EDWARDS -- Potsdam born singer/songwriter and life long touring musician Phil Hurley is coming home to the North Country to share his particular style of folk, rock, Americana at the Edwards Opera House on Saturday, Aug. 12.

Show time will be from 7-9 p.m. and tickets are $10.

Hurley currently lives in Austin, Texas, but he tries to get back to Potsdam where he was raised at least once a year. This time around, he is timing his visit and performance with a family reunion and the annual school reunion, so he is hoping to reconnect with friends and family during his stay.

"I always love to play music when I'm visiting my home. But this gig has a special significance, not only because of this amazing and historic venue, but it's also my beautiful mother, Jane Hurley's birthday! I can't think of a sweeter way to celebrate this amazing woman than to bring some family and friends together for an evening of music," the musician said.

Hurley was a founding member of the local group, the Gigolo Aunts, that hit the big time in the 1990's. Along with his brother Steve Hurley, David Gibbs and Paul Brouwer, the group had international success with their RCA Records release "Flippin' Out" that launched the hit single "Where I Find My Heaven," which was featured in the movie "Dumb and Dumber."

Hurley went on to tour the world with groups like Tracy Bonham, Fountains of Wayne and Lisa Loebe. He was also a member of the original cast of the hit Broadway musical "Rock of Ages."

His current group, the South Austin Moonlighters have three records out and are one of the hottest groups in the Texas circuit. Their latest release "Ghost of a Small Town" has received major airplay in the Lone Star State.

He played at the Edwards Opera House a couple years ago with the band Stone Honey and is looking forward to performing in the space as a solo singer-songwriter.

Playing as a solo act is relatively new for the musician.

"If there has ever been an error in my career trajectory, it is that I've always been in bands," he said. "I didn't quite believe in my own product."

"I've always been in rock bands. But this is about me transitioning into a solo performer," Hurley said.

The Potsdam native said he has had a lot of influence in recent years from Austin-based singer-songwriter Jimmy LaFave, who passed away from cancer this past spring. Hurley has been crafting his solo act around things learned from solo artists like LaFave and Arlo Guthrie.

Hurley said part of that is learning to interact with the audience in a more direct way with stories and conversations.

"I've learned how to make it 'an evening with…' instead of playing my songs at you," he said.

Hurley said he plans to perform a range of material probably best classified as Americana. While he is known for being a rock musician, his solo material is a bit different. "There is definitely more country roots in it," he said.

The show planned for Edwards will feature one set with just Hurley playing his songs on his vintage Gibson D-25, and then a second set featuring performances with his girlfriend, Texas native Carrie Caylor. Hurley said there will also be guest appearances by his brother Steve and Dave Gibbs, both former members of the Gigalo Aunts.

"I live far enough away now that it's tough to get home to see my family and friends. I feel so fortunate to have been brought up in such a creative and musical environment. I feel like it's my responsibility to bring some music back with me to share with all of the good folks of this area. I've been doing a lot more solo performances these days and I feel like my show has really come into focus. I want to bring a little bit of Texas to the North Country."

For more information about Phil Hurley’s music, log on to https://www.facebook.com/Phil-Hurley-Music-Page-120488018055576/, or his band website www.thesouthaustinmoonlighters.com.