Strathmore Musical Arts Society looking forward to exciting 2016

Miriam Ostermann
Times Associate Editor

 

It’s been two decades since a newly-established Strathmore Musical Arts Society, with only four volunteers, organized their first event, bringing to the stage hip-hop band House of Pain. Since then, the society has set the stage for numerous talents, kept the music scene vibrant, and garnered so much interest that their last show, the Travelling Mabels, ran over capacity.
When the society was created in 1996, founder Linda Storkson’s aim was to fill a void within the community. Looking back, she said she never imagined the society to become such a staple in Strathmore.
“There wasn’t really anything here in Strathmore promoting music, I love music, so it was natural,” said Storkson. “We’ve seen an increase in interest in what we’re presenting, we’ve seen young artists that we had come and open for our events turn around and open for Miranda Lambert … and that’s part of our mandate to encourage young people to present in front of a large audience, connect with other musicians, and find their way that way.”
The organization, which is entirely volunteer-based, now has seven members. Artists have been featured at a number of locations including Kim’s Café and the Strathmore Golf Club. However, the society has also assisted in events such as the Strathmore 55 Plus Summer Games and the Alberta Farm Days. Because of the society, Strathmore was also privy to its first barn dance this year.
“It’s just to have entertainment in your home town as opposed to drive to the city, a lot of people wouldn’t do it, so if you can bring it into your home town it builds the community,” said Charlotte Wilson, who’s been volunteering with the society for a year. “I think we can grow a lot more in terms of awareness quite honestly, because I think, I lived here for three years before it was even brought to my attention that these people were here because of that group.
“We publicize our events but we don’t push our group a lot. If there was somebody that wanted to do something musical here, don’t start another group join our group.”
The non-profit organization scouts new talent through musical festivals like Rosebud’s 15 Minutes of Fame and the Southern Alberta Music Festival, and is welcoming double-Juno-Award winner Jack de Keyzer next November. While the society usually features quality artists that haven’t hit the big leagues yet to keep costs low, they are looking to expand performances to include larger names and venues – an ambitious goal for the organization that relies solely on ticket sales.
One local artists, Sykamore, who opened up for Miranda Lambert two weeks ago, understands the impact the society has on the community as well as young performers.
“For a lot of kids it’s probably their first real public debut in terms of playing in front of other people and when you’re young getting that affirmation from other people is a real big catalyst to keep going,” Sykamore said, who has a new single, Houseboat, coming out in January on Country Radio. “I think a lot of kids who are musical don’t always have the right avenues to take in terms of where they want to take their music, and so to have a society in your community, I think is a great way for kids to express that.”
With Calgary-based singer and songwriter Son of Ray scheduled to perform at the end of November, the society’s last 2015 event, the group is already mapping out their next year. The Strathmore Musical Arts Society has already confirmed Lewis and Royal, Dr. Zeuss and Blue Who’s, Jack de Keyzer, and will also be bringing back the barn dance.
“That’s what we’re trying to do is encourage music and culture in the Strathmore area, and that’s why at our last event we had the Wheatland Arts group bring their artwork into our show,” said Storkson. “The other thing is, our whole group is totally volunteer. It’s volunteer to the point where we all pay for our own ticket to the event, even though we put the work in. The reason we do it is because we have a passion for music, we love it, and want to encourage it in the area.”
Son of Ray will be at the Strathmore Golf Club on Nov. 21. Tickets are $30 and the show starts at 6 p.m.