Nazareth Native Returns to Perform at Arts Center

Nazareth native Jack Kapanka -- “One Eyed Jack” -- will return to his hometown for a performance at the Thursday night.

Kapanka will take the stage at 7:30 p.m.

The singer-songwriter is the youngest of 20 brothers and sisters, according to his website, and was born blind; however, by the age of 2, he had gained sight in his right eye.

The 1989 graduate is known to create music that comes straight from the heart, drawing inspiration from his family and life experiences.

"One Eyed Jack" has worked with numerous charities and organizations throughout his career.

He composed the theme song for “Freedom Ride,” a non-profit organization devoted to therapeutic horseback riding, at the request of the organization's staff and directors, and was also asked to write a song for the 2001 World Wide Special Olympics. It was easy for Kapanka to find the inspiration behind "A Champion" -- he too was an athlete who overcame a handicap.

Kapanka is a storyteller whose music has been compared to that of James Taylor and the late Harry Chapin.

A quote from Kapanka's website may best sum up the area-native's musical style:

“Jack’s music is a powerful array of patriotism, inspiration, family values, compassion and heartfelt poetry about his life’s experiences.”

Tickets are $10 and are available through the Nazareth Center for the Arts online box office.

For more information on Kapanka and to listen to his music, visit www.jackkapanka.com.

For a full timeline of Jack's life and career, click here.