BY ROGER SMITH
MOUNTAIN CITIZEN

INEZ — Downtown Inez is getting a three-part sonic makeover this summer — and it starts with a banjo.

Martin County Tourism announced at its recent meeting that it is turning up the volume on small-town Kentucky with Summer Jam Sessions. This live music series hits Courthouse Square for three monthly installments: June 20, July 18 and Aug. 15.

The vibe is down-home, the lineup is diverse, and the goal is simple: community, music — and maybe just a little controlled chaos.

“We want to invite whoever wants to come and sing or play an instrument,” said Tourism Chairperson Nita Collier. “It’s a jam session.”

It all kicks off June 20 with a Bluegrass Jam hosted by local favorite Jarod Goforth. Expect flying fingers, tight harmonies, and likely a banjo duel or two. The sessions start at 6 p.m. and continue “to whenever” — a phrase that might as well be the series unofficial motto.

Translation: bring a lawn chair, but do not expect to leave early.

Food trucks will flank the square, while the Kiwanis Lemonade stand keeps things sticky-sweet and nostalgic. Think childhood summers with a twist of grown-up musical flair.

On July 18, the genre shifts to Country Pop, with Jack Ward & The Postmen taking the reins. It is billed as a smoother, radio-ready affair. Think steel guitars with Spotify ambitions.

The series wraps Aug. 15 in full gospel revival mode. The stage lineup reads like a Sunday church directory: The Journeymen, The Jewell Family, the Inez Freewill Baptist Choir, and the Tabernacle Team are all confirmed, with more to be announced. If the spirit does not move you, the harmonies might.

To join the jam sessions?

“Just show up,” said Collier.