ST. Patrick’s Day with the John Boulware Trio
03.17.2023 - John Boulware Don’t Care! The vibration of bluegrass rolled out the door into the Harvester Alleyway and into the streets of Smithville on Friday night, St. Patrick’s Day, as John Boulware summoned the sounds of Ireland to one of the most eclectic performances on The Flatwoods Stage. John and side man Josh Hixson have been a stalwart of Smithville’s Fiddlers’ Jamboree for many years as competitors, and John as the lead fiddle player for the Jamboree House Band. The balmy weather gave way to rays of sunshine as evening fell in Historic Downtown Smithville setting the backdrop to celebrate Irish heritage. The unique trio pulsated through toe tapping, spirit-stirring fiddle tunes that harken back to the old country yet with an electric drum kit played by Sharon Hale, the evening was full of surprises. For instance, I have never heard John or Josh sing lead or play on plugged in, amped up bass and guitar. The energy filled the air and got the crowd on its feet to “dance a jig” in the comfy confines of The Harvester.
Many patrons flocked to The Harvester and they were treated to lovely classic cocktails, local craft beer, and the “bangers and mash” were on point from Hardwoods Smokehouse Express. Everyone was adorned in festive holiday attire that brought a great spirit of fun and fellowship to our lovely downtown. John’s trio spotlights the movement of traditional bluegrass woven with blues, rock, and jazz sprinkled in that has led to a youth movement of sound all across this nation. Thank goodness for institutions and festivals like the Fiddlers’ Jamboree that have become a breeding ground for amazing talent, and we at The Harvester are glad to carry on the tradition of promoting and enjoying the ancient tones with a new twist of energy that is reaching the masses. That is why “John Boulware Don’t Care”...because he embodies both tradition and the new sound of bluegrass and is willing to embrace and experiment with what stirs the soul.
Don’t miss out on next week as we go back 100 years to the Roaring 20s with a speakeasy vibe and a hot seven-piece jazz orchestra - two separate events to benefit the DCHS Band: 1920's Spring Formal with Beasley Court Big Band on Saturday, 3/25, and DCHS Fighting Tiger Band Jazz Ensemble Benefit Concert on Thursday, 3/23. Lots more on the calendar as we finish March and keep rolling towards the spring season ahead: Finally Fridays at the Harvester, 3/31, Realty Firm of Smithville presents Harper Grace and Hazi (with opener Jimmy Wayne Garrett), Bert’s on Thursdays at the Harvester, 4/6, with the Joey Fletcher Band, Comedy Night with JJ Barrows, Amber Autry, and Doug Sanders on 4/13, Earth Day X on Saturday, 4/22, with Bee Taylor, Zion Stovall and “The Mojo Kingz”, an authentic taste of NOLA prepared by the Boil Bros. at the Burlap Room, Finally Fridays at the Harvester, 4/28, with Tom Tippin, and Bert’s on Thursdays at the Harvester, 5/4, with Cam Pierce and Craig Anderson.
All the details for upcoming events at burlaproom.eventbrite.com. Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our Burlapper Newsletter!
