Island Resort & Casino – Connor Smith – Harris

At just 23 years old, Smith is already a seasoned veteran of Nashville’s elite songwriting community – realizing the past can still inspire the present, and that good things come to those who wait. The rising singer/songwriter has spent 15 years matching a honeyed vocal to propulsive hints of bluegrass and the warmth of ‘90s Country, an instant-classic sound infused with riveting modern appeal.

Moving Country music forward while remembering its all-natural roots, Smith’s critically acclaimed full-length debut album SMOKY MOUNTAINS (The Valory Music Co.) is meant to stand the test of time. Featuring GOLD-certified “Take It Slow,” viral hit “I Hate Alabama,” multi-week UK chart-topper “Creek Will Rise” and new single “Roulette On The Heart” featuring Hailey Whitters, his deeply personal 12-song project is one of classic style and contemporary spirit, and a reflection of the artist himself. These songs, among others, laid an artistic foundation that earned Smith Artist to Watch status from Spotify, Amazon Music and Opry NextStage, while also making him the only Country artist on Pandora’s Ten List 2022 and secured 2023 recognition from MusicRow Next Big Thing and CMT Listen Up as well as joining the CRS New Faces Class of 2024. These milestones led Smith to earn his first-ever ACM Awards nomination for New Male Artist of the Year ahead of the 59th annual show.