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    So much more than just entertainment. Saskia, I just want to thank Gary, you and Darrel again for entertaining us so spectacularly at the Brentwood Centre on the 24th. I loved every moment of it. Your intro about Nederland and your song about spring and the tulips touched my heart and when you started singing "Het Wilhelmus" I just about broke down. That personal touch, also with the song about the porchlight, made the whole performance so much more than just entertainment. It touched every person in the audience on their own personal level, because most of us either have come from the prairies or from Europe to eventually end up on this wonderful Island. Bless you all.
    Love, Ada Serson

    Formidable Vocal Dynamic; Darrel Delaronde and Saskia Overbeek have been quietly making prairie roots music for many years, frequently touring with Gary Fjellgaard while making their own mark from a Saskatchewan base.

    Accompanied by Canadian instrumental icon Steve Dawson as well as Nolan Murray, Bill Hicks, and Thomas Kinzel, the duo have created a pleasant, literate offering of story- and experience-based songs that comfortably cross genre lines. Murray's fiddling, in particular, is quite appealing.

    War Bride offers a perspective of post-war Canada; Summerside captures longing for a Prince Edward Island home; and Sam Kelley explores a Canadian connection to the wild-west through the story of the Big Muddy outlaw. Not everything is folk-heavy - Goin' to Town is a frivolous song for the working week and even Dundarave, a song of missing home, maintains a balance avoiding melancholy. Eleventh Hour is a welcome addition to the Remembrance Day canon. Delaronde's voice is most enjoyable as he shares tales while Saskia explores higher reaches; together, the pair establishes a formidable vocal dynamic.

    Donald Teplyske is a local freelance writer who contributes a twice-monthly column on roots music; visit fervorcoulee.wordpress.com If you know a roots music event of which he should be aware, contact him at fervorcoulee@shaw.ca

    Great Singing & Musicianship!!!
    Saskia and Darrel have assembled a great batch of songs on "songbirds". They've obviously put in their time playing together, and it shows on this album; full of great singing, musicianship, and heart-felt original songs.
    Steve Dawson

    Crowd Pleasers at the Vegreville Train Station. Songwriters Darrel Delaronde and Saskia delighted restaurant patrons and inspired local musicians at the Vegreville Train Station concert on Saturday evening. Saskia and Darrel were crowd pleasers with their original "prairie roots" style music resulting in a standing ovation at the end of the concert. It is wonderful for Vegreville to be attracting such great artists and the Train Station is at the forefront of becoming a popular venue for music entertainment.

    Saskia and Darrel are a professional song writing and touring team often traveling and performing with Canadian music icon Gary Fjellgaard. This amazing duo delighted and connected with the audience throughout the evening with their repertoire of original Canadian folk music.

    Of particular note were songs such as Laura's Kitchen, Prairie Town, Louis Riel, Summerside and a yodelling blues song. Finishing the evening performance in fine style was the love song Songbird. The appreciative audience responded with a standing ovation to which Saskia and Darrel provided a rollicking song Happy Together. Contributed by; Vegreville Folk Club; Perogies and Jam.

    Doing what do they best. Last Saturday night I had the pleasure of seeing Juno Award-winner Gary Fjellgaard perform in concert on the main stage of the Prince George Legion Hall. After playing a couple of songs to get the show started, Gary invited my friends Saskia and Darrel, who tour with him as his backup band and "traveling companions," to perform a set of original material from their recent CDs "Laura's Kitchen" and "Sailing Saskatchewan." Although Gary was the star of the show, Saskia and Darrel were the players I had come to see, and they didn't disappoint. Their superb songwriting, storytelling, and playing were beautifully complemented by their energetic and fun stage presence. Although for many years they've kept a strenuous touring schedule on the road both in Canada and internationally, they approached every song in the evening's repertoire as if were the last song they would ever perform. Their smiles and enthusiasm were highly contagious, and, when Gary Fjellgaard returned to join them on the stage, their instrumental work and harmony vocals made him sound like a million bucks. This was the first time I'd ever seen Gary perform, and I left the show a convert to his artistry and style. But most of all, it was wonderful for me to see Saskia and Darrel-whom Gary treats not as "sidemen" but as musical peers and consummate fellow performers-there in the limelight doing what they do best and clearly loving it. If you ever have a chance to see them play-with or without Gary-don't even think of missing out. 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.

    An Ultra Modern Email Message to the Heart. 'Saskia & Darrel' are surprising audiences everywhere with their infectious new sound. This is storytelling in the grand old style of 70's folk singers, yet packaged and delivered in an ultramodern 'email' message to the heart. In an age where digitally cold pop music reigns as the flavour of the moment, just sit back, close your eyes and this delectable duo will sweep you away to a time of warm analog vinyl records played in your parent's living room on a comfortable old Westinghouse stereo. Not old music, but that old-fashioned sense of identifying with the song, back when songs were written for love of music rather that love for money. Welcome to the future.

    Their duets were exquisite.
    "Saskia and Darrel, an award-winning Saskatchewan duo with an extensive international following, performed at the Whatshan Lake Music Festival in July, 2010. Saskia's thrilling voice and Darrel's virtuouso guitar work thrilled the audience, as did Saskia's understated but stylish work on the electric bass.Their duets were exquisite, especially the original prairie folk songs that touched everyone's hearts. Darrel demonstrated his powerful song writing skills, and Saskia's ability to sing in several languages (she's Dutch, he's Metis) added breadth and depth to their performance. And what a treat it was to work with such nice people. Saskia and Darrel's pleasant dispositions are impressive. Perhaps this is one reason why their music has such a personal, accessible emotional depth to it.Their appearance at the Whatshan Lake Music Festival was very special for me as festival chair and producer. They're superbly easy to work with and great to listen to. I enjoyed a thrilling opportunity to share the stage with them to perform a few gospel and spiritual numbers. What a class act...truly memorable." Alan Markin. August 22/2010

    Catch One's Breath. "Gary, Saskia & Darrel: What a fabulous show! Between hilarious stories and poignant song lyrics accented by extraordinary harmonies, there was hardly a moment to catch one's breath. It was an evening none of us will forget for a very long while! Thank you on behalf of the Anne Murray Centre for an outstanding performance." Susan Belliveau. Springhill, Nova Scotia. March 22/2010

    One of the truly great songwriters in Canada "I have had the pleasure of working with Darrel Delaronde off and on for several years now and have come to realize that here is one of the truly great songwriters in Canada. He writes from the heart with a true instinct for the craft, on subjects that most shy away from. I believe his Metis background has given him an historical as well as a romantic touch to his well crafted songs. Sincerely, Gary Fjellgaard"

    Een Engele Stem. "Voice of an Angel" CD Review by Gerrit Vermeij! Hun songs zijn regelmatig op de Canadese radiostations te horen. Inmiddels zijn er 7 cd's van het duo verschenen en dit voorjaar komt er een tweede Europese tournee, waarbij ze ook Nederland aandoen. Hun muziek wordt omschreven als 'prairieroots' , 'Canadiana' met een beetje 'Dutchgrass'. De uit Nederland afkomstige Saskia emigreerde naar Canada en nam haar passie voor muziek mee. Ze heeft een engelenstem, zingt in 5 talen en speelt gitaar, bas en pennywhistle. Mooie teksten en melodieen, liedjes met een verhaal. Geweldige zang begeleid door Darrel's akoestische gitaar en Saskia op de elektrische bas. Zowel vocaal als instrumentaal een juweeltje met heel goede arrangementen. Hun stemmen passen perfect bij elkaar. Gerrit Vermeij. Radio Beverwijk. February 2010.

    A remarkable compliment to Stampede. "Darrel Delaronde and Saskia delighted Calgary Stampede audiences with their performances on the Window on the West Stage. This professional duo, exuded friendliness with their warm smiles and good-natured demeanor while on stage. Their music and harmonies were clear, crisp, fresh and exciting. Darrel is a guitar virtuoso and makes the instrument sing while Saskia's voice is rich and pure. Together they were amazing and were a remarkable complement to the line-up of Stampede entertainers. We would welcome them back! Richard Letourneau, Chair, Window on the West Stage Calgary Stampede, July 2009" All the best to you both! Richard

    Exceptional Talent Graces the Centre in Dryden Gary, Darrel and Saskia took our stage at the Centre with their musical talents. I had not known any of these great performers until they graced our stage and what a delight!! Gary with his great voice and musical talent delighted us with his story telling. While listening to Saskia, I turned to the person next to me and told him: "she has the voice of an angel", I just love her vocals, stories and musical talent. Darrel has a powerful voice and makes his guitar sing and when combining the two of them it is an outstanding show. Full of stories, professionalism, exceptional harmonies, and just love of music, it was a great pleasure to watch them perform. John Carlucci, Dryden Regional Training and Cultural Centre - 2010

    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

    See you on stage! "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

    Wonderful Show at the Vital Spark.
    "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 Delaronde 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

    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 Delaronde 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! (Jam at the Dam Festival in Hudson's Hope the second weekend of every July.) July 18, 2008 -- Debbie Joslin, Festival Organiser and Artistic Director.

    A Class Act
    To Gary, Darrel Delaronde 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)

    Beautiful harmonies. "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 Delaronde 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 Delaronde playing exquisite guitar. The sound was breathtaking!! When Saskia took the stage with "Oh Holy Night", the result was awe inspiring. One of Delaronde'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 Delaronde 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 Delaronde, Saskia and Gary Fjellgaard put on an excellent performance.-- David. F. Rooney. Revelstoke TimesReview. May 02/07

    What do the fans say.....................
    Uplifted my Spirits!! I wanted to thank you both for the wonderful show. It uplifted my spirits and I could see many others around me. From the bottom of my heart, I just want to let you know how much your music, voices and spirits touch all who are lucky enough to be in the audience. Thanks again, we have a couple of CD's now so we can listen again, and again..........Randi and Art. Nipawin. March 2011

    Groupie. I was up in Barriere tonight to take in a concert with Gary Fjellgaard , Darrel de La Ronde and Saskia. I hear they are in Logan Lake tomorrow night. This was a great show in fact one of the best I have ever seen. If any of your listeners want a real treat and some great entertainment tell then about it. All around brilliant talent. The girl in his band (Saskia) has a voice like an angel. I would go to Logan Lake to see them again however I don't want to get called a groupie or worse yet a stocker. lol. Mike

    I can't stop listening to........I came across a newspaper item recently which referred to your background and current status as an entertainer.... a story which led me to check out Youtube and other avenues to hear just what the "fuss" was about. I found out in no time flat...................Girl..you can flat-out sing!!!!!!!!!! I don't mean to suggest Gary and Darrel are not very talented individuals also, but your voice is marvelous...I can't stop listening to "Blue Canadian Rockies", "Inside Out" and others available on the internet. I wish you success and success in spades.....your voice "just don't quit"..................................Bob. M.

    Made for eachother. Darrel!! You and Saskia can't quit the road, you and Saskia and your voices are made for each other!! Everytime I go to one of your concerts, I just hate when it comes to the end!!! Been playing your last CD ever since I got it!!! Just love it!!! Thelma Bazley. September 13

    Joy filled music. "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'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)

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

    "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.

    "Dear Saskia and Darrel... 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..thank-you for touching my heart. -- Blessings, Annette

    "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

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