<p>Canadian folk and roots singer/songwriter James Keelaghan will be in concert April 20, at the Performing Arts Center. Submitted photo</p>

ASTORIA – Coast Community Radio presents Canadian folk troubadour James Keelaghan.

For almost a quarter of a century, this poet laureate of the folk and roots music world has gone about his work with a combination of passion, curiosity, intent and intensity. His masterful storytelling has, over the course of nine recordings, been the bedrock of his success, earning Keelaghan nominations and awards – including a Juno (Canada’s Grammy) – and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia.

Admiration and respect for his work among his peers is reflected in the words of David Francey who stated, “James Keelaghan is a voice in contemporary Canadian songwriting that has helped us define who we are as a people. He writes with great humanity and honesty, with an eye to the past and a vision of the future. He has chronicled his times with powerful and abiding songs, with heart and eyes wide open.”

Terry Wickham, the producer of the Edmonton Folk Music Festival, is one of many longtime admirers of Keelaghan’s music, and he sums up the artist’s appeal by saying, “James has become the complete artist. A brilliant tunesmith who has become one of the most engaging performers of our time. You always know the journey with James is going to be great, you just never know what all the destinations are. That is why the curve on his career continues to rise.”

It was Dave Marsh, the award-winning American music critic and historian who said that Keelaghan is “Canada’s finest songwriter.” Those few but powerful words of praise say it all about an artist who continues to set the bar at a lofty height.

Keelaghan will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, at the Clatsop Community College Performing Arts Center at 16th Street and Franklin Avenue. Doors open at 7 p.m. Tickets are $17 for adults and $10 for ages 15 and younger. Advance tickets are available at Beach Books, 37 N. Edgewood in Seaside; Time Enough Books, 157 Howerton Way in Ilwaco, Wash.; and in Astoria at the KMUN studio at 1445 Exchange St. Remaining tickets will be available at the door on performance night.