3rd Annual St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Randy Steele & High Cold WinD and Wild Bill & the Bruisers
03.14.2025 - As the sun began to dip below the horizon on Friday afternoon, the light peered through the glass windows above the Flatwoods Stage casting burnt orange, yellow gold, mahogany bronze colors that ran down the wall on to the floor which gave a glow to the Harvester that reflected the color of my soul. Wild Bill and the Bruisers took off like the tornadoes in the area and none of us ever turned back as we took a wild 90-minute ride that had us all Jumping, Jiving and Wailing for more! The air was filled with laughter and the sounds of clinking glasses as friends gathered together at the go-to spot for live music in The Upper Cumberland. “Party with the locals” took on a new level of networking with both old friends and new faces at The Harvester for the 3rd Annual St Patrick’s Day Celebration.
Yes, the new, eclectic mix of people came together and bonded over the shared experience of music, food, and community. The energy was palpable, a beautiful blend of anticipation and joy that seemed to wrap around everyone present.
Wild Bill and the Bruisers had set the tone perfectly with their lively performance inviting the crowd to dance and sing along with songs like Don Williams’ “Tulsa Time”, Jerry Reed’s “East Down and Bound”, Roger Miller’s “Chugalug”, and a particular favorite “King of the Road” which was melted into a rockabilly/jazz vibe that was quite groovy and despite the thearics of spinning, riding, and generally amazing connection with a full size stand up bass named Bertha. Wild Bill also did several originals like “Downtown Daddy” from their latest record “Cuttin’ the Mustard” (2024). Wild Bill from Lafayette, Indiana, Ryan Hartman from Marietta, Georgia, and Roger Ross on drums who is from Lawrenceburg, Kentucky. The band members are accomplished musicians easily changing beat and direction on a dime and then bringing tempo and swagger to the stage – bona fide entertainers with talent and laughter...the audience smiled ear-to-ear and immediately asked, “when are they coming back”??!! People were shaking their tail feathers and some even taking to a makeshift dance floor that had formed at the back of the room. Oh, yes, the smell of smoked brisket and savory bangers and mash wafted through the air, making it impossible to resist grabbing another plate or two from Hardwood Smokehouse, whose culinary offerings were clearly a highlight of the evening. Along with 5 different Calfkiller Brewing Company beers to choose from added to the full Irish experience.
As the night progressed, the atmosphere transformed with the arrival of Randy Steele and High Cold Wind showed how bluegrass melodies can infuse the night with a sense of nostalgia and pride in our region as the music progressed with the uncontrollable urge to tap feet and clap hands. The audience was captivated, and for a moment, it felt as though time stood still as each note resonated deep within the heart and soul. Randy Steele has an uncanny way of writing songs and when he brings his original material forward with his band High Cold Wind, there is a synapse of emotion that connects the brain, gut and heart. Positive in nature with a wry sense of humor, the unit from Chattanooga have a unique style attune to the Tennessee River Valley and the vibe that goes with it. A daily reminder of just how blessed we are to live here in this great state. Yes, this unit is made up of John Boulware on mando, Randy Steele on banjo, Justin Hupp on bass, and the phenomenal picker Tyler Marteelli on guitar. Yes, this is a well-oiled unit that brings an energy that resonates with the audience…at one point toward the end of their set, I listened to a breakdown that moved from musician to musician…my back was to the stage for moment and as I turned to face the band, I swear it looked like there was a mist rising above the players as they burned and turned through the song, I felt uplifted because I could hear the synergy that ran through musicians of the band and it connected my feet, to my gut, to my head, back to my heart - for real. Thank you, Randy Steele and High Cold Wind.
Also about half way through their set, Bert Driver came on stage to give away a plant from Bert Driver Nursery to winner Denise Coleman, who had registered to win the plant on Do615, and was gifted a Shamrock Inkberry Holly. Turns out that Denise has a friend from Smithville so she won the tickets and came to The Harvester for the first time…great connection!
High Cold Wind had the honor of performing with the legendary Sam Bush during the grand opening of the International Bluegrass Music Association headquarters in Chattanooga last September. This connection to the vibrant music scene in Chattanooga along with our very own Smithville Fiddlers’ Jamboree only adds to the rich tapestry of bluegrass and Americana that we celebrate here in Smithville, the true crossroads of Bluegrass. Smithville, with its rich musical history, is the perfect setting for our celebration. For over 200 years, this area has been home to the sounds of bluegrass, surrounded by the beautiful landscapes of the Caney Fork River Valley and Center Hill Lake. This is a special place in the Upper Cumberland on the Highland Rim, steeped in songs and stories that define the essence of bluegrass music.
Then came the moment when John Boulware stepped into the spotlight solo. With just his fiddle, he painted a rich tapestry of sound that drew everyone in. His traditional Irish melodies echoed through the venue, weaving tales of old and stirring emotions that connected everyone in the room. The crowd listened intently, some closing their eyes, lost in the beauty of the music. It was a moment of pure magic—the kind that stays with you long after the last note has faded.
As the night wore on, the drinks flowed, laughter echoed, and friendships blossomed. The bartending staff, with their radiant smiles and skilled hands, crafted themed cocktails that enhanced the celebratory spirit of St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Everyone felt at home, welcomed by the warmth of the staff and the camaraderie of fellow patrons.
Our next door neighbor property, The Casablanca Building, serves the Harvester as a get-ready VIP area with private access adorned with festive decorations, buzzed with life as it embraces the spirit of the evening. It was more than just a venue; it was a gathering place, a hub of culture and community in Smithville. The care and attention to detail from Tami Studer and her catering company Cafe Healthyish ensured that every bite was a delight, allowing guests to savor the flavors of the evening while enjoying the music that filled the air.
As the final notes of the night rang out and the crowd erupted into applause, it was clear that everyone had left with full hearts and happy memories. The Harvester had indeed heated up, not just in temperature but in spirit and connection. The night was a testament to the power of music, food, and community, leaving Smithville buzzing with the promise of many more magical evenings to come.
Up next we’re hosting the 1838 Restoration Project to Benefit the Smithville Town Cemetery at the Harvester on Thursday, 3/20, and tickets are going fast for Grammy Award Winner Pam Tillis with Phillip Lammonds at the Harvester on Wednesday, 4/2! 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!
