NORWICH – The John Henrys, a Canadian alternative country and roots band, will appear in concert at 7 p.m. Friday at the Chenango County Council of the Arts’ Martin W. Kappel Theater.

The John Henrys have a sound that is undefinable. They draw from a potpourri of influences and styles and blend them into something that is part alt-country, part Americana, part jam band and part rock n roll.

Compared to the likes of Neil Young, The Band and Tom Petty, The John Henrys have developed a reputation for tight musicianship, original arrangements and well crafted song writing. Band members Rey Sabatin (lead vocals / guitarist), Steve Tatone (keyboards), Doug Gouthro (guitar), Daryl Quinlan (bass) and Geoff Ward (drums) all contribute to songwriting and production, and their music shows a deep appreciation for vintage instruments and analog recording.

The John Henrys take their name from the John Henry of popular folklore, who has been immortalized in dozens of traditional folk songs. As the story goes, John Henry was a giant who labored laying railway tracks and digging tunnels. He challenged the first steam powered drilling machine to a race to determine what was stronger – man or machine. His superhuman effort won him the race, after which he immediately died of exhaustion.

The performance is sponsored by the New York State Council on the Arts, a state agency. This is the final performance in the Council of the Arts’ 2010/11 Performance Series. Ticket prices range from $17.50 to $24.50, with discounts for seniors and members of the Arts Council. Youth 18 and under are always $10.

The Martin W. Kappel Theater is located at 27 West Main St. in Norwich. For more information or to order tickets, visit www.chenangoarts.org or call 336-ARTS (2787).