Anni Clark released her first album in 18 years, inspired by the pandemic and her experiences during it. Gregory Rec/Staff Photographer

A music and poetry Extravaganza, hosted by WXNZ radio and the Friends of the Skowhegan Opera House, is set for 2-5 p.m. Saturday, April 16, at the Opera House, 225 Water St.

The Extravaganza also will be livestreamed on WXNZ and the Wesserunsett Arts Council’s Facebook page, and recorded on Channel 11, Madison, according to a news release from the council.

This joint fundraiser features local musicians, Maine Poet Laureates and guest appearances by many of HooSkow’s DJs and producers.

Local music will be performed by Anni Clark, statewide singer/songwriter with her own blend of folk, pop, blues and Maine hue-mah,(anniclark.com); Merry-Go-Roundup, a vintage western music band (welcomeradio.com/merrygoroundup); Brian Richmond on sax and guitar, whose folk rock is on Spotify, iTunes and Youtube; and Clay Camero, WXNZ DJ and host of Inside Outlaw, playing folk rock on her guitar.

Poetry will be read by Julia Bouwsma, Wes McNair and Kalyn Black. Bouwsma, current Maine Poet Laureate and Kingfield Library director, is author of two award-winning poetry collections. Her poems explore the history, heartache and hope of Mainers. See more at juliabouwsma.com.

McNair, a former Maine Poet Laureate, is a storyteller of contemporary poetry. Learn more at wesleymcnair.com.

Black is a local poet with performances on the Poet’s Poetry Pantry on WXNZ.

Tickets cost $20 and are available at the Skowhegan Town Office and the Skowhegan Farmers’ Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Proceeds will benefit WXNZ and the opera house.

Sponsors include Skowhegan Savings Bank; White’s Auto Body, Madison; Mountain Mama of Maine, Anson; CKG Creative, Caribou; Nuggie’s, Skowhegan; and many individuals.

For more information, call Tom Hamilton at 207-399-2325.