Willapa Hills to play Redmen Hall

Willapa Hills, the popular folk band from Wahkiakum County, will present "Springers and Springboards," music by and about the people of the Lower Columbia region.

The band will play at the Friends of Skamokawa's Redmen Hall, 1394 West State Route 4, in Skamokawa, March 12, at 7:30 p.m. and at St. James Church, 1134 Columbia St. in Cathlamet on March 14, at 2:30 p.m.

Kerrie McNally of Skamokawa wrote one of the tunes, a story from area resident Roger Davis, who will turn 80 in June. He recalls riding the mail boat between Cathlamet and Astoria. There will also be songs by Mary Garvey, Ray Raihala of the Brownsmead Flats, Sunrise Fletcher, Janine Stanley, Cleave Hedman and Andrew Emlen.

Emlen says the show is part of an effort to involve people to gather the stories and songs of the region. He plans for a possible program that can involve young people in the production and performances of these local stories.

Willapa Hills band members are Emlen, Fern Fey, Jessica Fletcher, Sunrise Fletcher, Jennifer Hanigan and McNally.

Admission prices are $10 for adults, $5 ages 10 to 16 and free for those under 10 accompanied by an adult. The shows are benefits for Redmen Hall and St. James Family Center.