WEYBURN – A 46-year volunteer for the Weyburn Concert Series, Lynn Kot, was honoured on Oct. 18 as she is retiring from the organization.
The tribute for Kot was held just prior to the concert with tenor Ken Lavigne at the Cugnet Centre, with Skip Taylor of OSAC (Organization of Saskatchewan Arts Councils) on hand to speak about her.
He characterized her as “a dreamer” who has a passion for the performing arts, and worked completely on a volunteer basis for all of those 46 years.
“The common theme has always been that she wanted to provide the best possible season she could for the Weyburn Concert Series patrons, within its budget, and sometimes over that budget if they were worth it,” said Taylor, with the aim to keep ticket prices at an affordable level.
He noted the Weyburn Concert Series season tickets “remains one of the best entertainment values in the entire province.”
Taylor pointed out that her dedication was recognized by the members of OSAC in 2015, when Lynn was made an OSAC Life Member.
In her time with the series, Lynn has brought over 200 acts to Weyburn, ranging from the Johner Brothers, Connie Kaldor, the Canadian Tenors and the Celtic Tenors to Brent Butt, the Nylons, and the Vienna Boys Choir, the Hunter Brothers and Jann Arden, just to name a few.
“I want to thank you for inspiring me to do great work, and for inspiring the next generation of arts presenters,” said Taylor.
He pointed out that the Concert Series grew from four to six concerts a year in the former Comp Cafetorium, to the full season of performers on the Cugnet Centre stage today.
“This is a legacy that is easy to celebrate,” he added, before presenting her with flowers on behalf of OSAC.
Emcee Linda Aitken, who noted she has worked with Lynn for the last 22 years, presented a donation from the Concert Series to OSAC in tribute of Lynn’s work as a volunteer over the past 46 years.
Addressing the audience, Lynn said, “It’s surprising how quickly 46 years goes by.”
She had a number of people to thank that she’s worked with, and pointed out that of the performers mentioned, the Vienna Boys Choir was a particular dream for her to bring to Weyburn, and OSAC did a lot of work with them to help get them here.
Of all the fellow volunteers who worked with her, she said Bob King was there for the full 46-year span, and they had told each other when one of them leaves the organization, the other one will have to go as well. (Bob and his wife Brenda left Weyburn for Saskatoon to be with their family there.)
“I’ve loved what I’ve done and it’s always been great,” she said, adding she also had to thank the audience for being there, as there would not be a concert series without them.
She also encouraged anyone who loves the arts to step up and volunteer with the Concert Series, as there is always room for more volunteers.
