Musical Arts Society excited, optimistic to host first concert since February 2020

By John Watson Local Journalism initiative Reporter

For the first time since February 2020 the Strathmore Musical Arts Society (SMAS) will be hosting a fan favourite concert at the Strathmore Travelodge, this upcoming November.

The concert is being held in partnership with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts.

Brooke Quinn, marketing manager for the SMAS, said the team is bringing back some town favourites and is optimistic about being able to move forward.

“It is the Blake Reid Band and Over the Moon. We’ve featured them I know for sure, two times in the past and opening for them are locals,” she said. “They’re excited to get out and be able to play live music again and we know they’re a hit with Strathmore and area, so we thought why not?”

The SMAS concert boasts an entry fee that won’t cost an arm and a lung, that’ll get attendees a three-course meal with their admittance to the event.

The SMAS had previously scheduled the Two Bit Bandits to play at an event earlier this year, but due to enhanced health restrictions at the time, the event was cancelled shortly before it was scheduled to operate.

“I know that Blake Reid Band and Over the Moon are both very popular in the community and last time I believe it was a sold-out show,” she said.

The team is hoping to see a crowd of between 100 and 150 people turn out to see the show. Quinn said this was a figure based on the capacity of the venue as well as operational guidelines.

Tickets to the show are being made available at Assist Business Centre, ConnectFirst Credit Union, Pro Water Systems and Strathmore Home Hardware. The show is set to play on Nov. 6, with doors opening at 6 p.m.

“Of course proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 are required for entry,” added Quinn. “We’ve been in talks with AHS and they said that we’re okay to go ahead as normal as long as we make sure people are vaccinated or they’ve had a negative test.”