Ides of March - St Patrick’s Day Celebration with Randy Steele and High Cold Wind
03.15.2024 - “Think where man’s glory most begins and ends, and say my glory was I had such friends” - William Butler Yeats
As the clouds gathered in the hills of middle Tennessee - it certainly felt like the old country Ireland…The Emerald Isle. As we embrace the spirit of Ireland and approach St. Patrick's Day weekend on the Ides of March, our hearts are filled with joy and anticipation for the celebration at the Harvester. The rain subsided, and the Friday evening once again slowly transitioned into the charming small town in The Upper Cumberland Region of Middle Tennessee: Appalachia, where the echoes of our music from the motherland resonate.
Imagine the original settlers of DeKalb County in the 1790’s who traversed the Atlantic, landed in Virginia and then migrated across the Appalachian Mountains to the hills and hollers of middle Tennessee. Although many Europeans made the journey, none more influenced this region than those that hail from Ireland. With them came music and for over 200 years this very place we call home. Appalachian music preserved the traditions of Irish folk music from the 18th century and earlier and as Faye Driver commented: this connection goes further back to the Baroque Period which was a cultural movement starting around 1600; in fact, forms of Appalachia music relate back to songs that had their origins in the Middle Ages.
Thus, with these grand traditions, fast forward to 1970 when the Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree was created with its connection to traditional old time Appalachian music, which is Baroque, which is Irish. The Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree is not only an institution, it is a springboard for many musicians to move forward into musical careers that pay homage to our Irish relatives. Many times from many musicians they have given their testimony on how the Jamboree changed the very trajectory of their life. Tyler Messi on guitar (Chattanooga, TN) echoed that sentiment when he recollected on his first experience in Smithville and he and his band Mountain Cove have gone on to win multiple competitions at this venerable festival.
Another Smithville connection brings John Boulware back to town for Jamboree 2024 as he and his troupe The Hamilton County Ramblers, take center stage as the official Jamboree house band. John appeared on The Flatwoods Stage at the Harvester’s 2023 St. Patrick's Day, and it was fitting for a return visit on the same holiday in 2024 and he did bring it! Toward the end of the night, John put on an Irish Jig clinic. His extraordinary fiddle playing transported us all to an ethereal plane because this style is raw, carnal, and spiritual - your whole body is immersed in this fullness of the heart. Only “roots” music can do that. John on mandolin/fiddle, Tyler Messi on guitar, and Justin Hup on bass were the backbone of support to Randy Steele, incredible banjo player, soothsayer, and all around talented, witty, fun-loving musician who led this all-star band to places none of us have heard in the realm of bluegrass…particularly when the band broke in a Bob Marley song Iron Lion Zion…which is roots music that hails from Africa so this is to say that music connects us and brings us together. We were all blessed to be in the room with the band…it fed us, fed our souls. From the first note, this band brought energy and spirit. All these boys hail from the Chattanooga, TN, area and their version of bluegrass is on point. Randy has a laid back personal style yet can transform the banjo into a joyful noise.
Whoa whoa wait - did you catch Timbo (Tim Bowlin) and Luke Munday?!! The Country Cousins from Greenbriar, Tennessee. They kicked us off for the early set and the haunting high lonesome combined with the Texas Swing of Bob Wills, these boys took us for a ride to the 1960’s vintage country vibe that purist in Nashville try to emulate but here to say I have heard none more adept that Timbo and Luke. It was a real treat to hear them perform. Once again, a Smithville connection as Luke Munday has also performed here before, and Timbo mentioned that he came with his family to the Jamboree when he was just a young boy. Timbo’s style reminds you of a road trip through the 1960’s American South - stylistically harkens to a golden era of ballads and swing music. Luke wove his own story through his banjo playing and with on point harmonies and a laid back stage presence, these two transported us back to a slower gentler time. Indeed, the intellect is in their performance and the message and we could all understand and witness the heartfelt expression of what these two live and breath - Music Feeds The Soul. Thank you, Timbo and Luke.
Izzie from SnapDragon Hemp took over the Yella’ Dog Lounge and imparted his wisdom and kind spirit to everyone she encountered. Amy Allen, owner of Legacy Haus, set up a “pop-up store” in the front section of the Harvester which is also known as International Hall. Hardwoods Smokehouse was on point with Bangers & Mash, thanks for an authentic Irish Meal. The incredible bartenders and security staff took care of everyone's needs: thank you Calfkiller Brewery for the yummy dark Classic Stout Irish beer - so good and so good for you! I also took a moment to walk down to Mallory Pfingstler with State Farm Insurance on West Main, who also had grand opening 2.0 of her newly renovated office space and it was stunning - well done Mal!
Take a moment y’all: look around Smithville/DeKalb County and see what is happening. A new energy is here along with new people and it sure is fun to watch it unfold as the newbies arrive to our town: All over the world they are arriving to live near Center Hill Lake and embrace the charm and pace of life that we local natives understand - it is who we are.
Thanks to Center HIll Realty for being our sponsor for the evening. Thank you to WMOT founder John Walker for attending, and thanks to Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree president Kim Driver Luton for supporting the music. This is the making of a strong bond between WMOT 89.5FM Roots Radio, Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree, and the Harvester Event Center, and it is all at the crossroads of the universe - 37166, Smithville, TENNESSEE ! We at The Harv are proud to be part of the Americana Musical Revolution that is happening right here in our home town. The night was truly special, featuring captivating local music, local craft beer, and delicious local food, it was a spectacular celebration of St. Patrick’s Day and our rich heritage in the Upper Cumberland, all set against the backdrop of the Historic Downtown Smithville.
Cheers y'all - Kiss me, I am Irish.
Up next at the Harvester is Good Friday Service (free and open to the public, all ages) on Friday, 3/29, then Spring Songwriter Night with Sam Lewis, Judy Blank, and Cam Pierce on Friday, 4/19 (Yaya’s Food Truck on site). 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!
