The audience that packed Art Space Monday and Tuesday nights this week enjoyed two hours of profound entertainment from Juno award-winning singer, songwriter Connie Kaldor.
Kaldor, who has played for the likes of Queen Elizabeth and Joni Mitchell, said she's visited Prince George before, but never at a time of such splendor.
"February. What was I thinking? Only a Canadian would tour Canada in the winter, because we're the only people who own long underwear and are prepared," Kaldor said.
She was one of the artists involved in the warm up to the Cold Snap festival which runs in January. A native of Regina, Sask., Kaldor's music leaves the audience feeling profoundly Canadian.
Everyone was able to find a way to connect to the music, spending the entire night laughing and singing along. She even sang for a young boy in the audience, who decided he wanted to hear about a duck in New York City.
"I want my songs to mean something to somebody, and it's my goal to be able to entertain people from all walks of life. It's what performing is all about," said Kaldor.
"To perform live ... well it's truly an honour when you do it. It's so important for people to just get together and laugh together."
Kaldor started Tuesday night's show expressing her thanks to the audience for coming to listen to her, when they had so much else to be doing.
People had a million things to do, such as winterizing the house, bringing out winter clothes and putting away summer clothes, having to read a book because they should be better read, and what about Thanksgiving, they should go and buy a turkey, or better yet, should have been growing their own turkey.
With this, she led into her first song "Relax."
Kaldor has an ability to relate and draw her audience into her own life with ease.
By the end of the show, it's easy to feel like you grew up with Kaldor and shared her experiences.
"People respond in a real way. I'll bring out songs from all different places and give them for what they are," said Kaldor. "My style of music speaks about the ordinary and shows how extraordinary it is to go through it."
Kaldor has shared the stage with many big names, including Tracy Chapman, Sylvia Tyson, the Chieftains and Daniel Lanois, but she said her favourite people to play with are her sons.
"I was always envious of my husband, and that amazing sound he got when he played with his family. Then one day I was playing with my sons and I realized I have that now. That family blend is what makes it all worth it."
Kaldor has toured for 30 years now, and said she loves how she's been able to stay under the radar and is still able to perform and make a living doing what she loves.
She said there is still so much she wants to see, and she's loved her time in northern British Columbia.
"I love getting out when the wild is right next door. Driving this country is amazing and so alive. You can get out of your car and start walking, and you know you won't see anyone for a very, very long time.
"I think it's important to think about that every once and a while."
