Valdy returns to city Oct. 25

Folk artist Valdy, who has performed many times in the city in past decades, is returning for a performance at Laurentian University in the Fraser Auditorium, Oct. 25, at 7:30 pm, with special guests Pushing 7.

The concert was organized by the Laurentian University sports administration program and the Students General Association.

The singer-songwriter, originally from Ottawa, is no stranger to Sudbury, having performed at many Northern Lights Festival Boréal (NLFB) concerts at Bell Park in the 1970s and 1980s. He now resides on Gabriola Island in British Columbia.

His latest CD, Contender Two: Still in the Running, a collaboration with friend and singer-songwriter Gary Fjellgaard, was produced by Stony Plain Records in 2007.

Valdy is a colourful character who has instilled some fond memories in local music fans, according to Bernie Melanson, a NLFB founder and board member for 38 years.

“He's always great fun to be around,” he said.

“Valdy loves the people here. Between the festival (NLFB) and other engagements, he must have come here 20 times.”

Melanson remembered one rainy NLFB festival weekend when he and Valdy had time to kill.

“Two of our board members were getting married so I asked him if he wanted to come to the wedding and play. He said sure he would. Well away we went to the reception at a hall. He played a couple of tunes for free. People loved it.”

Melanson said Valdy has always had a good rapport with his audiences.

“He got people involved. He would get people singing along with him.”

He said the first time the festival tried to book Valdy, the idea was derided by some as nonsense.

“We were told he would never come. He came. I think he performed up to a dozen times at the festival. He often was a headliner.”  

Not only the fans but fellow musicians enjoy Valdy, said Melanson.

“He is loved as a down-to-earth person. He's a very classy guy. He knows his music.”

Valdy is currently on tour in Ontario, including a show in Mattawa, Oct. 21.

Tickets are $28, at the Sudbury Theatre Centre, 170 Shaughnessy St., 674-8381 or [email protected]. Visit www.valdy.com.