Schedule subject to change
Wire & Wood will kick off Friday night with a special performance from Corey Smith!
Corey Smith developed a passion for music at a young age. After graduating from the University of Georgia, he worked briefly as a high school teacher before turning his focus full-time to music. Smith launched his music career independently, building a grassroots following through relentless touring and self-released albums.
His debut album, Undertones (2003), introduced fans to his honest, storytelling style and themes rooted in Southern life, personal reflection, and working-class values. He continued to release several albums on his own, including In the Mood(2004), The Good Life (2005), and Hard-Headed Fool (2007), all of which further solidified his reputation as both a songwriter and producer.
In 2011, Corey released The Broken Record via Average Joe’s Entertainment, produced by Rick Beato. The album cracked the Top 20 on the Billboard country charts—peaking at No. 17—and remains one of his most commercially successful releases.
In 2015, Smith partnered with Sugar Hill Records to release While the Gettin’ Is Good, produced by the legendary Keith Stegall (Alan Jackson, Zac Brown Band). The album introduced a more polished sound while preserving the lyrical authenticity that had always defined his work.
Corey’s latest release, Suburban Drawl, was recorded at the iconic Sound Emporium in Nashville, TN and produced by singer-songwriter Erik Dylan. The album offers a fresh take on his Southern storytelling roots, combining heartland rock tones with lyrical maturity.
Throughout his career, Corey Smith has remained a touring powerhouse, often performing over 100 shows a year. His songs—like “If I Could Do It Again,” “Twenty-One,” and “Drinkin’ Again”—resonate with fans for their relatability and down-to-earth storytelling.
As of the mid-2020s, Smith continues to write, record, and tour independently, maintaining his status as one of country music’s most successful and enduring independent artists.
On Saturday night, the festival closes out with a performance from Sister Hazel!
Originating from Gainesville, FL, Sister Hazel is comprised of five gifted, seasoned musicians whose well-spring of natural talent has been called “one of the Top 100 Most Influential Independent Performers of the last 15 years” by Performing Songwriter Magazine. Song “All for You” topped the adult alternative charts during the summer of 1997 and the success propelled their album to platinum status.
In their first showing on the country music charts they made a strong debut with “Lighter In The Dark” at #4 on Billboard’s Top Country Albums chart, #6 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart, #30 on Billboard’s Top Current Albums chart.
The band landed on Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart again in 2018 and 2019 with Volumes I, II, III, and IV of a clever EP compilation series titled “Elements.” In February 2018, “Water,” landed on the Billboard Country Albums chart at #9 and at #2 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart along with making their debut on the most revered stage in country music, the Grand Ole Opry. In September of 2018, “Wind” landed at #1 on iTunes country page and #11 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart. In February 2019, Vol. III “Fire” landed at #5 on Billboard’s Independent Albums chart and #46 Billboard’s Top Country Albums Chart. The collectible compilation series ended with “Earth” which again landed at on the charts at #15 on Billboard’s Americana/Folk Album chart.
Living up to their fan-centered reputation, the band hosts annual events like “Hazelnut Hang,” that focuses on fan involvement and was a pioneer in themed cruise experiences by co-founding “The Rock Boat,” a cruise featuring nonstop opportunities for fan/artist interaction. Sister Hazel has been equally attentive to connecting with their audience through social media. They have since made their Grand Ole Opry debut and shared the stages with country music superstars at The CMA Festival, Tortuga Music Festival, among others. In addition to the events and touring, the band also gives back with “Lyrics For Life.” Founded by singer Ken Block and the Band, the charity unites musicians and celebrities for concerts and auctions to benefit cancer research and patient-care charities.
