Loudon Wainwright III to Play Ridgefield Playhouse, 9/12

Loudon Wainwright III is a critically acclaimed songwriter who won the 2010 Grammy Award for Best Traditional Folk Album High, Wide and Handsome: The Charlie Poole Project. Legendary artists including Johnny Cash and Bonnie Raitt have covered his songs -- from folk, rock, and blues to comedy. Known for his leading role as Captain Calvin Spalding in the TV hit show M*A*S*H (the singing surgeon) and the singer of "Dead Skunk (in the Middle of the Road)", Loudon will deliver at The Ridgefield Playhouse on Friday, September 12, at 8 p.m. He'll perform from his repertoire and cover some songs by Johnny Cash, Bonnie Raitt, and Earl Scruggs. Special guest is Kath Buckell, whose voice is described as rich and passionate evoking the style of Judy Collins and Joan Baez. Tom Tom's (417 Main St., Ridgefield) will pour a complimentary glass of wine with dinner the night of the show when ticket is presented. This event is part of the Doyle Coffin Singer/Songwriter Series with media sponsor WSHU Public Radio Group.

Loudon Wainwright III has mega talented offspring to the tune of Rufus Wainwright, Martha Wainwright and Lucy Wainwright Roche. Loudon is the brother of Sloan Wainwright and the former husband of the late folk singer Kate McGarrigle. Loudon's latest album, Older Than My Old Man Now, hit #7 on Billboard's Chart for the Top Heatseekers in 2012. To date, Wainwright has released some 22 studio albums. Reflecting upon his career in 1999, Wainwright said, "You could characterize the catalog as somewhat checkered, although I prefer to think of it as a tapestry."

For tickets ($45), call or visit the box office at (203) 438-5795. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main Street, Ridgefield, CT; ridgefieldplayhouse.org.