Legendary musicians to perform

Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard plan a concert for Summerland.

 

Two longtime B.C. musicians will share the stage at a special concert next month.

Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard, the Contenders, will perform together on Tuesday, Nov. 6 as part of their 12th annual tour in support of George Ryga Week.

A portion of the proceeds from the concert will go to the George Ryga Award for Social Awareness in Literature.

Ryga, an internationally renowned playwright,  lived in Summerland from 1962 until his death in 1987.

Valdy said his plays and stories show his social activism.

“George Ryga was a writer of social conscience,” he said. “He spoke out for the people who had little recourse. He became a voice for the disenfranchised.”

He said the music of the Contenders also speaks to social issues.

One song by Fjellgaard, I Apologize, is about apologizing to aboriginals on behalf of Canada.

The concert will feature old favourites and new songs from both musicians.

Fjellgaard’s music is a mix of folk and country while Valdy describes himself as purely folk.

This year, Valdy has a new CD which was released in spring.

The Summerland concert will be at Centre Stage Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 6 at 8 p.m.

Tickets are available at Martin’s Flowers. Phone 250-494-5432.

 

Summerland Review