The Strathmore Musical Arts Society (SMAS) has been a staple in the community since 1996, founding member Linda Storkson is thankful to be back in 2022 and ready to bring the arts and culture back to Strathmore with the SMAS Team. 

The SMAS group has a big goal this year to include more members and bring in new ideas for shows and opportunities for artists which Storkson believes will be the key to success today and the longevity of the group. 

"We're trying to reach out to all generations and we really want to promote music and culture in Strathmore and throughout Wheatland County."

There have been many highlights for the group over the years and one for Storkson was to see so many families join them when they welcomed Fred Penner,  she felt that it was such a special show to have for the community and truly enjoyed seeing so many generations in attendance and seeing the impact it had from grandparents to parents to children. 

“The Arts Society has been going since 1996. We do three to four shows, usually a year, sometimes 5 and we are totally non-profit and we're volunteer-driven by people that just love music and have a passion for it.”

The SMAS hopes to grow with new members of all ages and with that are looking forward to supporting what they have built and exploring fresh ideas to continue sharing their love of the arts and culture with the area. 

After what the world has gone through over the past 2 years there is healing that needs to happen and Storkson knows the importance arts can have to ensure that everyone is connected and has seen what the power of music and the arts can do. 

This is a passion for all of those involved explain Storkson they don't do it for money they do it because they truly love it.

"This is important and we want to showcase the arts in our community. It's not just bringing in top quality music, it's bringing people together, to have fun, laugh, bring the stress level down and through music you can do that."

2022 is shaping up to be a great year for the group as they look to host their dinner and performance evenings and bring new events to their patrons explained Storkson.

“On May 14th we have John Wort Hannam coming in and he just did a tribute to Ian Tyson this last weekend. He is an awesome artist and then Lindsay Butler will be opening so we're really excited about that.”

Hannam is well known for his musical storytelling that leans heavily on imagery and themes from Western Canada including the experiences of people who work and live on the prairies. While Butler is a 7th generation Albertan and a country singer-songwriter who connects her history and Southern Albertan flair to her work.

Storkson is also looking forward to this season for the SMAS which will be back in September after this weekend's show. 

“We have Banger Bingo on September 24th over at the AG Grounds, and on November 19th we're welcoming back The Travelling Mabels with a Christmas show, which is a great way to start celebrating the season.”

In addition, the group will be hosting a singer-songwriter night that is being spearheaded by the members of the Strathmore band 'The Locals'.  Storkson does say that when the shows are not on that doesn't mean the planning stops they are always seeking new acts and are open to new ideas of shows they can bring to town. 

On May 14th, patrons will be treated to an evening of cocktails, dinner, and entertainment from John Wort Hannam and Lyndsay Butler tickets are available at Assist Business Centre, connectFirst Credit Union Strathmore Home Hardware, and Pro Water Strathmore or online at strathmorearts,com.

To keep up to date with the events and volunteer opportunities visit strathmorearts.com.

 

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