We were entertained by Valdy and others at the first Leipzig music festival. What a lively performer. Dressed in red running shoes and a colourful hat, he entertained over 300 people who sat in the rain to enjoy his performance along with that of Gary Fjellgaard. I had enjoyed both Valdy's and Gary Fjellgaard's music growing up.
One of Valdy's latest accomplishments was to receive the Order of Canada. He had the medal with him to show us. Here's a little write-up on what the Order of Canada is and something about Valdy's career.
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada, as the centrepiece of Canada's honours system, recognizes a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country. The Order of Canada's motto is desiderantes melliorem patriam - they desire a better country.
Paul Valdemar Horsdal, born Sept. 1, 1945 in Ottawa, Ont., commonly known as Valdy, is a Canadian folk musician whose solo career began in the early 1970s. He is known for Rock and Roll Song, his first mainstream single released in mid-1972. He was a member of the London Town Criers during the 1960s and subsequently joined Montreal band The Prodigal Sons. Prior to beginning his solo career, he was based in Victoria working with various artists, including Blake Emmons.
Valdy is the winner of two Juno Awards for Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year. He has received seven additional Juno nominations. His 14 albums have achieved sales of nearly half a million copies, four of which are certified gold. Of Canadian folk artists in the mid-1970s, only Gordon Lightfoot was more popular.
His music was featured in the Steve McQueen film The Getaway. Valdy also appeared on the CBC TV show The Beachcombers as the environmental activist "Halibut" Stu. He also managed to secure a part in the reunion production of The New Beachcombers performing a song he wrote, It's The Water, as part of a jug band.
Valdy lives on Saltspring Island in British Columbia with his wife Kathleen. He was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in June 2011.
Also at the festival, a couple by the name of Freddie and Sheila Pelletier performed. Freddie's career began in 1969. He has been singing in bands since 1985. Freddie toured with and played lead guitar for Ian Tyson, Al Cherney and Ferline Husky. Now Freddie and Sheila entertain as a guitar duo. Sheila has earned nominations for the Saskatchewan Country Music Association Female Vocalist and Most Promising Entertainer categories. Performing at Leipzig with this couple was our own Bert Carpentier, known to play with a group called Car Mel Country.
Maymont Memorial Hall garage sale potluck and jam session - we are sad to announce we are canceling our garage sale at this time but we will still have the jam session and potluck supper. Please join us for door prizes, 50/50 and entertainment. Everyone welcome. Donations at the door.
