I don’t remember how many times I’ve seen David – 5 or 6 – and I can’t wait to see him again this Saturday night at Wilmot Church! I’ve left every one of his shows feeling I’d visited with a great friend. He shares his stories with warmth & humour and delivers his songs with an authenticity that hits you in the gut. His songs bring poetic insight to every day events such as delivering the newspaper …

And my feet flew in the morning light
Racing the dawn as the sky grew bright
And everything in the world was right
When I was a paper boy
I’d walk the morning and the empty streets
Would ring to the sound of my own two feet
And I’d walk in step to my own heartbeat
When I was a paper boy
… listen to Paper Boy here

David Francey is a Scottish-born Canadian carpenter-turned-songwriter, who has become known as “one of Canada’s most revered folk poets and singers” (Toronto Star). Born in Ayrshire, Scotland to parents who were factory workers, he moved to Canada when he was twelve. For decades, he worked across Canada in rail yards, construction sites, and in the Yukon bush, all the while writing poetry, setting it to melodies in his head and singing it to himself as he worked.

A truly authentic folk singer, Francey is a documentarian of the working person who never imagined earning a living from his music. But when he was in his 40s, his wife, artist Beth Girdler, encouraged him to share his songs and sing in public. The reaction was instant. His first album Torn Screen Door came out in 1999 and was a hit in Canada. Since then, he has released eleven albums, won three Juno Awards and has had his songs covered by such artists as The Del McCoury Band, The Rankin Family, James Keelaghan and Tracy Grammer.

“David’s straightforward songs tell honest stories of real people and real places. Poetic perception and a keen eye for the heart of the matter are trademarks of the man and his music. His songs and stories are a direct connection for audiences seeking depth and meaning in the day-to-day.” Shelter Valley Folk Festival

He released his 11th CD Empty Train this past February and has been touring extensively across Canada and the US before taking his show to the UK. We are fortunate he has added a stop in Fredericton in such a beautiful setting – the Wilmot United Church will ensure an evening of auditory delight.

For more info on David and his career check his website here

Another reason not to miss this show is Ashley Condon. Like pecan pie – sweet and nutty – Ashley has won audiences over with her larger-than-life stage presence and down-to-earth charm. Hailing from PEI, Ashley is a great singer-songwriter in her own right and has experience working with David as he produced her album This Great Compromise.

“The finest writer and performer I have heard in many years. There is not a song on this record that I wouldn’t gladly claim as my own.” – David Francey

See the Facebook event for more details and get your tickets without delay!