Celebrated Canadian folk musician Valdy is set to return to Harrison Hot Springs this January, bringing decades of music and storytelling to local audiences. The Harrison Festival Society has announced its highly anticipated concert as a feature of their 2024-2025 Season of Performing Arts, scheduled for January 11 at 7:30 p.m. at the Harrison Memorial Hall on Esplanade Avenue.
A Beloved Voice in Canadian Folk Music
Valdy, born Valdemar Horsdal in Ottawa, is a cherished figure in Canadian music. Over almost forty years, he has become known for his warm stage presence, thoughtful lyrics, and the ability to capture the everyday moments that define Canadian life. His most memorable song, “Play Me a Rock and Roll Song,” recounts an experience at the 1968 Aldergrove Rock Festival, encapsulating both the joys and struggles of performing in changing musical times.
A Career That Spans Decades and Continents
With a career spanning continents, Valdy’s influence reaches far beyond Canadian borders. He has recorded thirteen albums, sold nearly 500,000 copies, won two Juno Awards (Folk Singer of the Year and Folk Entertainer of the Year), and earned seven Juno nominations along with four Gold albums. His work has inspired generations of musicians, and songs like “A Good Song” have even been recorded by legendary producer Quincy Jones, for whom Valdy sang lead vocals on the track. His music, a blend of folk, pop, and storytelling, continues to resonate with listeners old and new.
Music with Heart: More Than Just a Valdy returns to Harrison Hot Springs
Valdy’s performances are renowned for their intimacy, musicianship, and camaraderie with the audience. He is celebrated not only as a singer and guitarist but also as a storyteller—sharing anecdotes from life on the road, the Canadian landscape, and the many communities he’s encountered. Known as “the man with a thousand friends,” Valdy’s concerts often feel less like a performance and more like a gathering of old acquaintances.
A Cozy Winter Concert Experience in Harrison
The Harrison event promises to be a highlight of the season. The evening will follow a familiar format for audiences: doors opening at 6:30 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:30 p.m. The program will feature two 45-minute sets with a short intermission, giving time for refreshments and conversation. A bar and concession will be available, adding to the relaxed, communal atmosphere that Valdy is known for fostering.
Tickets in High Demand for a Legendary Performer
Tickets, priced at $28.50 for adults and free for children under 12, have historically sold out quickly for Valdy’s shows—reflecting not only his enduring popularity but also the Festival Society’s reputation for bringing high-quality music to Harrison Hot Springs. Tickets are available online, by phone, or in person at the Ranger Station Art Gallery, with any remaining seats sold at the door on the night of the concert.
Supporting Arts and Culture in the Community
Valdy’s return to Harrison not only offers a chance to enjoy a Canadian legend in an intimate hall but also supports the ongoing work of the Harrison Festival Society, which is now in its 36th season. The Society’s annual performing arts series, running from September through May, brings diverse music, art, and culture to the community and is a central part of the local arts scene.
An Unforgettable Evening of Stories and Song
For longtime fans or those discovering Valdy for the first time, his January concert at Harrison Hot Springs promises an evening of music, nostalgia, and community spirit—hallmarks of a true Canadian musical icon.