I was grateful to receive an invitation to the Strolling Strings of Bismarck’s annual Family Concert this weekend. In case you’re not familiar with this group, they’re young students from the area who entertain as they play (and sing) while strolling among the groups they entertain. They’re in great demand for playing a hefty calendar of dinners, conventions, and the like. Led by director Scott Neumann, they put on a fantastic show and are an impressive group of young people.

To play the violin, cello, viola…any such instrument is a challenge in itself, but to do so while walking about and keeping a smile would be even more difficult! These kids do it with apparent ease.

One of the demonstrations of their talent is when they offset their bows by one person, playing each other’s instrument while they stand and smile – and occasionally giggle!

A treat this year included accompaniment for the Orange Blossom Special by the founder of the Strolling Strings back in 1986, Rosemary Person. She looks like she’s having a blast, and the kids and crowd were plenty excited to have her join in for a tune. While I’m certainly no insider at this function, it was easy to tell that this was a very special addition to the evening!

I’m thankful again for the invitation by my favorite stroller and family, and encourage anyone who receives an invitation to see and hear these kids perform to jump at the opportunity. Their schedule is pretty much over for the summer, but they have typically done a Medora event in the past and will resume in the fall. Congratulations on another talented season, Strollers!