The Thacker Mountain Radio Hour is hosting its Fall Membership party on Saturday, October 19—but this year with a twist.
Michael Farris Smith, the bestselling Oxford novelist and screenwriter, will be a part of the event’s entertainment— as a singer. He’ll be singing and playing his original tunes with his band The Smokes.
“This event will be the first time myself and the band have played our new album all the way through,” Smith enthuses. “We’re very excited.”
“I’m also a little scared.”
The album is Lostville, a six-song EP featuring Smith’s original songs performed by a band that includes Jimbo Mathus and multi-guitarist Kell Kellum. The EP will be available November 15. (Pre-order now: https://www.michaelfarrissmith.com/).
Smith & The Smokes will make their public debut at the Thacker party on Saturday, October 19 (Ole Miss football open week) from 5 to 8 pm at the Wonderbird Distillery in Taylor (618 County Road 303, aka Old Taylor Road).
Admission is free to members. Memberships, good for a year, may be renewed or purchased online https://thackermountain.kindful.com/ or at the door. ($120 individual / $180 family).
The evening’s entertainment will also include Thacker’s eclectic house band, The Yalobushwhackers with drummer Ricky Burkhead, bassist Slade Lewis, pianist Keon Love, and guitarist/vocalist Paul Tate.
Partygoers will munch on delicious dishes from Taylor including from Grit, the Offbeat General Store, and Taylor Grocery and Restaurant. A signature cocktail by Wonderbird will be available as well as beer, wine, and non-alcoholic alternatives.
A silent auction will include bidding on local artwork and experiences including a Delta quail hunt and blues weekend, a dinner for eight at the home of James Beard Award-winning chef Vishwesh Bhatt, and Caribbean percussion lessons from renowned percussionist Ricky Burkhead, among many other items.
Thacker Executive Director Lucy Gaines says the party has all the makings of a classic event.
“We’ll have some of the best musicians in the area, some of the best food and drink and one of the most unique venues in Lafayette County,” she notes.
“Plus, there will be no football traffic! We look forward to a wonderful night!”
More information: https://thackermountain.com/upcoming-shows/save-the-date-saturday-oct-19-fall-fundraiser/
