One of Salt Spring’s most enduring musical traditions returns to Fulford Hall after a few years’ hiatus when the Salt Spring Folk Club (SSFC) presents the Gumboot Gala on Sunday, Oct. 19.
Folk club co-founders Bill Henderson and Valdy have made the Gumboot Gala a regular part of the SSFC season since 1999, both performing themselves and welcoming various musical friends to join them on stage. Covid and other challenges put some gaps in the gala schedule in recent years, with the last two held in 2022 and 2019. The Oct. 19 event will see Valdy and Henderson joined by the Unusual Suspects and marks the rejuvenation of the SSFC, with details to be shared at the gala.
Younger folks may not know how much impact the longtime island residents have had on the Canadian music scene over the past many decades, Henderson as a member of the Collectors, Chilliwack and UHF, and Valdy mainly as a solo artist, though he has also toured with Gary Fjellgaard (and released a series of Contenders albums with him), among others. Both Henderson and Valdy are Members of the Order of Canada and of the BC Entertainment Hall of Fame, and have had Juno wins and nominations.
Henderson’s band Chilliwack is one of only 70 groups or individuals inducted into the Canadian Music Hall of Fame, and Valdy is a member of the Canadian Country Music Hall of Fame. Henderson has been a director of the Society of Composers, Authors and Music Publishers of Canada (SOCAN) and received the Special Achievement Award at the 2014 SOCAN Awards held in Toronto. Both musicians have been exceedingly generous with their time and talents in their home community, with free performances and supporting charitable and environmental causes over the years.
Gumboot Gala attendees are encouraged to wear gumboots (of course) and dress up any way they please. Doors open at 6 p.m. and music starts at 7, with food available for purchase from Chef Paine & Co., a.k.a. Salt Spring Island Catering, and mocktails from Moonshine Mamas.
Tickets are available in advance at Salt Spring Books (cash only — $25). As the concert is expected to sell out, early purchase is advised.