<p>Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire return to the North Coast Oct. 26, playing "Songs of Love and Murder" at KALA. Submitted photo</p>

ASTORIA – KALA welcomes the return of Pacific Northwest Celtic musicians Hanz Araki and Kathryn Claire, at 8 p.m. Friday, Oct. 26. Joined by multi-instrumentalist Cal Scott, the duo presents “Songs of Love and Murder,” a concert featuring a selection of traditional murder ballads.

Irish flute player Araki and fiddler Claire have done something unique in the music business. They have produced four themed Celtic albums in a year, in which they perform in concert, and have the CD of the music available; “Songs of Love and Murder,” “Winter Solstice,” “As I Roved Out: Songs of Spring” and “The Emigrant’s Song/ The Laborer’s Lament,” are now completed, and will be available at the concert. In addition to impeccable instrumentals, Araki and Claire give life to songs, with sizzling harmonies and featured solos.

“Songs of Love and Murder,” is the third in the series to be performed at KALA. The murder ballad is a mainstay of the folk idiom in many cultures, perfected in Scotland, Ireland and England in times past. From the humorous to the Shakespearean to the downright macabre; with penknives and swords, by hanging or drowning, “Songs of Love and Murder” is a collection of traditional love songs with stories tragic, beautiful, and sometimes gruesome – as well as a few dance tunes (jigs and reels with some rather grisly titles) to keep your feet stomping.

In celebration of the season, costumes are encouraged, and great prizes await those who dress for the season. Tickets are $12 general admission and $10 for students, at the door. A no-host bar and Halloween social are all part of the fun. Doors open at 7:30 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m.

KALA is located at 1017 Marine Drive. For more information, call 503-338-4878.