National 'modern roots' musician playing Starkville house concert

Putnam Smith

Portland, Maine singer/songwriter Putnam Smith will leave his log cabin for a Southern road trip that includes a house concert in Starkville on March 1.

Cover for "We Could Be Beekeepers"

Smith and his grandfather's banjo have reached acclaim in the bluegrass world since his second album release in 2009. "Goldrush," reached number five on the national Folk & Bluegrass DJ charts. His most recent release, "We Could Be Beekeepers" reached second on the chart when it was released in 2011.

Smith describes himself as a "singer/songwriter steeped in the Appalachian tradition known as 'old time.'"  

He has played many house concerts and festivals throughout the country, but this will be his first performance in Mississippi. Smith said on Friday that his Starkville concert will be a few days after an appearance at Memphis' Folk Alliance Conference, where he will be a showcase artist. However, he credits one person with making it happen.

"I'm coming down solely on the exceptionally warm invitation of Ry Lewis, who sought me out," Smith said.

Ry Lewis

Lewis, a musician himself, and eight of his roommates will host the 9 p.m. concert at 505 Louisville  St. Lewis (two houses down from Walgreens).  In fact, Lewis' band, Starkville's own Shindiggers will perform at special guests.  People of all ages are welcome to enjoy the show, featuring Smith's vocals, banjo, guitar and fiddle. Nate Spencer of Asheville, N.C., will also accompany Smith on mandolin, guitar, mando-cello, and harmony vocals. 

Smith said he's looking forward to performing with Lewis and other musicians for the Starkville show.

"It's looking to be one heck of a good night!" he said. 

House concerts have become more popular in recent years, giving people an intimate feeling as they see performers play in living rooms and backyards. Smith will perform in the backyard for the Starkville concert, expected to hold about 100 people. 

Lewis, who worked at WMSV before graduating from MSU, first heard about Smith while at the radio station a couple of years ago. He listened to one of Smith's albums and never really stopped. 

"You listen to it the first time and you'll keep listening for a long time," Lewis said. 

Here's the Facebook event listing for the concert. For those of you not familiar with Smith's music, check out this video of him performing "Full Moon Baby" with Spencer.  You can visit his official website here.