The trio of singer/songwriters Gary Fjellgaard, Darrel Delaronde and Saskia will converge on Transfer Beach this Sunday for the next installment of the Concerts in the Park series.
Fjellgaard, a Juno award winning music hall of famer from Saskatchewan, along with Saskatchewan aboriginal artist of the year nominee Delaronde, and Saskia, formerly of Holland, will bring their tales of the Prairies to life during the Ladysmith Days weekend.
Saskia said attendees can expect a fun show.
“There’ll be some really wild yodeling, there’ll be lots of laughter, and harmonies,” she said. “It will be a Prairie roots kind of feel, very down-to-Earth music.”
This year marks Fjellgaard, Delaronde and Saskia’s second performance at Concerts in the Park. People of all ages will enjoy their rootsy feel, Saskia said.
“We have stories about the Prairies. We have stories about cowboys and there’s some really intricate music going on,” she said. “We’re telling stories about the land, about the people in it, and we do that with harmonies, mandolin, pennywhistle and great guitar playing.”
The three came together during a CD collaboration for the BC Food Banks, called Christmas Dream.
“Gary, Darrel and I liked the combination so much that we decided, from time to time, to put on some concerts,” Saskia said.
For the last 10 years they have toured Canada and Europe about two to three times a year singing original songs.
“It’s not everybody’s cup of tea, but it’s ours,” Saskia said.
She added her favourite aspect of being a musician is the opportunity to meet new people.
“We usually play small concert halls, small theatres, community centres and we meet the salt-of-the-Earth people, and that makes it all worth it,” she said. “It’s a grande life, I couldn’t pick a better life for myself if I tried. I think all three of us feel like we’ve won the lottery with what we’re doing.”
Fjellgaard currently lives on Gabriola Island while Delaronde and Saskia live in Royston. Calling from on tour in Edmonton, Saskia said the trio is looking forward to playing closer to home.
“I love being back on the Island,” Saskia said. “Playing from home is about the best it gets.”
Because the Logger Sports will be held at the Amphitheatre August 14, this week’s Concert in the Park will be held on the flat bed near the Transfer Beach concession stand and is co-sponsored by Ladysmith Days.
The Concerts in the Park series is a fundraiser for the Ladysmith Resources Centre Association for their programs.
Admission is free but donations are encouraged.