It was a swan song of sorts a few weekends ago at the Memorial Center in Libby.

Troy’s Tony Smith, along with many old and new friends in the Kootenai River Rhythm, put on a musical performance illustrating the talent that exists in south Lincoln County.

Smith, 81, had decided it would be his last time orchestrating a large scale show.

“The large scale performances, they’re a lot of undertaking,” Smith shared in a recent interview with The Western News. “But I’m still willing to be a pianist or vocalist for anyone that’s interested.”

Smith is extremely appreciative of the support that has come from residents in the area.

“The people have been very welcoming and I’m pleased that we’ve been able to offer these shows at no cost. That  was a very high priority to me,” Smith said.

When Smith said it’s a large undertaking to put together such a performance, he wasn’t kidding.

The show on the evening of Saturday, Nov. 15, featured guitarist Frank Chiaverini, the Going to the Sun Voices and the Libby High School jazz band.

And that doesn’t include Patrick Lewis, the LHS band leader and Cara Lewis, the LHS Choral director. Kelly Palmer would have been there, but he was in Arkansas caring for an elderly parent.

Smith’s sisters, Nita Smith and Sharon Smith Scott, also joined in the performances. Nita performed at Carnegie Hall as a vocalist with the renowned Robert Shaw Chorale for nine consecutive years.

A quartet of students from Turning Winds, where Smith still teaches, ranged from Connecticut to Washington and were there to hand out programs and help usher folks into the building.

In total, more than three dozen performers showcased their talents in singing and playing instruments. Their ages ranged from the early teens to the mid-80s. 

“I’m a kid guy,” Smith said, invoking his decades-long teaching career in the region. “It’s enjoyable to get the young people involved with our older performers and I find it very inspiring.”

The 1963 Libby High School graduate taught at Troy for more than 40 years. His family moved from Polson to Libby when Smith was still a child. He was inducted into the Libby High School Academic Hall of Fame in 2009, as was sister, Nita.

“Mr. (John) Konzen allowed me to develop a sequence of nine history "elective" courses at THS. That was a very significant event for me in my academic life and is a huge part of my identity as a teacher.”

He also coached boys and girls basketball at all age levels. Smith directed more than 30 major productions in a quarter century as drama director.

He’s been teaching at Turning Winds in the Yaak and will begin his 11th year in December.

“I have loved working within the therapist community at Turning Winds,” Smith said. “Our kids, our staff and corporate executives have been absolutely wonderful to work for and they've been highly supportive of this performance over the years. I've been so blessed to work there. I am most pleased that a couple of my former students at THS are now my supervisors. It has been beyond a privilege to be part of the Turning Winds family!”

Saturday night’s packed crowd had the good fortune to enjoy 22 songs that encompassed a wide variety of music.

“America the Beautiful” led off the night. Smith and his performing partner for the last few years, Olivia Hewston, performed. Smith tickled the ivories and both soloed.

It was followed by “I’ve Got Rhythm.” They also heard “Unforgettable - The Very Thought of You, Medley,” “In the Mood,” “Black Magic Woman” and “Phantom of the Opera.”

Following a brief intermission, Kootenai Heritage Council board member Jim May, who enjoyed a successful career as a teacher and coach at Libby, presented a pair of lifetime passes to Smith and his wife for the shows that will continue at the center.

Diane Rewerts, a long-time educator in Libby and Troy, spoke of Smith’s contributions to his country and more intimately, south Lincoln County.

“Tony is a veteran of the Vietnam War who worked in Naval Intelligence Services, but here, he’s given so many people the opportunity to perform together.

“He established the Kootenai River Rhythm in 2002 and Tony is its heartbeat,” Rewerts said. “His goal was to showcase the vast musical talent in Libby and Troy and he has done just that.

“Tony was also one of the first to get musicians to play in the Memorial Center,” she said.

Smith explained his evolution in the process of advancing the performing arts in the area.

“When Phyll Mackey retired from the Treasure Tones, I stepped in,” he said. “The Men of Troy, a doo-wop group, also performed here.”

Smith expressed his appreciation for all who have been involved in the performances over the years.

“It couldn’t be done without the great level of involvement we’ve had,” Smith said. “I knew a long time ago that if I surrounded myself with talented people, it’ll be a good show.

“And it doesn’t hurt to have a supportive spouse and I have that in Peg,” he said.

The couple has been married for 27 years and both are thankful for their health.

“To be able to perform and go out in the woods, hiking, getting fire wood and hunting, we’re very fortunate,” Smith said.

While that night’s performances were very uplifting to many, Smith had mixed emotions.

“After the show was over, I kinda felt PTSD. Being immersed so deeply and then, all of a sudden, it’s gone, there’s a sense of loss and emptiness.

“But I am forever grateful to everyone who has and will continue to give up their time to be a part of it,” Smith said.