Right around a year after re-opening the longtime Smyrna hangout spot Ron’s Tavern as the spruced-up (but, wisely, not too spruced-up) Front Street Pub, proprietor Thomas Williams continues to make good on his promise to add music to the genial atmosphere and vintage-tavern vibe that has found much local favor in the Depot District. With Monday-night blues, community jam sessions and open-mic nights, karaoke, country and even original singer-songwriters on tap alongside cold suds and killer burgers and bar food, Front Street Pub is a prime location for song-loving fun-seekers in Smyrna and vicinity.
Williams recently announced that country singer and recording artist Buddy Jewell is due to make an appearance at the Pub. Jewell, who in the early 2000s was the first winner of the hit TV reality show Nashville Star, beat out numerous contenders including then-fledgling artist Miranda Lambert. With his commanding and emotive baritone voice, Jewell stormed out of the newcomer gate, scoring the consecutive Top 5 country hits “Help Pour Out the Rain” and “Sweet Southern Comfort.” Jewell has maintained a somewhat quieter career in the years since, continuing to release new music while most recently veering hard toward inspirational country—just when we might need it the most.
Williams explains that a regular at The Front Street Pub who knows Jewell reached out to the singer, who signed on to play what may be his smallest show in a long time. That said, the Saturday, April 16 show, featuring a 90-minute performance and a meet-and-greet, is plum-sold-out. But Williams tells the Pulse he hopes “this is the start of many other shows like this. I personally am excited about him playing here,” Williams adds, “because it was always my vision to make the Pub a music venue. This feels like we are accomplishing that, along with the many other talented local artists who play here.”
The Front Street Pub is on Facebook, and is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. until 10 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. until midnight.
