Mia Johnson Performing songwriter and Cedarville native Mia Johnson returns to the Eastern U.P. to perform on the stage of downtown Sault Ste. Marie's Historic Soo Theater Friday, August 22, at 8 p.m., for a two-set live acoustic performance accompanied by cellist Erin Ryan.

Tickets are available at the Soo Theater Project office at $10 for adults, and $8 for students.

Ms. Johnson has created a name for herself as a one of Philadelphia's most durable singersongwriting talents through continuous touring, three record releases, and her supporting role as June Carter in the "Man in Black: The Johnny Cash Experience: tribute show, and as back-up vocalist for Steph Hayes and The Good Problems.

At her August 22 performance, she will present her repertoire of original tunes along with a sampling of some favorite covers by artists such as the Beatles, Bob Marley, Janis Joplin, and Tom Petty. "Not only is it special to have a chance to perform for the family and friends back home who have believed in me all these year but never get the chance to come to my shows because of the distance, but going back to square one is also a great opportunity for me to really feel a sense of how far I actually have come since my days living there," said Ms. Johnson.

After the performance, she will be available to sign copies of her full-length album "Driver," which was voted one of the best local CD's of 2004 by the Philadelphia City Paper and will be available for purchase at the show.