From his earliest hits including “Dead Skunk,” through his Grammy winning “High Wide & Handsome,” musical tribute to banjo master Charlie Poole to his work on “M*A*S*H” and in numerous films, Loudon Wainwright III has entertained America for decades. On Saturday, Aug. 4, this comedic actor and singer-songwriter arrives in Boothbay Harbor to perform at the historic Opera House.

Loudon Wainwright was born in Chapel Hill, N.C., the son of a senior editor for LIFE Magazine and a yoga teacher.  He studied acting at Carnegie-Mellon University but dropped out to partake in the Summer of Love in San Francisco.  He wrote his first song in 1968, “Edgar,” about a Watch Hill, R.I., lobsterman and was soon signed to Atlantic Records. Several years later Clive Davis lured him to Columbia Records. His recording career now spans a total of 23 albums.

His acting career includes a recurring role as Capt. Calvin Spalding, the singing surgeon on “M*A*S*H” and a stint in “Pump Boys & Dinettes” on Broadway and more recent work in films directed by Hal Ashby, Tim Burton, Cameron Crowe, Martin Scorsese, Christopher Guest and Judd Apatow. His film credits include “Knocked Up,” “The 40-Year-Old Virgin,” “Elizabethtown,” “The Aviator,” “Big Fish,” “28 Days,” “Jackknife” and “The Slugger’s Wife.” Television credits include “Parks and Recreation,” “Ally McBeal,” and “Undeclared,” among others.

Ben Greenman of The New Yorker says, “Wainwright is as good as he’s ever been. Almost 40 years into his recording career, he has not only retained his sharpness of wit but has also learned to cut with greater skill.”

“Mr. Wainwright has proved to be far and away the most candid diarist among singer songwriters … Mr. Wainwright brings more human truth out of his contradiction than any other songwriter of his generation,” notes Stephen Holden of the New York Times.

Maine musicians Robbie and Maggie Coffin will open the show.  Robbie Coffin is a well-known musician throughout southern Maine and recently has been joined on stage by his vocalist daughter, Maggie.

This great evening of summer entertainment is made possible by generous sponsorship from The Bank of Maine, in celebration of the opening of their new branch building in Boothbay Harbor.

Tickets for the performance are $20 in advance, or $25 if purchased on the day of the show. The box office is open Tuesday through Friday at 86 Townsend Ave. or by calling 633-5159.  Tickets are also available online at www.boothbayoperahouse.com. The performance is at 8 p.m.; doors for seating open at 7:30 p.m.