Travelling Mabels return to Strathmore

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

It’s been a few years since the country-folk trio, the Travelling Mabels, brought their grit, spirit and humour to a Strathmore stage. That’s all about to change as the band is performing songs from their latest CD, Postcards, at the Strathmore Travelodge next weekend.
The Canadian folk artists’ sound ranges from country, to folk and acoustic rock, and is made up of three generations of women: Eva Levesque, Lana Floen, Suzanne Levesque and fourth member Keith Floen. While some members have performed in Strathmore, such as Keith Floen and Lana Floen with their band Kickstart, the band itself hasn’t held a concert for several years.
Therefore, the artists are excited to play for the Strathmore crowd and showcase some of their newest songs.
“It’s the typical Travelling Mabels sound but it’s fresh new material,” said Keith Floen, the Travelling Mabels music director. “This latest album is definitely the truest to who we are at the moment. If you’ve never been to a Travelling Mabels show it’s a kitchen party. It doesn’t matter how big or small the venue is, you always feel like you’re in our house and we’re telling stories and jokes and singing, and it’s a very personal kind of show.”
The Travelling Mabels were voted the Association of Country Music in Alberta (ACMA) Group of the Year in 2011. The band draws influence from famed artists Cheryl Crow, the Eagles, Bob Dylan and Dolly Parton. The last time the Travelling Mabels performed in Strathmore they garnered so much interest the venue ran over-capacity.
“We sold out both of their previous concerts and we’re just totally excited to have them back,” said Linda Storkson, president of the Strathmore Musical Arts Society. “They’re such a positive fun group to have and their music is awesome and their sense of music that they add to it, they’re totally entertaining. Strathmore loves them and we’re just happy to have them.”
Besides introducing the band’s latest works, the concert also kick-starts the Strathmore Musical Arts Society’s season which, in partnership with the Alberta Foundation for the Arts, is hosting the event next weekend. The Strathmore Musical Arts Society, which is entirely volunteer-based, came to fruition in 1996 and since then has aimed at providing the community with a number of concerts annually. Artists have been able to keep the music scene vibrant in Strathmore by performing at a number of locations including Kim’s Café, the Strathmore Golf Club and the Strathmore Travelodge.
The Travelling Mabels will be performing at the Strathmore Travelodge on Sept. 8. Doors open at 6 p.m., dinner will be served at 7 p.m. and the performance goes at 8 p.m. Tickets are $50 and can be purchased at Assist Business Center, Authentic Roots Salon, Chinook Financial, Hob’s Hobbies, Marlin Travel and Pro Water Systems. For more information visit strathmorearts.com or call 403-680-7721.