A Saskatchewan country legend singer, Lonesome Steve Puto of Hafford, was star performer at the Army, Navy and Airforce Veterans Auditorium in Saskatoon Nov. 17.
People from across central Saskatchewan gathered to pay tribute to the country music legend as he released the two volume DVD set entitled The Legacy of a Legend, which portrays his life and times in the music industry and features many guest musical performers.
It was as if from the moment Puto received his first guitar at the age of 12, he was destined to be a musical performer and entertainer. Recollections of his first band consisting of his three brothers and one of his sisters will often bring a flood of emotion for him as he is reminded of his family ties and country roots.
By the time Puto was 17 he was excelling at playing a variety of musical instruments such as the guitar, fiddle, accordion, steel guitar, banjo, drums and saxophone. The title "Lonesome" was often used to describe him and it was not long before he was accompanying local bands at public events. Over the course of the next few decades Puto entertained with numerous bands across western Canada, performed on television, recorded a number of albums and was instrumental in promoting many aspiring country musicians and singers.
Besides being an influential country singer, Puto was also instrumental in organizing the Saskatoon Country and Western Music Association, the Bud Country Talent Search and the implementation of the Mikey Awards to recognize Saskatchewan's talented country singers.
This course of events is just a small history of Lonesome Steve's musical career. His circle of influence extended into the auction industry as he served as an auctioneer for many companies. Puto was also well recognized for his raising and training of black quarter horses often referred to as Black Gold. His appearances in parades with his "dancing horse" impressed and influenced many in the horse industry.
There have been many prominent charitable organizations that have benefitted from the fundraising efforts by organizations that Puto supported, the most recent is the Parkinson's Society Saskatchewan. This illness has a personal connection as it has affected the lifestyle of one of his sisters and Steve himself.
Through the generous efforts of many individuals in attendance Nov. 17 as well as the donation of $5 from each DVD sale, donations to the Parkinson's Society exceeded $1,000.
The afternoon entertainment continued as a jam session format into the evening.
