Western Illinois singer/songwriter Chris Vallillo welcomes Stuart Smith of Winchester, Illinois to the Hickory Ridge Concerts stage on Saturday, February 17th at 7:00 PM at the historic Ellisville Opera House in Ellisville, IL. Smith is a young songwriter and musician equally rooted in his Midwestern home and his Appalachian family heritage with a sonic palette as diverse as his influences.

A former minister, Stuart began recording a series of demos in the fall and winter of 2017 following his exit from a decade in ministry. “These were me finding my voice and seeing if I had anything to say. All I knew was I wanted a change, but I didn’t know what it’d look like or if what I had in my head was any good”. Those demos became his first album, War Horse, released in 2018. Smith’s sharp pen and commanding presence on the guitar are at the forefront making his songs come to life, woven with his unique storytelling and humor. “It’s when you see a lyric you wrote hit home for someone else that this all makes sense. That you’re not as alone as you think you are and maybe we’re all a little more connected than we believe. Whether a song helps you to forget or to remember, it’s as human of an experience as I’ve found”.

The Hickory Ridge Concert Series is hosted by singer-songwriter Chris Vallillo. Concerts are usually (but not always) held on the 3rd Saturday of the month and begin at 7:00 p.m. with the doors opening at 6:00 p.m. The Ellisville Opera House is a second story venue however they do now have an elevator and is air conditioned. Coffee, drinks, and a variety of desserts are available during intermission. There is an admission charge of $10.00 per adult and $5.00 for children under 12. Hickory Ridge Concerts is supported in part by WIUM 91.3 FM, your source for NPR programming, local news and a variety of music. Follow Hickory Ridge Concerts on facebook, or on the website, www.hickoryridgeconcerts.com.