Gary Fjellgaard
www.fjellgaard.bc.ca with Darrel Delaronde and Saskia www.saskia.ca
Picture taken in Bern Switzerland
Juno Award Winning, Gary Fjellgaard, along with friends and award winning songwriters from Saskatchewan; Darrel dela Ronde , Saskatchewan Country Music Association Nominee’s for: Aboriginal Artist of the Year and Saskia with album of the year are back from a whirlwind tour of Holland, Germany and Switzerland, sponsored by the Dutch Country Music Association, followed by a tour from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Sea.
What started out as a mutual love for each other music, and an occasional tour as three separate singer song writers, has evolved into collaboration with a fresh new sound. They still feature their own sets and uniquely different song writing styles, but now, some of the legendary songs of Gary Fjellgaard are beautifully decorated when the Saskia & Darrel join him on stage for a few songs. Saskia sings harmonies, plays bass and pennywhistles, while Darrel adds his intricate acoustic guitar and lap steel skills to the mix. Gary joins our “Prairiefolks” during their set for a few numbers with his harmonies and mandolin, and together they create a sound with a spine tingling effect.
An evening with these three veteran entertainers is a wonderful celebration of Canadian song writing, with wild yodelling, grand storytelling, and award winning guitar playing. Not to be missed!
Gary Fjellgaard has been a solid presence on the Canadian music scene for the past 35 years and still going strong with more fans than ever. Darrel and Saskia are forever expanding their fan base with their energetic brand of “Prairiefolk”.
Gary Fjellgaard is one of Canada’s national treasures and a performer whose music bridges the worlds of western roots and folk music. To honour his lifelong commitment to his fans and his music, Gary Fjellgaard was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of fame in 2005. Darrel and Saskia were nominated by SCMA for, Album of the Year, and Aboriginal Artist of the Year 2008.
I apologize. Recently Gary Fjellgaard wrote and released a new song to follow up on the apology offered to the survivors of the residential schools, by our members of parliament. This song, in the usual Gary Fjellgaard fashion is offered straight from the heart. No pretence, in all honesty, completely inspired and offered to Canadians in the same spirit. This song needs to be heard. It is a free download on www.fjellgaard.bc.ca
Reviews!!!!! A Concert at Harmony House Theatre. Hunter River. Prince Edward Island. “With vocal chords that seem to have been whittled to perfection like grand wooden organ pipes over their years, Fjellgaard sang most of the greater hits of his repertoire, including songs like “Somewhere on the Island”, “Ten Years Old and Barefoot”, “Fire and Lace”, “Dance With This Old Cowboy” and “Islanders”. Saskatchewan musicians Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia shared the stage with Fjellgaard throughout the evening, and with their brilliant voices, natural musicality and love able personalities, they brought an added spark to the mix with their own original material, and accompaniment in Fjellgaard’s tunes as well. And, tell me, what western cowboy show is complete without breaking out the yodel? Both Fjellgaard and Saskia yodelled it up in full force at a couple of different points to wild response from the audience. By the night’s end, that highly-appreciative crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation that garnered another song from all three musicians together, “Those Memories of You Still Haunt Me”, to send us home on a sweetly harmonized note.” Todd Maclean. The Guardian, Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island, Oct. 21/2008
Standing Ovation in Switzerland. “My wife Marilyn and I recently had the honour and pleasure to host a superb evening at Canada’s Official Residence on the occasion of the visit to Bern of Darrell De La Ronde and Saskia as well as Gary Fjellgaard. This Canadian musical trio wonderfully sang and played prairie folk songs, entertaining our 40 Swiss guests who were thrilled by their performance. At the end of the show, they spontaneously rose to their feet for a well deserved standing ovation, asking for several encores. It was a privilege for Marilyn and I to introduce Darrel, Saskia and Gary to Switzerland.” Signed Robert Collette, Ambassadeur/Ambassador, Ambassade du Canada, Berne/Canadian Embassy, Bern Switzerland. August 21/2008
Touched Deeply! It was my pleasure to attend your concert last night in Flin Flon. I thank you for a wonderful evening. The music was superb and heart-warming. Your song for our men and women (The Porch Light On), who are away fighting for everyone’s freedom, and their parents, brought tears to my eyes. It not only was pleasing to the ear, but it also touched us deeply. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely. Charlotte Pedwell. December 2008. FlinFlon. MB.
“Treasured Memories of a Dream Concert” Fjellgaard was joined on stage by the buoyant couple Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia, Saskia with the voice of an angel played bass guitar and took turns in leading the song, “If I needed you”, with partner Darrel de La Ronde playing exquisite guitar. The sound was breathtaking!! When Saskia took the stage with “Oh Holy Night” The result was stunning and awe inspiring. One of De La Ronde‘s songs, “Porch-light” (which was dedicated to all parents with children leaving home to go to war) brought tears to the eyes of the listeners and one cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to be part of the audience. All three performers are exceptional story-tellers. Their songs reflect true spirit, integrity and pure Canadian values. Monique Ouellette. St. Paul’s Journal. Dec 11/2007
A Wonderful Show at the Vital Spark. Hi Saskia and Darrel! Wanted to thank you for a wonderful show you put on with Gary at the Vital Spark in Brooklin, on Oct. 18. It was one of our best shows. I have known Gary's music for quite a while now, I knew what to expect. As for yours, it was equally great, you complement each other superbly. It is always nice to find some artists who you have not heard before, I am glad to have met you, look forward to seeing in concert again. All the best, Kerry Hester. November 09/2008 Vital Spark Folk Club. Brooklin. ON.
Smooth Sounds along the banks of the Mighty Peace River. Festivals in Canada are the BEST... and in wee Hudson’s Hope, B.C. in the North-East of the Peace Country, we were honoured and thrilled to have Gary Fjellgaard with Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia come to entertain us......and entertain they did with amazing professionalism and grace. People came from far and wide, following this great musical combo and everyone was happy to hear the great stories and songs from Gary and the sweet voice of Saskia along with Darrel’s awesome guitar playing featuring their own compositions. These accomplished recording artists are so easy to listen to! The smooth sounds amongst the aspen on the banks of the mighty Peace River were very special, and where ever they travel there are those that follow them. True Canadians... and truly amazing music that all should hear! Thanks for coming to our wee festival and playing for us with such great soul! Debbie Joslin, Festival Organiser and Artistic Director. (Jam at the Dam Festival in Hudson’s Hope) July 18, 2008.
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