BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — From start to finish, the Harvest Festival’s music lineup delivered something for everyone Friday and Saturday in Inez. With the energy of rock, the comfort of gospel roots and the storytelling of country ballads, the soundtrack on Court Street reflected the talent of the region and the firepower of Nashville.

As the final notes rang out, the community left with memories of two days filled with music, fellowship and celebration — the heartbeat of Harvest Fest.

Friday Performances

Jack & The Postmen delivered a crowd-pleasing set Friday evening that blended classic rock, traditional country and gospel-inspired tunes. Their playlist included Norman Greenbaum’s “Spirit in the Sky,” Mike Reid’s “Walk on Faith,” Merle Haggard’s “Mama Tried,” Bachman-Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business” and others. The mix of styles offered festivalgoers a taste of roots rock with a country edge.

Only 11 years old, Rock N Roll Princess Geneva Turner stunned the Harvest Fest crowd. In a fearless performance covering AC/DC, Guns N’ Roses and others, she commanded the stage with confidence well beyond her years. Belting out rock anthems with raw energy and charisma, Turner proved that rock and roll spirit is alive and thriving in the next generation.

The Thomas Jude Band brought a dynamic mix of country, rock and bluegrass to the Harvest Fest stage Friday night. Their sound was both rooted in tradition and fresh, showing their deep ties to Appalachian musical heritage.

Eddie Jenkins & the 606 Sound closed out Friday night with a lively mix of traditional and contemporary favorites, delivered with their signature honkytonk flair. The Magoffin County-based band’s sound balanced modern edge with old-school, giving every song a distinctive Kentucky flavor.

Saturday Lineup

Saturday’s entertainment picked up after the morning events, bringing in a wide range of performers.

Jordon Vanhoose opened Saturday’s music with a heartfelt set that leaned heavily on the music of Tyler Childers. He gave the crowd a taste of the modern Appalachian sound that has swept far beyond Kentucky’s borders.

Ransom carried the festival’s rootsy energy into Saturday evening. The band delivered a set set steeped in the same bluegrass-country crossover sound that made songs like “Walk Softly on This Heart of Mine” crowd favorites. Blending tight picking with soulful country vocals, the group’s style straddled tradition and modern drive.

Hope Lafferty brought both a mix of modern country sass and classic country soul. Teaming up with her father, Brandon, she delivered a crowd-pleasing duet of Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’.” On her own, she showed her vocal range and energy with numbers like Carrie Underwood’s “I Don’t Even Know His Last Name” and the timeless Tanya Tucker hit “Delta Dawn.”

Savannah Jo Young brought a lively gospel-bluegrass sound to the Harvest Fest stage. She lifted classics like “Take Your Shoes Off Moses” and other favorite with Jared Goforth’s fast-picking banjo adding sparkle to every tune. The combination of youthful energy and old-time gospel roots made for one of Young’s best ever performances.

Devin Moore took the stage with a soulful mix of country ballads and rock classics that showed off both his vocal strength and versatility. This rising performer from Louisa reached across genres with tributes to Tom Petty, bringing the same edge that has made those songs timeless.

CJ Solar closed out the Harvest Fest with a show that was energetic and authentic. Blending originals with classics, Solar performed a set that was refreshing, electric and the perfect finale to two days of music on Court Street.

The Nashville singer-songwriter proved himself a natural artist carrying the audience through rock and country influences. He rocked Tom Petty’s “You Wreck Me” and rolled into new original releases “Sky Falls Down” and “10,000 Lighters.”

Solar paid homage to rock giants with covers of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” and Foghat’s “She’s Gone.” He delighted the audience with a heartfelt version of Bob Seger’s “Night Moves” while also revisiting his roots with “Blue Bandana,” the first song he ever wrote.

Solar impressed with “Up Down,” a No. 1 hit he wrote for Morgan Wallen, and other originals.