Celebrated Santa Clarita Valley Western singer-songwriter John Bergstrom will perform at the Santa Clarita Artists Association’s “Cowboy Heart & Soul” art reception on Friday, March 9, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Artists will be present at the reception, which is free to the public and will include wine and appetizers.

The “Cowboy Heart & Soul” exhibit will be on display Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from March 9 through April 29.

“We are pleased to have John Bergstrom entertain at our reception,” said Zony Gordon, SCAA president.

Bergstrom writes and performs ballads about the fascinating people and events of the West. He and his wife Diane were honored with the 2014 OutWest Spirit Award in recognition of their support of all things western.

Bergstrom’s fifth solo CD, “Day Break Moon,” was released in July. He calls it a musical wedding: some things old, some new, a couple borrowed and a little bit of blues. More than one fan has said that “You can almost smell the campfire” during one of his shows.

Born into a musical family, Bergstrom was raised in Southern California and has been involved with music all his life. His father was a musician who played his last show at age 93. For the last 15 years, Bergstrom has focused on the music of the west — current, original and traditional. He retired from teaching high school history in 2009 to devote all his time to music.

Bergstrom also serves on the national board of directors of the Western Music Association.

The SCAA gallery is located at 22508 6th St., Newhall 91321 (just off Main St. adjacent to the public parking lot near the Canyon Theatre Guild).

John Bergstrom. | Photo: Jack Hummel