Strathmore Musical Arts Society thanks patrons with event

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

After more than 20 years of organizing multiple concerts annually, the only founding member of the Strathmore Musical Arts Society still active, Linda Storkson, is celebrating patrons who have supported the event for over two decades.
The society is bringing back its Patron Appreciation Night with a Hawaiian theme and Kickstart, a band that’s bound to get the crowd on its feet.
“It just hit me that sometimes you have to stop and say thank you,” said Storkson. “We don’t take the support lightly, and we love it and we appreciate people who do support live music because music is essential as far as I’m concerned. Life without music would be a mistake.”
Taking place on June 9, the event includes a hula hoop contest, a musical lei competition and pineapple bowling. The event also features the band Kickstart, comprised of Keith Floen, Lana Floen and Chad Holtzman, who have performed in Strathmore once before.
“We love the people and everyone loves to have a good time,” said Keith Floen. “(People can expect) a little bit of ‘90s country, a little bit of classic rock, and some dancing, some interaction, some surprises. I have a few things up my sleeve.”
Avid music lover Storkson was one of six members who founded the not-for-profit Strathmore Musical Arts Society in 1996. Back then the society placed emphasis on blues music and attracted upwards of 200 people while trying to offer a concert every month. Over the years, the featured artists became more varied in genre and the society searched for talent closer to home. They quickly realized that for the program to continue long term, they could only offer four to six concerts a year. Yet the reason for offering the entertainment never wavered.
“There’s a very strong emphasis on sports here (in Strathmore), but culture is below that for some reason; we always get shifted to the side,” said Storkson. “We really think culture is an important part of society and getting people together, socializing and laughing; and enjoying music is good for the soul.”
The Strathmore Musical Arts Society is finishing off the year with the Travelling Mabels on Sept. 8, and Two Bit Bandit on Oct. 27.
Patron Appreciation Night takes place on June 9 at Humblehorse Ranch. Cocktails are at 6 p.m., dinner is at 7 p.m. and music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include supper. For more information and to buy tickets, visit strathmorearts.com.