Smith’s Olde Bar presents an eclectic night of roots music in the Atlanta Room on Friday, May 31, with Mac Leaphart, JB Strauss and Connelly Crowe.  

Splintered from the foundations of John Prine, the Rolling Stones, and Billy Joe nShaver, Nashville’s Mac Leaphart is an artist that puts the song first.  One part troubadour story teller, one part southern rock & roll entertainer, Leaphart has spent the last decade playing songs to anybody who would listen.  From Nashville guitar pulls to Texas roadhouses, Leaphart has his run himself ragged for the sake of the song. 

Armed with a soulful gravel baritone and a crack shot band, JB Struass is a rare blend of timeless Southern rock grit & Nashville storytelling.  A native of Macon, he chose his hometown’s Capricorn studios to record his latest album, “Saints of the South.”  It was an effective choice as the album drips with soulful Southern authenticity. 

Falling somewhere between the detailed vulnerability of Joni Mitchell and the understated eloquence of Nanci Griffith, Connelly Crowe will add some high lonesome to this evening.  Crowe’s voice shines over the austere backdrop of finger picked guitar and wandering melodies.