards said. ''My influences came from Ray Charles, Gladys Knight, Van Morrison and even some of the more popular folk people like the Kingston Trio and Peter, Paul and Mary. But there's no one I ever tried to sing like.'' Edwards' most recent CD, ''Live in Massachusetts'' was released in December 2006. Media Artists also released a 90-minute documentary of his career, ''That's What Our Life Is.'' Tickets to Jonathan Edwards at 8 p.m. Friday November 7 are $18 general admission and $15 for Opera House members. They may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 679-1891. They also may be purchased online any time at http://www.fredopera.org/. For more information on Chautauqua Lake Real Estate & Living visit: http://www.chautauqualakehomes.com/