Bert's on Thursdays with Josh Driver and Ky Rodgers
01.16.2025 - On Thursday at approximately 6:00PM, a raw, cold January wind was blowing across the grounds of Bert Driver Nursery, located in Smithville, Tennessee…and I can assure you, that cutting wind was not warmed at all by the horizon-wide golden hues created by the setting sun as it disappeared low on the western sky - the outside heaters and wood fire pits were blazing, but very few folks were outside hanging around…
But, inside the cozy Burlap Room, Bert’s creative lighting set a toasty scene– for the first time since 2023, The Harvester Event Center seemed more appropriate for the live music and other entertainment events, especially in the winter, but the Burlap Room is “Where it all started”, and just like that old Fender or vintage Gibson guitar, the Burlap Room has a palpable vibe that honestly, can’t be matched by an “alternative”.
My goodness the food was ON POINT. Brisket Taco, Smash Burger, Pork/Slaw/Beans…spot on - thank you Jordan Atnip and crew from Jude’s Traveling Food truck from right here in Smithville. #localvibration
The Burlap Room has multiple stages including: The Redbud Stage, The Solstice Stage, The Wisteria Stage, and INSIDE the original concession stand for the DeKalb County Drive-In Movie Theater (1956) is The Concession Stand Studio aka The Tap House, the epicenter for all things BDN…an intimate setting that encourages the musicians and listeners to think back and dredge up some of the feelings that moved their souls in the venues most of ‘em started out – in the kitchen or living room making music for family and friends. Once you’ve been to the Burlap Room, you’ll never forget it…and you’ll wanna come back!
All the musicians who work the Harvester or Burlap Room want to come back, primarily because Bert Driver understands their challenges, and goes to extra steps for every performance to ensure the artists’ comfort and satisfaction. That’s a big reason the performers who play Bert’s venues always give their performance extra effort- they are aware of the high quality level expectations. That’s exactly what Josh Driver and Ky Rodgers did during their two-hour set on Thursday night - Josh first played at Bert Driver Nursery in 2017, during the annual Earth Day Event that started in 2012.
That infamous day lives in music history with five different bands performing throughout the day but was cut short due to lighting strikes…ah ha, but it carried on. We moved the entire operation across the street to Maggie's Landing which to this day is the largest crowd they ever hosted. So Josh is not only Bert’s cousin, he is a veteran musician that crafts the inflections of hard school knocks to sobriety and the clarity it takes to succeed in the music industry. Josh and Ky both bring honest, down-home feeling to the writing so that as a busker, song writer, bartender, horse trainer…living life by the drop and watching and waiting for details that provides much introspection to their souls, and it came right through the singing, the fantastic guitar work by Ky and Josh, even the French Harp resonates with this style of performance. You can connect with Josh here, and Ky here, and check out their new band Hard Luck here.
Smoke drifted across the grounds of Bert Driver Nursery, the tunes from inside the tap house played to the rather large gathering outside near both fire pits blazing, patrons had good ol’ Calfkiller beer in hand, the stars above, the live music pumped inside and out, and the bonus is that the patrons outside can see into the Burlap Room Tap House like watching a fish tank full of laughter, great music, and good vibes…the Burlap Room has a genuine quality that feeds the soul.
It felt right to be back at home at the Burlap Room for Bert’s on Thursday – as always, special thanks to the Burlap Room/Harvester Service and Security Staff, Jordan Atnip and his Jude’s Traveling Food truck...and especially our patrons and loyal clientele who were there on this cold January Thursday, and also were there “When it all started”...at the Burlap Room.
Our 2025 events have begun! We look forward to a great year at the Burlap Room and Harvester Event Center…join us for our first-ever Bridal Show and Wedding & Event Planners Reception at the Harvester on Saturday, 2/8, for an afternoon of exploring and networking with others in the industry as you tour our fantastic facility, then it’s a Bluegrass Double-Header with East Nash Grass and The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys at the Harvester on Thursday, 2/20, and our St. Patrick’s Day Celebration with Randy Steele and High Cold Wind and Wild Bill and the Bruisers on Friday, 3/14! Stay up-to-date with all the events in the Bert Driver Network (Nursery, Burlap Room, and the Harvester) by signing up for our ‘The Local Vibe Newsletter - released the first Tuesday of the month, straight to your inbox! And don’t forget the Harvester is for rent: corporate events and parties, weddings, receptions, graduations, baby showers, or whatever you’re celebrating, we host ‘em all! Contact us for more information, and check us out on Wedding Wire or The Knot!
