Bizz and Everyday People at the Harvester
10.03.2025 - “Father Father, We don’t need to escalate, You see, war is not the answer, For only Love can conquer hate” - Marvin Gay
Under the cover of October skies, a party train rolled into town on Friday afternoon and ignited our souls as Bizz and Everyday People took us on a musical roller coaster: the finale at the Harvester was a truly unforgettable experience! The combination of classic Motown hits and the energy of a 10-piece band like Bizz created a vibrant atmosphere. From Bill Withers to Beyoncé, the music appeals to a wide audience, creating a sense of connection among attendees. The band includes:
Tyronn Hamilton - keys
Kenny Jackson - bass
Marvin Sam’s - drums
Demetrius Beasley - keys
Sam Dismukes Jr - trombone
Khayree Northcross - sax
Crystal Howard - trumpet
Tiffany Speight - vocals
Tabitha Speight - vocals
Wendell “Bizz” Bigsby - vocals
Our long time friend, Jordan Morack, brought his world-class talent to the Flatwoods Stage in a soulful one hour jazz performance that added a nice contrast, with a touch of professionalism and spirituality that elevated the evening even further. Vocalist Luke Morgan from Macon, GA, melted us all as his soaring vocals echoed the beautiful tones of Morack’s Sax, and keyboardist Conner Broome swirled and danced with both the melodic vibes of Macon and Jordan. Celebrating the Harvester's legacy with such diverse musical styles and the joy expressed through dance, especially the women's conga line that spontaneously burst onto the floor during Beyoncé's song, made for a powerful and emotional farewell.
Gathering as a community to honor the music and the venue speaks volumes about the love and appreciation for local culture. It was a night filled with joy, nostalgia, and a shared sense of belonging.
In these uncertain times, gathering with friends and fellow music lovers in the heart of Smithville has never been more important. The Harvester Event Center has become a beacon of joy and creativity, bringing the iconic Motown sound to life in our community. We are proud to spotlight the unique talent and authenticity that defines Smithville, transforming it into “Smith Vegas” for one unforgettable night.
Our mission at the Harvester has been to enrich lives through music and entertainment, fostering a sense of unity amidst the challenges we face. Over the years, we’ve curated an incredible lineup, featuring everything from reggae and bluegrass to theatrical performances and comedy shows. Each event reflects our dedication to enhancing the cultural landscape of Smithville, executed with a team of passionate architects, musicians, craftsmen, artisans, cooks, bartenders, sound engineers, and staff—all committed to excellence. Wow, what a journey it’s been since we started hosting live music at the nursery back in 2010! I can hardly believe it’s been over 200 events between the Burlap Room and the Harvester…from Earth Day celebrations to jazz nights on West Main Street, music has truly been in our blood for a long time.
As I stood on the stage last night, I felt a mix of nostalgia and pride. We've created beautiful memories and fostered an incredible sense of community in Smithville. I want to give a heartfelt thank you to all the staff and friends who have been part of this journey since 2018 when we opened the Burlap Room. Your dedication has made this place a hub of great sound and good vibes.
With the recent sale of the property and the new ownership taking over on November 1, we've aimed to go out on a high note. The Motown Review was our final ticketed public event, and we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our successes. We have enjoyed countless moments connecting with our audience and showcasing live music in an elegant setting. I’m proud to have invested in my hometown, to see our community come alive with music, and to know that we’ve helped turn Smithville into a destination for culture and entertainment. This has been a fantastic run, and now it’s time for someone else to take the reins and elevate this tradition even further.
Thanks to the students from The Visual Aid Society at the Appalachian Center For Craft. We wholeheartedly support the arts in the region and Tennessee Tech campus located on the shores of Center hill lake is something to visit - check out their gallery here.
A special shoutout goes to Tio’s Taco Truck for making a one-night-only appearance, enhancing the festive atmosphere. We are deeply grateful to our bar staff: Holly, Eschelle, Jesse, Courtney, Carrington, along with sound engineers Phillip and Mike, our building manager David Judkins, social media manager Sarah, our security crew Ross and Mike, and Tami at Café Healthyish, along with the Nursery crew Lorena, Armando, Issac, Juan, Tio, Juanis, Laura, Glenn, and Pat for their hard work in making each event seamless.
As we look back on our journey, we are filled with pride for what we've accomplished: fostering a classy environment for music lovers and a community centered around positive experiences. The Harvester has truly become a rebirth of cool in downtown Smithville, proving that quality music events can thrive here. Proud to have moved the needle ever so slightly on society as we progress into a new era in Middle Tennessee.
As the evening was coming to a close, the Church of Bizz was not complete for as the band was striking the stage, Bizz picked up the mic and serenaded the already uplifted crowd and he sent us all home with a message that we can all embrace : a change is going to come.
“It’s been a long…A Long time coming, but I know, A change gon’ come, Oh yes, it will” - Sam Cooke
Thank you all for your support over the years — let’s keep the spirit of this wonderful town alive! Here’s to new beginnings and endless music!
James Bert Driver, Proprietor - Harvester Event Center - Smithville, Tennessee
Up next: After almost 4 years and 44 issues of our Local Vibe Newsletter, this Tuesday’s edition will be the final one. And don’t forget Burlap Room at Bert Driver Nursery is for rent (Casablanca Office Suites, too!): corporate events and parties, weddings, receptions, graduations, baby showers, or whatever you’re celebrating, we host ‘em all! Casablanca Office Suites feature executive style office suites with reserved parking, utilities, tons of natural light (full blinds for shade and privacy), individual climate control thermostats, secure high-speed internet, private bath rooms, and reception area. Contact Bert at (931) 235-0531 to schedule your tour!!
