WALDOBORO — Jonathan Richman returns Saturday, March 8, at 7:30 p.m., to The Waldo Theatre stage.

Originally from Boston, Richman formed the Modern Lovers, "one of the most influential bands of all time," according to The Waldo, in a news release. Richman pioneered the punk and new wave sound that formed in the 1970s. Inspired by Richman’s captivation with the Velvet Underground, Modern Lovers went on to influence the likes of the Sex Pistols, Violent Femmes, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts and Weezer among others.

Included on the School of Rock soundtrack, The Modern Lovers’ song Roadrunner has been referred to as “the first punk song”, and its cultural influence is such that, for the last decade or so, the Massachusetts State legislature has been fighting to make the song the official rock song of Massachusetts," according to the news release.

Many might also recognize Richman from his singer-narrator role in the 1998 film There’s Something About Mary, and as a staple on The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien, performing comedic songs such as You’re Crazy for Taking the Bus and Vampire Girl.

Richman prides himself on simplicity, performing acoustically with Tommy Larkins on the drums.

“The music we’re doing now works well in quiet places like theaters and performing art centers," said Richman. "We still don’t use a program or a set list so we don’t know what we’ll do until we do it.” 

"While Jonathan's work is appropriate for all ages, we ask that you consider leaving small children at home due to the quiet, intimate environment he cultivates for his performance," said The Waldo.

Adult tickets are available in advance online for $30 and $35 the day of the show. If this show is not sold out, tickets are available at the box office starting at 7 p.m. when the doors open; the show is at 8 p.m., and concessions will be available for purchase. To purchase tickets and for more information about The Waldo, parking and other upcoming events, please visit thewaldotheatre.org.