RAYGUN at the Harvester
Smithville’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Revival: A Celebration of the 1980s
08.01.2025 - Historic Downtown Smithville sprang back to life as the community gathered to celebrate an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia. Kicking off the second half of summer, this lively event was marked by the return of the legendary band RAYGUN to the iconic Harvester, drawing a diverse crowd that transcended generations.
The atmosphere was charged with a vibrant energy as attendees reminisced about the carefree spirit of the 1980s, a time characterized by less pressure and more freedom. With no cell phones to record every moment, people enjoyed life’s simplest pleasures—hanging out at the lake, visiting drive-in theaters, and rocking out at venues like Starwood Amphitheater and Exit/In in Nashville. The music of the era, ranging from the powerful anthems of Pat Benatar and U2 to the soulful riffs of Stevie Ray Vaughan, defined a generation that still resonates today.
Cally Rempis is on fire! A powerhouse entertainer surrounded by a stellar rock band that included David Harvard on lead guitar, Harry Rooster on keys, Kevin Hornback on bass, Cally Rempis on lead vocals and “keytar”, and Stephanie Brush on the drum kit. They make up what, up to this point, is THE most complete ROCK SHOW that we have hosted at The Harv: Powerful, sexy, raw, and unleashed...Fire Woman by The Cult is still ringing in my ears along with Psycho Killer by The Talking Heads, A Flock of Seagulls’ I Ran (So Far Away), The Cure, Pat Benatar’s Heartbreaker - which I got to boogie with my cool older sister who introduced me to great music all my life - thank you TIK! I felt like I was in the middle of a John Hughes film.
The Harv was all lit up with what resembles Gen X approach to LIFE…Work Hard, Play Hard! It was so much damn fun - I was still riding high from the performance.
WAY to go Phillip Southerland, our in-house sound engineer - you nailed it sir, Holly and Eschelle behind the bar, and our physical plant manger, David Judkins. Thanks to the artistic department: Lucas, Matt and Micah for helping to capture the moment. And to our den mother Laura Johnson who takes care of all the behind the scenes details to keep us in the good graces, and to our social media team. I am blessed to be surrounded by a talented, caring group of people who love music almost as much as I do. Tami Studer, who curated the in-house catering for the Casablanca Green Room - always quality, always healthy - support her in Downtown Smithville at Cafe Healthyish. Thanks to all the Harvester staff who are masters at hospitality - great job, Team!
Oh yea, and Legacy Haus was on site last night set up with their pop-up store in the International Hall area; Emma, AvaMae, and Amy Allen are a fun, hip family that fits right into the very fabric of Downtown Smithville.
Wait, there is more, Scott Hogue! The one man, loop pedal, guitar playing, vocalist that got things started…a human jukebox that got the early bird set juiced up with a cross section of mash ups form the 1980s.
Also, need to mention, Whit Hubner, the ring leader of this caravan of fun-loving 80s vibes with his production company The Hub of Love. Thank you, Whit!
As people arrived, they donned t-shirts showcasing their favorite 1980s icons, echoing a nostalgia that remains strong. The integration of cross-generational fans highlighted the timeless appeal of the decade, as younger attendees embraced the music and culture that so heavily influenced their parents.
Throughout the night, the crowd was treated to a fabulous performance, with RAYGUN bringing the house down. Jude’s Traveling Food truck provided excellent service to the patrons, some that also strolled Historic Downtown Smithville, TN, which was the first Friday Shop Late-Shop Local event. The food and drinks complemented the experience, providing a fun-filled, celebratory atmosphere. The event was both a remembrance of the past and a foundation for future gatherings.
Though rooted in the 1980s, sayings and slogans from that iconic decade echoed throughout, creating an immersive experience. Terms like “totally tubular”, “gnarly”, and “gag me with a spoon” captured the essence of a time that was characterized by radical fashion and exuberant self-expression. Attendees reminisced about fashion staples like leg warmers, acid-wash jeans, and the iconic Chuck Taylor’s, showcasing a unique, playful spirit that still influences today’s trends.
In a heartfelt nod to the past, the event not only honored the music and culture of the 80s but also served as a reminder of a slower-paced, more innocent time. As Scott Hogue and RAYGUN performed, the crowd danced, laughed, and united in their shared love for this magical decade—a true testament to the lasting impact of rock ‘n’ roll.
August 1, 2025, will be remembered as a day when the heart of Smithville beat to the timeless sound of the 1980s, a celebration of freedom, expression, and community spirit. As we look back on that memorable night, we are reminded that rock ‘n’ roll, like the memories we cherish, will never die!
“Dear Mr. Vernon,
We accept the fact that we had to sacrifice a whole Saturday in detention for whatever it was we did wrong, but we think you’re crazy to make us write an essay telling you who we think we are. You see us as you want to see us — in the simplest terms and the most convenient definitions. But what we found out is that each one of us is a brain and an athlete, and a basket case, a princess, and a criminal.
Does that answer your question?
Sincerely yours,
The Breakfast Club”
Generation X rules!!!!
Up next: Explore our downtown even more at the Historic Downtown Smithville Fourth Annual Art Walk on Friday, 9/19 - visit this link for more info on becoming a vendor. Stay tuned as we have new event announcements coming soon, and 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 (Casablanca Office Suites, too!): 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!
