Good time tunes, ironic lyrics, tight harmonies and forgotten musical history — get ready for the Zu Zazz String Orchestra on Saturday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m. at the Branford Folk Music Society’s monthly coffeehouse.

The concert will take place at 8 p.m. in the auditorium of the First Congregational Church of Branford, 1009 Main Street on the Branford Green. Admission is $15 for non-members, $12 for members and $5 for children 12 and under. For more information, call 203-488-7715 or access the society’s Web page at http://folknotes.org/branfordfolk/

Zu Zazz performs an eclectic mix of zany tunes, abandoned and regional styles of American music from the first three decades of popular recordings — Hawaiian, cow-jazz, old-timey, vaudeville, old-movie, tent-revival, blues, jump, bluegrass, cowboy, swing, traditional jazz, and novelty numbers that range from the sublime to the tasteless.

In addition, this swinging acoustic sextet plays a collection of vintage acoustic instruments with unusual folk instruments in the mix — imagine a Ford Model A kazooba or a dancing limberjack backbeat. Listen to songs by such musical greats as Charlie Poole, Mae West, J.D. Mainer, Helen Hume, Jimmie Rodgers, Victoria Spivey, Irving Berlin, Sippie Wallace, W.C Handy, and Gene Autry.

The Connecticut-based band is the brainchild of Dan Santhouse (steel guitar, ukulele & vocals) and Renee Santhouse (violin & vocals), from Wilton, who collect unique American roots songs and string jazz. They are joined by area musicians Gary Wikfors, (mandolin, tenor banjo, lap steel), from Woodbridge; Frank Pergola (guitar, mandolin), Ansonia; Jay Louden (piano), Old Greenwich; and Louis Audette (double bass), from New Haven.

Expect to be dancing and laughing. No angst. No tears. The Zu Zazz String Orkestra playbill of eclectic hits is sure to please every listener in the house at Branford.

The Branford Folk Music Society is an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization that has been presenting traditional folk music concerts in Branford since 1973. It will continue the 2012 portion of its concert series with a Feb. 11 show featuring the Van Norstrand Brothers Band that plays a unique, high-energy blend of traditional and original material.