BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Country-folk artist Oliver Anthony will headline a free outdoor concert this Saturday, May 17, on Main Street in Inez. The intimate evening of music starts at 4 p.m. and includes performances by Anthony and local musicians.

The public event comes as a gesture of goodwill following the decision to postpone the Rural Revival Project Street Festival Series initially set for the same day in Inez. That larger show will now take place Oct. 11.

“We want to take our time to get to know the town and surrounding area more deeply and to further develop some of our side projects, giving them the time and attention they deserve,” Oliver Anthony Music said in a statement.

Anthony leads the Rural Revival Project, which recognizes that rural America has been left behind and uses music as a platform to strengthen communities.

“The long-term goal of the Rural Revival Project remains the same: to preserve non-corporate performance spaces throughout rural America and help build a blueprint for artists to perform in small towns—untouched by the machine,” the statement continues.

Saturday’s show will serve as a preview. Organizers will release more details later this week on the Rural Revival Project website.

The Rural Revival Veterans Trail Ride is still on for Friday at 6 p.m. This trail ride is free but requires registration.

Tickets for the Oct. 11 Rural Revival Project Street Festival Series are not yet on sale on Vivid Seats. Updated ticketing details are coming soon.

Those who already bought tickets can either use them in the fall or request a refund by contacting Rural Revival Project directly.

“Thank you for your support and understanding, and hope to see you in Inez this fall,” Anthony concluded.

Monetary donations help support the Rural Revival Project’s efforts in revitalizing rural communities.