Sandpiper Productions proudly presents Canadian Folk Legend, Valdy 8 p.m. Nov. 22 in concert at the Astor Theatre in Liverpool.
Valdy has been part of the fabric of Canadian pop and folk music for over 36 years. The man with a thousand friends, from Newfoundland to Vancouver Island to Texas to New Zealand, was born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa. He's a singer, guitarist and songwriter who catches the small but telling moments that make up life.
Remembered for Play Me a Rock and Roll Song, his bitter-sweet memory of finding himself, a relaxed and amiable story-teller, facing a rambunctious audience at the Aldergrove Rock Festival circa 1968, Valdy has sold almost half a million copies of his 13 albums, has two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), a total of seven Juno nominations and four Gold albums to his credit.
Valdy's recent CDs include "Contenders," a collaboration with friend and fellow singer/songwriter, Gary Fjellgaard and a solo release, "Viva Valdy: Live at Last," a two-CD package, one live and one studio.
One of Canada's most influential songwriters, Valdy's composition A Good Song was recorded under the title Just a Man by the venerable Quincy Jones (he sang lead on the recording). Play Me a Rock and Roll Song has been recorded by a few artists, including John Kay of Steppenwolf. Along the way, Valdy has taken his music to a dozen different countries, from Denmark to Australia and been an often-invited performer at the prestigious Kerrville Festival in Texas.
Today, he is based on Salt Spring Island, British Columbia where he lives with his wife Kathleen, two dogs and two large cats. All three children are now grown, flown and doing famously living in or near Vancouver. Visit Valdy on the web at
www.valdy.com. Don’t miss this opportunity to be entertained by a true Canadian Legend.
Joining Valdy in Liverpool is incredible singer/songwriter/visual artist Jessica Rhaye of Saint John, New Brunswick, who has been praised by Performing Songwriter's music editor Abby White as having a “very mature and sophisticated sound,” while her album Short Stories was described by UK’s Maverick Magazine as “the perfect feel-good” album. Jessica’s performance of songs that portray a strong sense of self will capture your heart. Her web address is
www.jessicarhaye.com