Country Hit Maker Anthony Smith Plays The Mulehouse on Saturday

Issue #020

In this What’s Up Columbia issue…

📆 Mega List of Upcoming Events!

🌨 Columbia Weather - Light rain with a high of 65

🎶 Country Hit Maker Anthony Smith Plays The Mulehouse on Saturday

🍺 TONIGHT: Winterfest Beer Blast 2024

🏀 Vols Secure 11th SEC Championship with Triumph Over South Carolina

🗓 Know of Some Local Events Not Listed? Send us the Details! 

Upcoming Local Events

🗓 Have an event to add? Send us the Details!

March 8th

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March 10th

March 11th

March 12th

March 14th

March 16th

March 17th

March 19th

March 21st

March 22nd

March 23rd

March 26th

March 30th

Country Hit Maker Anthony Smith Plays The Mulehouse on Saturday

Anthony Smith, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and record producer, has made a significant mark on the Nashville music scene. His debut album, "If That Ain't Country," released on Mercury Records Nashville, yielded three Top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot Country Songs charts, establishing him as a prominent Nashville recording artist.

Born and raised in eastern Tennessee, Smith's musical journey began at the early age of 5. By nine, he joined his first band, showcasing his passion for music. His move to Kentucky in his early 20s marked the start of his professional career. Luke Lewis, the head of Mercury Nashville Records, recognized Smith's talent through a demo tape, leading to a record deal.

While making a name for himself as a recording artist, Smith's songwriting prowess shone through. Over 250 of his songs were recorded by industry giants such as George Strait, Blake Shelton, Tim McGraw, Rascal Flatts, Trace Adkins, and Faith Hill.

Smith's debut album, released on Mercury Nashville, coincided with a songwriting deal from BMI. "If That Ain't Country" produced three Top 40 singles, with the title track being the highest-charting. Despite parting ways with Mercury, Smith continued his songwriting journey, contributing hits like "Cowboys Like Us" for George Strait and "What Do Ya Think About That" for Montgomery Gentry.

In 2007, Smith's co-written singles "Daisy" by Halfway to Hazard and "What Do Ya Think About That" by Montgomery Gentry entered the country charts. The following year, "Kristofferson," co-written with Reed Nielsen, charted in the Top 20 for Tim McGraw. Smith's collaboration with Jeffrey Steele on "Chasing Down a Good Time" became a hit for Randy Houser in 2016.

Despite his success as a songwriter, Smith pursued a recording career, signing with Stroudavarious Records in 2009. His single "Bringin' Back the Sunshine" debuted at No. 60 on the Hot Country Songs chart. Later, he founded his own label, Krankit Records, releasing "Love Is Love Is Love" as his inaugural track. Anthony Smith continues to leave an indelible mark on the country music landscape.

TONIGHT: Winterfest Beer Blast 2024

The Winterfest Beer Blast is an annual fundraiser for Columbia Cares that promises to be one of their best events yet. With a wider variety of beer and bourbon/whiskey options than ever before, including Rummy Gummies. Don’t forget to check out the silent auction table for some great selections of bourbon and other items. Tickets are $35 online or at the door. 

Columbia Cares started in 1992 and is the region’s only AIDS-Service Organization, focusing on prevention, testing and social services for those living with HIV/AIDS. Learn more about all the services they offer here.

Vols Secure 11th SEC Championship with Triumph Over South Carolina

The University of Tennessee men's basketball team secured a significant victory against No. 17/16 South Carolina on Wednesday, winning 66-59 on their home court. This triumph not only marked their 11th SEC regular season championship in program history but also the sixth outright title.

Fifth-year guard Dalton Knecht emerged as the leading scorer with an impressive 26 points for the fourth-ranked Tennessee team, boasting a season record of 24-6, with a 14-3 SEC standing. The game, played at a packed Colonial Life Arena, saw Tennessee take the lead from the beginning, achieving a notable feat by defeating its third consecutive AP top-25 opponent, including back-to-back wins on the road – a first in the program's history.

This victory also marked the 100th win in SEC play for the team's ninth-year head coach, Rick Barnes. Barnes has played a pivotal role in leading the Volunteers to two SEC regular season championships in the past seven seasons, tying for the most among teams during this period.