In the holiday spirit
By Melissa Piche Times Contributor
The Strathmore Musical Arts Society is pleased to present their seasonal show featuring the Travelling Mabels on Nov. 23 at the Strathmore Travelodge.
“We’ve chosen some of our favourites – you know, Christmas traditional and originals, and we’re coming out to play them for the folks, get the folks into the holiday spirit,” said Lana Floen, a member of the band.
This isn’t the Mabels’ first time performing in Strathmore; this will mark the second time playing their Christmas show in town as a part of the Strathmore Musical Arts Society.
“We’ve got new songs for the folks out there (in Strathmore), so there will be some of the favourites and then some of the originals,” she said.
The band released their fifth album called Christmas with The Travelling Mabels, which recently won YYC Inspirational/Holiday recording of the year in 2024. This is the first Christmas album that the Mabels have released, but Floen thinks they may have to put out another one.
“We’ve got some pretty neat songs coming,” she said.
The band consists of Lana Floen, Keith Floen, Eva Levesque and Therry Lawson. They’ve been playing together as the Travelling Mabels for 16 years. This time together has formed strong friendships and lifelong bonds.
Floen said it’s hard to put the group into just one category as all four members of the group sing, play instruments and write songs.
“We touch on a little bit of everything,” she said. “We all have different ways of expressing ourselves musically and different likes and dislikes in music. We have lots of variety – it’s really a great variety show.”
The Mabels describe their show as a kitchen party atmosphere.
“We have a lot of fun and the people love it. Mamma Mabel is funny. It’s like bringing a kitchen party. Everybody feels like they’re a part of it,” said Floen. “We make em cry, make em laugh, make em sing.”
Strathmore Musical Arts Society president Linda Strokson is very excited about the upcoming show. “We’re so excited to have them coming and it’s going to be an awesome awesome show,” said Storkson.
As always, the society is having a 50/50 draw at the show – they always choose a relevant local charity to donate half of the winnings to, and this time is no different.
“We’re going to raise the 50/50 for the Christmas Hamper Society at this show and give back to the community that way,” she said. “We try to pick something the community needs right now.”
She hopes that people are able to come and take in the Mabels’ show. They are doing a province-wide Christmas tour, consisting of 11 shows, including their stop in Strathmore.
“(We have) top-notch music for sure and we serve them a three-course meal that’s top of the line as well,” said Storkson.
The opening act, Bards from the Bud, consist of past students from Rosebud School of the Arts.
“When I heard them, they’re full of energy and a happy, happy spirit,” said Storkson. “They’re going to be an awesome opening for the Travelling Mabels.”