Singer/songwriter Loudon Wainwright III returns to the (sorta) post-COVID stage Wednesday in Old Saybrook at the Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center. His legacy as a witty, clever composer — not to mention actor, memoirist and father to several equally talented children including Martha, Lucy and Rufus — is assured, but he's not resting on past accomplishments.

On his latest album, "I'd Rather Lead a Band," released last fall, Wainwright joined up with Vince Giordano & the Nighthawks for an affectionate homage to trad jazz of the 1920s and 1930s. It's what Giordana & company specialize in, and indeed they play wonderfully. As the title of the recording suggests, though, this puts Wainwright front and center as a vocal stylist — and he nuances the expertly curated material with easy and winning aplomb.

What does the gig at the Kate promise? One hopes he'll feature songs from "Lead a Band" to supplement his vast catalog of folk-flavored hits. There are no wrong answers.

Loudon Wainwright III, 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, 300 Main St., Old Saybrook; $36; thekate.org, (860) 510-0453.