Annual concert finds rhythm in 2 communities

Now in its eighth year, the annual

Kootenai River Rhythm performance has experienced incredible

success. From the beginning, the November event has sold out.

“The impression we had the first couple

of years was it was for dancing but it’s more about the sounds

we’re creating,” said Tony Smith, director. “I think people really

enjoy watching their own people perform.”

This year’s performance arrives

Saturday evening at the Libby Memorial Center with dessert at 6 and

music at 7.

Smith, who lives and teaches in Troy,

said the original idea around the event was to showcase local

talent.

“Since I’m originally from Libby and

having exposure with Libby musicians, I thought it would be a great

opportunity to bring some Libby and Troy musicians together,” he

said. “The idea was to bring our two communities together

musically.”

The performance features many of the

classics that audiences have come to love over these past few

years. But Smith said new, young faces will also be in the mix.

“This is the first time I’m using

students in this particular show,” Smith said. “This year we have

such wonderful vocals in our school … I thought I would continue

that trend of blending in our young talent.”

The Big Swing Band with Alan Lane,

along with Brenda Nagode, Ty Nogode, Frank Chiaverini, Ben Palmer,

Dr. Bill Cuskelly and Julie Meyer highlight the event. The Men of

Troy will also perform several new “Doo Wop” numbers along with the

smooth sounds of the Going to the Sun Voices – which has both Libby

and Troy community members.

“We can shift from one style right into

the next with no problem,” Smith said. “I really believe that’s the

strength of our program – the variety we offer.”

Smith said both communities have

residents who possess enormous talent.

“It makes you wonder if there’s this

kind of talent in every community,” Smith said. “I think there’s a

uniqueness here with people like Frank and Alan and Julie – she is

phenomenal with her style. I think there’s a uniqueness here and we

have the ability to work together.”

Violinist Linda Kuntz and vocalists

Kathy Ague, Nita Smith and Sharon Scott Smith will also perform,

along with Tony Smith himself on blues piano.

As Smith indicated, the show will

feature high school students for the first time. Performers include

Alyssa Olds, Hannah Tallmadge, Sara Helmrick, Allison Hight, Ande

Hawkins, Alanah True and Yana Luethje.

“We’ll do some things that border on

reggae, more modern,” Smith said. “We’re always looking for ideas

from the kids and what they’re skilled at. To continue to thrive, I

feel we need to cater to a younger audience.”

The desserts add a special touch to the

evening. Peggy Smith caters it along with help from women and

students in the community.

Smith advises ticketholders to arrive

early for the best seating. He believes the event’s dinner

theater-like setup has been popular with audience members.

“We choose not to use the stage. We

want to create a more intimate atmosphere and perform closer to the

audience,” Smith said. “The atmosphere, people seem to enjoy it.

They can socialize at the tables and some people dance in the

back.”

Ticket prices remain at $15 per person

– which has not changed since the first year.

“I feel strongly that it should not be

more than that,” Smith said. “We don’t turn anybody away – no

matter what.”