As the sun came out after a dreary and wet morning on Saturday, July 16 people started streaming in at the West Stettler to hear musician Donny Smith play some popular covers.
Smith said that although it was his second year of playing in the park at Stettler he has fond memories of the audience and always enjoyed the audience interaction.
“I enjoyed the atmosphere and found the people who came to listen were kind and appreciative of live music,” said Smith. “Depending on the audience I choose my songs and I did so too here, but at random so I went with the flow.”
It was easy to see Smith enjoyed performing for the small audience that had gathered to hear him play.
Among the songs Smith played were The Boxer, Mrs. Robinson, Brown Eye Girl, Folsom Prison Blues, Layla and Wicked Game.
“I select from a list based on what I think my current audience would enjoy,” added Smith.
Being influenced by a wide range of singers and musicians, Smith selects what he would play depending on what he can play best.
“I am influenced by a wide variety of artists, so I select covers based on my ability to sing certain material,” added Smith. “Some of my favourite songs to play are Pink Floyd’s Mother, Cat Stevens’ Father and Son and Johnny Cash’s Folsom Prison Blues.”
Smith started as a drummer and worked 10 years on cruise ships, but five years ago he decided to switch to guitar and sing so as to go solo.
“This summer I’m not working much as a performer, but am hosting an open mic in Sylvan Lake on Sundays and will continue to work as a drummer and sound technician,” concluded Smith.