The Hold Steady expects to give its fans what they want familiar tunes from each of its five albums in its area debut, 7:30 p.m. Dec. 28, Musikfest Café, ArtsQuest Center, 101 Founders Way, Bethlehem.

Craig Finn, lead singer of the group, recently completed a solo tour backing his album, "Clear Heart Full Eyes," but has been back on tour with the band since October.

"Everyone was really positive about it," says the lead singer about going solo during the band's hiatus.

The band's most recent album, "Heaven Is Whenever," was released in 2010. The band will perform songs from its unrecorded new album, planned for release next year.

"We make it a priority on the set list to perform songs from each of our albums," says Finn, knowing fans enjoy the older material because they can sing along.

For hard-core fans, listen closely to the lyrics as Finn occasionally will change the words to some of the songs for a laugh for those who are paying attention.

The lead singer describes The Hold Steady's music as "storytelling backed by a rock and roll band."

Finn, the group's lyricist, is inspired by such legends as Bob Dylan and Bruce Springsteen for their ability to produce "so many different things in their career" and the variety of music in their catalog.

The Hold Steady's sound has changed a bit since its debut album in 2004. The band no longer plays live shows with a keyboard player.

"We want to do something more ambitious," says Finn, a Minnesota native.

The critically-acclaimed Brooklyn, N.Y.,-based band's albums include: "Almost Killed Me" (its 2004 debut); "Separation Sunday" (2005); "Boys and Girls in America" (2006); and "Stay Positive" (2008).

The Hold Steady added a new band member, guitarist Steve Selvidge, in 2011, after keyboarder Franz Nicolay left in 2010.

The group includes, in addition to Finn, on vocals and guitar, and Selvidge, Tad Kubler, lead guitar; Galen Polivka, bass; and Bobby Drake, drums

"Everyone who can should come out to the show," Finn encourages. "It should be a very post-holidays for people to let off steam kind of night."