SASKIA & DARREL + Band in Maymont, SK

ABOUT

Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia.

”Music Conquers All”

International Touring and Recording Artists
Nominated for Album of the Year in Saskatchewan 2008.
Nominated for Aboriginal Artist of the Year in Saskatchewan. 2008/2009
Received Top 5 people’s choice award
Three years on Top Indie Folk/Roots Charts throughout Europe.

The fact that Saskia and Darrel often tour with Gary Fjellgaard speaks volumes about their abilities as musicians and song writers. When they are asked what style of music they play, the answer is simple: “Prairie Folk.” A collection of their original songs written about; Louis Riel, David Thompson, Cultis Jim and life inn the Canadian Heart and farmlands. Add some wild yodeling, super harmonies, and down home good story telling. A show not to be missed.

Saskia's rich melodic alto and Darrel's outrageous guitar antics, coupled with a strong bass, penny whistles and amazing harmonies, punch out a fullness seldom achieved by four-piece bands, they give off an energy you can taste in the back of your throat…….…like ozone from a thunder storm .

They are: two veteran musicians/singers/songwriters/entertainer who joined forces to create a dazzling musical partnership that is wowing audiences young and old wherever they play. Coming together from widely diverse backgrounds, geo-graphics, and musical tastes, they gave birth to a new adage; "Music Conquers All"

Standing Ovation in Switzerland. ' My wife Marilyn and I recently had the honour and pleasure to host a superb evening at Canada's Official Residence on the occasion of the visit to Bern of Darrell De La Ronde and Saskia as well as Gary Fjellgaard. This Canadian musical trio wonderfully sang and played prairie folk songs, entertaining our 40 Swiss guests who were thrilled by their performance. At the end of the show, they spontaneously rose to their feet for a well deserved standing ovation, asking for several encores. It was a privilege for Marilyn and I to introduce Darrel, Saskia and Gary to Switzerland.' Signed Robert Collette, Ambassadeur/Ambassador, Ambassade du Canada, Berne/Canadian Embassy, Bern. August 21/2008
Touched Deeply!
It was my pleasure to attend your concert last night in Flin Flon. I thank you for a wonderful evening. The music was superb and heart-warming. Your song for our men and women (The Porch Light On), who are away fighting for everyone’s freedom, and their parents, brought tears to my eyes. It not only was pleasing to the ear, but it also touched us deeply.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Sincerely. Charlotte Pedwell. December 2008. FlinFlon. MB.

Wonderful Show at the Vital Spark in Brooklin.
“Hi Saskia and Darrel!. Wanted to thank you for a wonderful show you put on with Gary at the Vital Spark in Brooklin, on Oct. 18. It was one of our best shows. I have known Gary’s music for quite a while now. I knew what to expect. As for yours, it was equally great. You compliment each other superbly. It is always nice to find some artists who you have not heard before, I am glad to have met you and look forward to seeing in concert again.”
All the best, Kerry Hester. November 09/2008 Vital Spark Folk Club, Brooklin, ON.

“Wild response from the audience.” A Concert at Harmony House Theatre. Hunter River. P.E.I.
“Saskatchewan musicians Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia shared the stage with Fjellgaard throughout the evening, and with their brilliant voices, natural musicality and love able personalities, they brought an added spark to the mix with their own original material, and accompaniment in Fjellgaard’s tunes as well. And, tell me, what western cowboy show is complete without breaking out the yodel? Both Fjellgaard and Saskia yodelled it up in full force at a couple of different points to wild response from the audience. By the night’s end, that highly-appreciative crowd rose to its feet in a standing ovation that garnered another song from all three musicians together, “Those Memories of You Still Haunt Me”, to send us home on a sweetly harmonized note.”
Todd Maclean. The Guardian, Charlotte Town, Prince Edward Island, Oct. 21/2008
Wonderful Concert. “I just got home from a wonderful concert. It was both relaxing and entertaining with beautiful harmonies and wonderful stories. Every concert society should book this group: Gary Fjellgaard with his guests Darrel delaRonde and Saskia. We hope to have them back!” Lake of the Woods Concert Group, Kenora, Ontario, October 23/2008
“Treasured Memories of a Dream Concert” Fjellgaard was joined on stage by the buoyant couple Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia, Saskia with the voice of an angel played bass guitar and took turns in leading the song, “If I needed you”, with partner Darrel de La Ronde playing exquisite guitar. The sound was breathtaking!! When Saskia took the stage with “Oh Holy Night” Ýthe result was awe inspiring. One of De La Ronde‘s songs, “Porch-light” (which was dedicated to all parents with children leaving home to go to war) brought tears to the eyes of the listeners and one cannot stress enough how wonderful it was to be part of the audience. All three performers are exceptional story-tellers. Their songs reflect true spirit, integrity and pure Canadian values.
Monique Ouellette. St. Paul’s Journal. Dec 11/2007

“Concert was a blast! Local folkies enjoyed a real treat as Gary Fjellgaard, Darrel de la Ronde and Saskia took the stage for a primo performance at the United Church. These three fine performers like interactivity.
They work well with each other and their highly receptive audience. Telling jokes, joshing each other and their fans, while spinning yarns about the genesis of their music. Darrel De La Ronde, Saskia and Gary Fjellgaard put on an excellent performance.”
-- David. F. Rooney--. Revelstoke Times-Review.

Unique Prairie Sound. “Just to let you know that I love “Laura’s Kitchen”. A wonderful, original and thoroughly professional endeavor. You guys are great vocally, instrumentally and in terms of arrangements. I was most impressed. It has a unique “Prairie Sound” to it. All the good things in life to you.” -- Ian Lidster. Times Columnist--. Victoria, BC.
What do the fans say.....................

Smooth Sounds along the banks of the Mighty Peace River. Festivals in Canada are the BEST... and in wee Hudson’s Hope, B.C. in the North-eastern Peace Country, we were honoured and thrilled to have Gary Fjellgaard along with Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia come to entertain us all... and entertain they did with amazing professionalism and grace. People came from far and wide, following this great musical combo and everyone was happy to hear the great stories and songs from Gary and the sweet voice of Saskia along with Darrel’s awesome guitar playing featuring their own compositions. These accomplished recording artists are so easy to listen to! The smooth sounds amongst the aspen on the banks of the mighty Peace River were very special, and where ever they travel there are those that follow them. True Canadians... and truly amazing music that all should hear! Thanks for coming to our wee festival and playing for us with such great soul! Even though we aren’t a big center, we are a center that was very appreciative! Thanks again! July 18, 2008 -- Debbie Joslin, Festival Organiser and Artistic Director.

“Hi Saskia and Darrel... What a pleasure it was spending time with you both at Jam at the Dam! I loved hearing your superb music and collaboration with Gary. Just got finished listening to Laura#8217;s Kitchen... what joy-filled music that sure brings out the sunny side of your life together as true Canadian troubadours! July 7, 2008 -- Reg C. White. (Jam at the Dam. Hudson’s Hope)

Heartfelt. “The first time I heard the song "Laura’s Kitchen" I knew Darrel and Saskia had something special. The rest of the songs on this CD measure up to that standard. Heartfelt lyrics, friendly melodies, great vocals all supported by Darrel's intricate acoustic guitar. Saskia more than holds her own with sensitive electric bass. Their live performance matches the quality of the CD. With the stories around the songs, it all adds up to an enjoyable evening of entertainment. A very comfortable visit to “Laura’s Kitchen”. See you on stage.” -- Gary Fjellgaard, May 16, 2007

Spectacular!! We were at your show in Nipawin last night and it was spectacular! We knew Gary Fjellgaard was the best, but Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia are right up there with you. The three of you together were beyond great. Thank you all.
-- Jack and Berna Mitchell ( Choiceland)

A Class Act! To Gary, Darrel De La Ronde and Saskia, Your music is so beautiful. It is such a thrill for us to experience such high quality music. You are truly a “Class Act”!! -- Beth Russell V.A.C.C. (Valemount, BC)

“Purveyors of eclectic “Prairie Folk” and fine country music, Darrel and Saskia combine rich vocal harmonies and virtuoso finger-style guitar work. Upbeat original ballads like “Louis Riel” and “Adeline” get the blood pumping vigorously; gorgeously crafted love songs like “Inside Out” tug on the heart strings and send shivers up the spine; down-and-dirty blues numbers like “Road Less Travelled” make one want to dance and sing along. When you hear their sounds, you will understand why Darrel and Saskia have been nominated for two prestigious SCMA awards, and why two of Saskia’s songs have reached the EMI charts in Europe” -- Kevin Hutchings. www.kevinhutchings.ca U.N.B.C. Canada Research Chair in Romantic Studies, Co-editor, Ashgate Series in Nineteenth-Century Transatlantic Studies and Associate Professor, English.

Your music lifted my spirit and will be enjoyed for days to come on the 4 Cds that my daughter and I bought between the two of us! The blending of your melodic voice Saskia along with the amazing guitar playing of you Darrel was such a treat ...a feast for the ears! The energy that you portrayed and your delight in each other with humour thrown in made your performance so very enjoyable..one can see how much you enjoy "making music" together!” Thank-you, and thank-you for touching my heart.
Blessings, Annette. Prince George. BC.

“In the tradition of Gordon Lightfoot and Stompin’ Tom, their music and lyrics cannot be mistaken for anything but Canadian ...
in our accent ... singing us home.” -- Ruth Calder, Courtenay, BC

“Get ready for a full course meal when you listen to Laura’s Kitchen ... Darrel and Saskia serve up a rich and heart-warming blend of deliciously original tunes that will nourish your spirit and energize your soul. From the wholesome Canadian rhythm of ‘Prairie Town’ to the sweet gospel harmonies of ‘Jerusalem’, you will be treated to a truly fine and varied feast that is sure to keep you satisfied long after the show is over.” -- Karen Segee, Courtenay, BC

From Bern Switzerland. May 22/2008 In the car, on the way home to Basel from Bern after your concert, all of us mentioned several times that this evening was filled with an amazingly positive mix of beautiful music. I very much believe that a lot of this positive energy was caused by the three of you and the music that you gave us. When you say you make music to reach people and to give them whatever they need to take out of your music while listening to it then I really do think that you are great at it. All the three of you were unbelievable tonight. Congratulations! Andrea ( Embassy of Canada, Bern, Switzerland)

CD’s

2009 Burlap & Bindertwine (Darrel delaronde & The Stooks)
2009 Sailing Saskatchewan (Darrel delaRonde and Saskia)
2007 Laura’s kitchen (Darrel delaRonde and Saskia)
2001 Family Tree (Darrel delaRonde)
1998 Lady Luck (Saskia)
2002 Saskia (Saskia)
1995 Back in Time (Saskia)
2002 “A Christmas Dream” (Gary Fjellgaard, Valdy, Nathan Tinkham, Saskia & Darrel)

Screen name:

SASKIA

Member since:

May 31 2009

Active over 1 month ago

Level of commitment:

Touring

Years together:

10

Gigs played:

Over 100

Available to gig:

6-7 nights a week

Age:

65 years

Influences

Everything and Everybody! :-)

Members Of Band

Darrel & Saskia

MUSIC