Submitted Photo The Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio plays this Friday at 7:30 p.m.

The Heather Pierson Acoustic Trio – three musicians from three very different backgrounds – makes a return to the Opera House stage this Friday at 7:30 p.m. Part of the Folk In Fredonia Music Series, the trio last appeared here in 2016.

Bringing their musical skills, quiet charm and down-to-earth honesty, the three friends celebrate songs that bring to life the sounds of the streets of New Orleans, and the valleys of Appalachia, and everywhere in between.

Pierson is an award-winning pianist, singer/songwriter, song-leader and performer whose inspiring live performances and growing catalog of releases, both solo and in ensemble, delve into Americana, blues, New Orleans jazz, vocal chants, instrumental piano, and folk. Best known for her ease at the piano and her bell-tone vocals, her songs and musicianship embody joy, honesty, playfulness, and a desire to share from the heart.

Pierson’s 12th album, “Lines and Spaces,” was released in November 2019, and is a multi-genre tour de force featuring performances from her Acoustic Trio bandmates Davy Sturtevant and Shawn Nadeau.

Sturtevant (acoustic guitar, cornet, dobro, fiddle, mandolin, harmony vocals) is a sideman extraordinaire and an accomplished singer/songwriter of his own, wielding both an arsenal of stringed and brass instruments and a gorgeous tenor voice. With wit and flair, he performs in a way that moves listeners to tap their toes and nod their heads.

Nadeau (bass, harmony vocals) is a self-taught phenom who brings an unassuming rock-solid foundation and a keen awareness to every moment of every song, informed by more than two decades of wildly varying musical performances, from punk rock to reggae to jazz.

During the pandemic, Pierson had a viral hit in March with her “Toilet Paper Song,” and released both a moving single, “Beside the Firelight,” about the death of George Floyd, and her latest collection of original meditation chants, “Be Here Now.” Since March 2020, Pierson has been live-streaming every week both solo and with partner Nadeau on bass leading online community sings.

This performance is part of the Folk in Fredonia Music Series, which is generously sponsored by the Gilman Family. Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for Opera House members and $10 for students, and may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday-Friday, noon to 4:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased online at www.fredopera.org anytime.

Opera House programming also is made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis notes that “masks are no longer required at Fredonia Opera House events. We do still encourage patrons to wear masks while in the venue; and staff and volunteers may continue to be masked.”

The 1891 Fredonia Opera House Performing Arts Center is a member-supported not-for-profit performing arts center with a mission to “present the performing arts for the benefit of our community and region … providing access to artistic diversity … and high quality programming at an affordable price.” It is located in Village Hall in downtown Fredonia. For a complete schedule of events, visit www.fredopera.org.