The Flathead Valley music community will gather on Sunday, May 4, to honor and celebrate the life and legacy of Karla West, who died unexpectedly in November and whose passion and dedication enriched the local arts scene for over four decades.

The tribute will be held at 3 p.m. at the O'Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish, with the venue graciously donated for this special occasion. Doors will open at 2:30 p.m. with pre-concert music performed by the Don Lawrence Orchestra and Swingin’ on High Swing Band as guests arrive.

West was a pillar of the Flathead Valley’s music community, inspiring countless musicians, students, and audiences with her unwavering commitment to the arts. She was the primary organist and musical director for St. Charles Catholic Church for 37 years, the musical director for Whitefish Theater Company for more than two decades, festival director of the Glacier Jazz Stampede for 20 years, and director for the youth Dixieland Jazz camp, Camp Heebie Jeebies. 

This heartfelt event brings together a diverse lineup of performers and speakers to honor her lasting impact.

 Program highlights:

• 2:30 p.m. – Pre-concert music by the Don Lawrence Orchestra and Swingin’ on High Swing Band as guests arrive and dance.
• 3 p.m. – Welcome remarks followed by additional selections from DLO and Swingin’ on High.
• Flathead Valley Community College representatives will share reflections on West’s influence on their music program and the scholarship fund established in her name.
• Cowboy Country & the Gold Dust Girls, joined by special guest Joe Procito, will take the stage, followed by performances from The Shady Ladies.
• The St. Charles Women’s Choir will perform next, followed by the inspiring voices of the Highland Singers.
• The Montana Highlanders Bagpipe Band will ceremoniously march in as the choirs depart, filling the venue with stirring traditional sounds.
• Members of the Whitefish Theatre Company will share remarks about West’s invaluable contributions to the performing arts.
• A special Jazz Band performance featuring Rob Hilliard, Rory Thomas, Ed Hull, Rod Biensen, Dianne Guenther and others will carry the celebration forward.
• The tribute will conclude with a grand finale: the musicians and singers joining together for a spirited rendition of When the Saints Go Marching In.

 This event is free and open to the public, and dancing is warmly encouraged before and after the formal program.

For more information, contact Dianne Guenther 406-407-2984.