BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

Clear your calendar for Sept. 14—Martin County Harvest Festival in Inez is bringing a killer lineup to town, featuring Nashville’s own Sam L. Smith, the bluegrass powerhouse Hillbilly Tradition, and local favorites Eddie Jenkins & The 606 Sound. Here’s how the night’s going to play out.

9 p.m.: Sam L. Smith, the rising star you might recognize from American Idol, is set to close the evening with a bang. Smith’s not just another country singer—he’s a modern traditionalist, breathing new life into the genre with a sound that makes you want to get up and move. Think of him as a blend of Keith Whitley’s soul, George Strait’s twang and Alan Jackson’s authenticity, with a touch of Josh Turner and Cody Johnson for good measure.

His track “Blue Jackets” has already become the anthem of Future Farmers of America, and his single “The Way You Make Me Feel” hit No. 1 on the Independent World Country Charts.

Sam’s played stages like Rupp Arena and Lucas Oil Stadium, sharing the spotlight with legends like Ricky Skaggs and Pam Tillis.

This is your chance to catch him before he blows up even more.

7 p.m.: Before Smith takes the stage, Hillbilly Tradition will be bringing their signature bluegrass and Appalachian sound. Fresh off a win at the Appalachian Arts and Entertainment Awards and with guitarist West Jeffers recently crowned Guitarist of the Year by Acoustic Roots Magazine, this group is set to deliver a performance that is as authentic as it gets.

5:30 p.m.: Kicking off the evening, Eddie Jenkins & The 606 Sound will warm up the crowd with their unique blend of traditional and contemporary tunes. They have been making serious waves in the regional scene, known for performances that pull you in and don’t let go.

In short, if you’re anywhere near Inez on Sept. 14, you know where you need to be.

Sam L. Smith sums it up best: “I look forward to seeing y’all soon.” So do we.

See the complete Harvest Fest schedule in this week’s newspaper.