Two of British Columba musicians will celebrate the 15th anniversary of the George Ryga Centre with a concert in Summerland next week.

The Contenders, Valdy and Gary Fjellgaard, will perform at Centre Stage Theatre on Tuesday, Nov. 3 as part of a week-long series of concerts to commemorate George Ryga Week in B.C.

“It’s always new and exciting getting to work with my friend Valdy again,” Fjellgaard said.

The two performers, who have each built extensive solo careers for themselves, share a love of the music and a respect for George Ryga.

Ryga, who lived in Summerland from 1962 until his death in 1987, was one of Canada’s most highly regarded playwrights, best known for his 1967 play, The Ecstasy of Rita Joe.

During Ryga’s lifetime, many Canadian musicians stopped at his home on Caldwell Street during their travels.

“There’s a special place in Summerland,” Fjellgaard said. “It’s a neat legacy George Ryga left. It just seems to get more special every year.”

The two performers have differing styles as Valdy is from a folk tradition and Fjellgaard’s roots are in country music.

As The Contenders, their musical styles blend on tour.

“Sometimes we don’t know until we walk on stage, but it’s always exciting, always new,” Fjellgaard said.

The Contenders have released two albums together and Fjellgaard has recently released a new CD, his 11th solo work.

Samples from the album, All in the Journey, can be found on his website at www.fjellgaard.bc.ca.

Also on the site is a free download of the song, I Apologize, Fjellgaard’s response to the federal government’s apology to survivors of residential schools. The song also appears on the CD.

Tickets for the Summerland concert are available at Martin’s Flowers or by calling 250-494-5432.