Tune into Christmas with singer-songwriters Gary Fjellgaard, Saskia and Darrel.
The trio promise a festive mix of Christmas classics, old favourites, yodelling and songs from their latest albums and plenty of laughter when they perform in Barrhead on Sunday, Nov. 27.
It will be an exciting return to the town for the prairie and western roots trio, who played at the Roxy Theatre about two years ago to a full house.
“It was a magical time. We had a lot of fun and thought we would like to do it again,” said Saskia Overbeek.
“From Bavaria to Barrhead … we have played for appreciative audiences but always stop in Alberta where fans not only love but understand our music.
“Songs about Louis Riel, windswept prairies and the simplicity of heartland living, stir the imagination and memories of concert-goers and keep us coming back.”
For Saskia, who was raised in Holland, stopping off in Barrhead is part of a musical journey for which she is eternally grateful.
She sees herself primarily as a songwriter, although she is also known for singing both lead and harmony, and playing bass, penny whistles and guitar.
Melodic hooks and lyrics are constantly forming in her mind, a process beyond her control. It is as if her subconscious is working overtime, something which husband Darrel Delaronde, an acclaimed guitarist, also experiences.
“I have this juke box in my head that never shuts up,” says Saskia. “It is the same with Darrel. He can be driving along when suddenly a lyric or musical hook comes to him. He can write a whole song while driving.
“It’s a really fun, addictive process. There is something about creating a song that is hard to describe. It is exhilarating.”
Saskia’s inspirations are songwriters with stories to tell – Gary, for instance, or Gordon Lightfoot, Dolly Parton and Eric Clapton.
These are musicians who learned their craft and honed their talent over many years.
It was her admiration for Gary’s song-writing gifts that brought the trio together about 10 years ago.
“He has a clear message in his music and manages to put it in a simple way that everyone can understand,” she says.
“He writes about life and love – absolutely everything. He tackles many subjects and puts them into song. Darrel and I thought he would be a good fit.”
Saskia is not alone in her appreciation of Fjellgaard’s talents.
Fjellgaard won the 1989 Canadian Country Music Association award for Male Artist of the Year. He also won the 1993 Juno Award for Best Country Male Vocalist and was inducted into the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame in 2005.
His many chart hits include “Walk in the Rain Tonight,” “The Moon is Out to Get Me,” “Cowboy in Your Heart,” and “Train of Dreams.”
At least three of his most popular songs, “Dance With This Old Cowboy,” “Somewhere on the Island” and “Falcon and the Cowboy” are likely to fill the air at the Roxy.
Fans can also expect Christmas favourites like Ave Maria and Silent Night, as well as Saskia and Darrel’s “Porchlight” and “Louis Riel.”
Other numbers like “War Bride” and “English Rose” may also get an airing.
In between the singing, which will include trademark three-part harmonies and yodelling, the trio will entertain the crowd with anecdotes.
“We like telling absurd stories, which are all true,” says Saskia. “We look forward to serving lots of laughter and great music with friends and fans.”
Fans accustomed to seeing Saskia moving energetically about the stage, may be in for a surprise.
Several weeks ago she broke her ankle after falling in a hole while taking photographs.
“I was walking around with my head in the clouds,” she says. “I heard this big crack and thought ‘oh no, I’ve broken something.’”
The brace has been a frustrating experience, but it will soon be off and she will be as active as ever.
“Nothing will stop me skiing this winter,” she says.
Doors at the Roxy Theatre open at 2 p.m. and the concert starts at 3 p.m. Tickets cost $20 and are available at the Roxy Theatre and Rexall Drugs stores in Barrhead and Westlock.
