The Smithstonians
The Smithstonians The Smithstonians are a four-piece gypsy-folk/bluegrass band from the Boston Mountains in Fayetteville, AR. The lineup consists of Morgan Smith, guitar, harmonica and vocals; Logan LeMaster, double bass and vocals; Jesse Bates; mandolin and banjo; and Lorie Morris, fiddle. They were nominated for Best New Band in 2009 at the Northwest Arkansas Music Awards. The singer and main songwriter, Morgan Smith, is a contemporary folk music purist and one of the finest finger-style players in the region. Smith was a founder, along with The Smithstonians' double bassist, Logan LeMaster, of the alt-country group Truefolk, which was nominated (after only six months of performing) by the 2005 Ozark Music Awards for honors in two categories: Best Folk/Alt-Country and Best New Artist. Fusing British and Americana folk with blues and some jazz, Smith's writing style drifts deliberately through contemporary genres. In October 2008, Smith and LeMaster regrouped adding mandolin player Jesse Bates and fiddler Lorie Morris to form the current lineup of The Smithstonians. The group seems to hypnotize its audience by delivering euphonic melodies woven with traditional vocal harmonies. A distinct penchant for folklore and storytelling is evident through their lyrics involving the exploration the soul and the human struggle. The Arkansas Traveler referred to their music as a "[celebration of] the rich musical tradition of the region, but they're not afraid to wander where creativity leads them." The Smithstonians have been honored to play the legendary stages of George's Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville many times. Other venues they have played include The Smoke & Barrel Tavern, Restaurant on the Corner (ROTC), The BoomBoom Room, Squid & Whale Pub in Eureka Springs, and Whitewater Tavern in Little Rock. Upcoming shows include venues in St. Louis, Chicago, and Dallas. They gratefully played for an Arkansas Democratic Party presidential rally in 2008 hosted by Ted Danson and Mary Steenburgen; and have opened for large touring acts such as Col. Bruce Hampton, The Codetalkers, Mountain of Venus, and Stoney Larue.