Veteran singer songwriter James Keelaghan is coming to Mission on Friday, March 10 as part of Mission Folk Music Festival’s Concert Series.

With the release of his new album Second Hand, “this poet laureate of the folk and roots music world has gone about his work with a combination of passion, intent and intensity, and curiosity.”

According to a press release, fusing his insatiable appetite for finding the next unique storyline Keelaghan also forges his pieces with brilliantly defined craftsmanship and a monogrammed artistic vision, making him one of the most distinctive and readily identifiable voices of not only the Canadian scene, but as a member of the international singer-songwriter community.

His masterful story-telling, over the course of nine recordings, has been part of the bedrock of his success, earning Keelaghan his share of nominations and awards, and acclaim from Australia to Scandinavia. The necessity to write has always been a double-edged sword.

“I’ve always had the urge to write. Some things weren’t being said in the way I wanted to say them. Then there are the different sides of what I write about. The narrative writing, the historical material, as well as the personal, where you have to take responsibility for what you are saying,” said the Calgary native who has been calling Ontario home for the past few years.

For Keelaghan staying at the top of his game comes down to a very clear rule, never stop accumulating.

“I want my audiences to know that I am open enough to try new things and push their bounds.”

This all ages show is at the Copper Hall. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8 p.m. General admission tickets are $25 and children 12 and under are free.

Tickets can be purchased on line here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/james-keelaghan-in-concert-tickets-506881946547.

For further information, visit missionfolkmusicfestival.ca or email info@missionfolk.ca.