Kickoff concert
By Melissa Piche Times Contributors
The Strathmore Musical Arts Society is kicking off their season with born-and-raised Albertan Tim Isberg accompanied by his five-piece band on Oct. 19 at the Strathmore Travel Lodge.
Isberg is a singer, songwriter and storyteller who is eager to share his many adventures through song with audiences Canada-wide. The show he is bringing to Strathmore is based on his album Prairie Fire, which was released in March of this year. The album draws the audience in with Isberg’s brilliant storytelling set.
Isberg explains that the album and show are more than just songs – they have a theme.
“The theme (of the concert) is songs of the late 19th century Canadian prairies. I wrote Prairie Fire as a history-based theme album of original songs about the people and events of the late 19th century Canadian prairies and Western plains.”
Isberg explains that he has a deep passion for drawing the audience into his songs and hoping he can spark a bit of curiosity encouraging people to dive into their own family history.
His music is described as alternative country with notes of roots of contemporary folk songs mixed in. “Not only does each song in the show tell a story, but my hope is also that each song educates and inspires audiences to learn more of the fascinating Western history that surrounds us and is part of our heritage,” said Isberg.
The opening song “Chasing Memories” sets the theme for the show and hopefully captures the attention of the audience.
“It’s meant to take the listener, that’s sitting there listening, and watching this incredible band that I have around me, to take them for a ride on a musical and sort of lyrical journey through some of the historical moments and emotions of the time,” he said.
Isberg is also a published author and soldier. In the book Everyday Heroes, Isberg has a chapter where he recounts his many experiences in the line of duty; the book is a national best seller.
“I’m hoping that the audience becomes a bit motivated to be interested in learning more about the rich tapestry and history that’s around us that they may not even see, but it’s there,” he said. “There was so much going on in those 30 or 40 years in the mid to late 19th century in and around present-day Alberta and Saskatchewan. I’m hoping that the show inspires them to leave the theatre or the venue Googling a little bit about history that they didn’t know about or thought they knew about.”
Isberg’s rich background and his years as a veteran solider shine through his words.
“For me personally, I find it fascinating,” he said.
Doors for the evening open at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7 p.m. Opening act Lewis Frere and Isberg’s concert begins at 8 p.m. Tickets to the adults only dinner/concert are $60.
People can visit the Strathmore Musical Arts Society website (strathmorearts.com) to purchase tickets.