A “must see” for Celtic folk music fans and sure to appeal to music lovers at large, singer-songwriter Dougie Maclean will perform at the Liberty Theater in An Evening with Dougie Maclean.

Maclean is the real deal—born in Perthshire, Scotland to a musical family. Early in his music career, he toured the UK and Europe with the Tannahill Weavers and then the US, Holland and Germany with the popular band, Silly Wizard, for a spell. But it was as a solo artist that Maclean’s impact has been most felt, particularly after the release of his album “Craigie Dhu” on his own label, Dunkeld Records. One of its songs, Caledonia, is widely regarded as bonnie Scotland’s unofficial national anthem. It’s a name that evokes things poetic and romantic in Scotland; Maclean calls it his “homesick song.” He’s released many albums and CDs since then with fans eager for more.

Maclean, himself, seems to be right up there with the likes of Sean Connery, a national icon in his craggy homeland. A jubilant Maclean says, “it’s been a wonderful year for me... with my song Caledonia being chosen as the theme for the Homecoming Scotland initiative, a wonderful tour in Australia and a Tartan Clef Award. I’m looking forward to returning to Astoria on the coast and to the Liberty Theater... with some new songs and some ‘old favorites.’ No concert is ever the same!”

A national tourism promotion campaign, “Homecoming Scotland 2009” will celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of poet Robert Burns and the country’s culture, heritage and contributions to the world, e.g. golf, whiskey and, of course, Scots Celtic music. First Minister Alex Salmond has been quoted as saying, “Caledonia is a song that resonates with Scots the world over. For those far away it is a reminder of strong bonds, full of the promise of return. That is what makes it the perfect anthem for our Year of Homecoming.” A song Maclean later wrote, The Gael, was part of the soundtrack for the film, The Last of the Mohicans.

What’s more, Maclean’s 2005 “Perthshire Amber – The Dougie Maclean Weekend” has become an annual, ten-day festival. MacLean performs with his trio, quartet, current band and a reunited Dougie MacLean Band from the 90s. A bevy of musician friends are typically on hand as well, all this, against the stunning backdrop that is the Scottish countryside. Venues include an Iron Age crannog (a type of early loch-dwelling found throughout Scotland and Ireland), two ancient castles, a cathedral and theatre in the hills of county Perthshire. One festival reviewer at Edinburgh guide.com gushed, “that most beautiful of Scottish counties, chose to display itself in its most stunning autumn dress: all shades of amber and golden leaves in a thrilling display of nature at its best… the whole, packed weekend was filled, morning to night, with workshops, story telling sessions, concerts and talks… open mics in the theatre foyer (and) evening gigs in the auditorium.”

Roger Rocka, former Executive Director of the Astoria Warrenton Chamber of Commerce and a huge fan of folk, celtic and acoustic music had seen Maclean in Portland. It wasn’t long before he’d arranged for Maclean to perform at the Liberty Theater in October 2006 where he was one of the first acts to fill the Liberty with 400 people. Rocka remembers Maclean being “surprised and pleased” that his stock of CDs was completely sold out. When Rocka and his wife, Jan Mitchell, drove him to his next gig in Corvallis, Maclean was fascinated with the old logging equipment at Camp 18. It seems he’s into “classic,” old tractors and maintains a personal collection.

Doors Open 6:45pm. Tickets are $25 general, $23, senior, and $17 students. They’re available at the Liberty Theater Box Office at 1203 Commercial, open Tuesday through Saturday, from 2:00 to 5:30 p.m. and two hours before the event. Or call the theater at 503-325-5922, x55. Tickets are also available (convenience fee applies) on-line, at www.tickets.com or by calling 1-800-992-8499.