We’re delighted to bring these performances to the historic Fulford Community Hall. Tickets tend to disappear quickly, so don’t wait—and make sure you save room for delicious food prepared by Chef Brody Paine of Salt Spring Catering.
Sunday, Oct. 4th, 2026 • 2:00 pm doors open at 1:00 for lunchPaul Pigat is one of those rare musicians who can move through genres with ease, scooping up new and dedicated fans wherever he goes. The virtuosic guitar player and vocalist may be most familiar as the frontman for Cousin Harley, his roots-rockabilly group that enjoys cult-like status, and for his Paul Pigat Trio jazz ensemble. You may have seen him performing with or heard him on recordings by Neko Case, Jim Byrnes, The Sojourners, Carolyn Mark, Ndidi Onukwulu, Michael Kaeshammer, Zubot and Dawson, and C.R. Avery, among many others. But for this Salt Spring Folk Club concert, Paul is bringing yet another persona to the stage: an original acoustic folk-roots sound via the Boxcar Campfire project. He will be joined by violin/viola/fiddle player Trent Freeman, who Salt Spring Islanders have seen at ArtSpring in recent years as part of the Juno-winning band The Fretless, and standup bass player Steve Holy, who plays with top jazz, roots and bluegrass ensembles. Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of music at Fulford Hall. More at: paulpigat.com
Sunday, Nov. 15th, 2026 • 2:00 pm
doors open at 1:00 for lunchBig Dirty Boots is a high-energy group blending West Coast country, folk-rock and Americana music,
rooted in childhood friendship between members Kaj Falch-Nielsen, Tad Ruszel and Dave Peters. The trio’s rich history brings playful stage banter and a relaxed and engaging musical chemistry that makes audiences feel at home with the band.
Drawing on influences such as early Ed Sheeran, Tim O’Brien and the Be Good Tanyas, Big Dirty Boots’ music is built on original harmony-driven songs in the spirit of the Milk Carton Kids. Kaj and Tad share lead vocals and, play guitars, mandolin and kick drum, with Dave supporting on the bass and cello.
Big Dirty Boots were finalists for the Georgia Straight’s Best of Vancouver 2023 awards and fan favourites at Islands Folk Festival in 2024. They have dozens of sync placements for film and television from their 2013 debut album Long Way Home. Their album Heartbreak & Fairytales Vol. 1, released last year, is full of infectious, upbeat and heartfelt songs audiences can’t help but fall in love with.
More at: bigdirtybootsband.com
Sunday, Jan. 17th, 2027 • 2:00 pm
doors open at 1:00 for lunchFrom playing Dobro, mandolin, Weissenborn and National Steel guitar with some of North America’s best musicians, to leading the Vancouver Island MusicFest for many years, Doug Cox is known as a catalyst who brings musicians together to create fascinating collaborations. Doug has done it again with the Girls Do Boys and Boys Do Girls concerts on tour this coming winter. The Salt Spring Folk Club is thrilled to have both groups booked for our season!
Doug gives us the back story:
“Years ago, my dearly departed friend, Michael Wrycraft, produced a series of legendary shows in Ontario. One night was called ‘Girls Do Boys’ and consisted of women performing men’s songs. The other night was called ‘Boys Do Girls’ and was men doing women’s songs. The shows were very successful, and the performers had a blast — so much so, that Michael turned it into an annual event. I wanted to honour him and do the same thing out here on the West Coast.”
The Girls Do Boys foursome consists of famous West Coast musicians Shari Ulrich (The Hometown Band, Pied Pumkin, BTU, UHF, The High Bar Gang) and Helen Austin (Big Little Lions), Winnipeg’s Cara Luft (The Wailin’ Jennys, The Small Glories) and indie-folk artist Claire Coupland from Toronto.
We can’t wait to see this new ensemble live at Fulford Hall and hear what guys’ songs the gals have chosen to share with us.
Sunday, Feb. 14th, 2027 • 2:00 pm
doors open at 1:00 for lunch
After the Girls Do Boys show on January 17, it’s the boys’ turn to celebrate some of their favourite songs made famous by female singers. And yes, the concert is on Valentine’s Day, making it a perfect way to treat the love of your life.
See the Girls Do Boys event listing at left for initiator Doug Cox's explanation of the origins of the Boys Do Girls/Girls Do Boys concept.
Boys Do Girls personnel are Doug Cox (master of the Dobro, mandolin, Weissenborn and National Steel guitar and known for his innovative collaborations), Salt Spring’s own Valdy (one of Canada's most beloved folk singer-songwriters and performers), the legendary Juno-winning Fred Penner (Fred Penner's Place on CBC), and Jack Connolly, the young guy of the foursome. Jack’s reputation as a gifted songwriter and dynamic performer has won him invitations to play with the likes of Tom Cochrane, Colin James, Spirit of the West, 54-40 and others. He was named songwriter of the year at the 2004 Vancouver Island Music Awards, and also plays with his duo Heartwood.
This concert will have your heart in full swoon mode for Valentine’s Day with a special food menu also planned.
Sunday, March 28th, 2027 • 2:00 pm
doors open at 1:00 for lunchSinger-songwriter and guitarist Mark Perry brings classic Canadiana to life through images and stories inspired by Northwest B.C., the prairies and beyond. A festival favourite, he sings about bicycles, late-night radio, hockey and grain elevators, communities' struggles to stay afloat, hope and resilience. Mark draws us in to reflect, forgive and find the humour in being human.
Mark is completing his 14th album this fall. The project’s working title is “Spare,” and that is exactly the approach he’s taking. Real and human songs: a search to find yourself, a midnight visit to an old deserted basketball court and even a good old-fashioned railroad song.
Mark’s spring tour with his trio will showcase classic images and stories from Northwest B.C. and other exotic places.
More at: markperry.ca
Hosted by Valdy and Bill Henderson Sunday, April 18th, 2027 • 2:00 pm
doors open at 1:00 for lunch It wouldn’t be a Salt Spring Folk Club season without a Gumboot Gala!
The gala is traditionally the last concert of the Folk Club season, featuring two of the club’s founders and legends of Canadian music — Bill Henderson and Valdy — plus special guests joining them each time, often including Salt Spring’s electrifying gumboot dancers — the Wrangellian Gumboot Ensemble.
Gala-goers are invited to dress up in their fanciest duds and/or gumboot-based attire, with prizes awarded for best costumes.
The Gumboot Gala celebrates the best of Salt Spring Island culture, community and music. Don’t miss it!
