Swamp Opera plays Clatskanie

Clatskanie Arts Commission continues its performance series this weekend with a perennial Wahkiakum County favorite, Skamokawa's own Swamp Opera.

Leader Andrew Emlen composes songs for the group as well as performing on an impressive array of instruments, including cello, banjo, Jew's harp, and mandocello, a cross between a cello and mandolin. Kyleen Austin, Eerik Friend, and Jillian Raye round out the ensemble.

This weekend's show features songs by and about the people of the lower Columbia River region, including many original works.

"I chose the Columbia River songs because, well, [Clatskanie is] a Columbia River basin community, too," said Emlen. "I think a lot of the people there have not heard that repertoire of ours. I thought it would be meaningful." The program includes Motown-inflected works, 19th Century 'Voyageur' songs, selections from lower Columbia singer-songwriter Mary Garvey, as well as some forays into more operatic areas.

The Clatskanie Arts Commission presents Skamokawa Swamp Opera, Sunday, March 10 at 3

p.m. Clatskanie's Birkenfeld Theatre, 75 S. Nehalem in Clatskanie. Tickets: Adults $20; Seniors

(60+) and Students $18; Children $15. Tickets are

available online at clatskaniearts.org or at the door the day of the concert