'Lil Smokies: smoke ‘em if you got ‘em

(this piece was published by Planet Jackson Hole)It sure is cool to see former Jacksonites from the formative days of yesteryear’s local music scene making waves on the regional and national front. Featuring former locals Pete Barrett (guitar, vocals, songwriting) and Matt Cornette (banjo), Missoula’s The Lil’ Smokies formed in 2009 along with Andy Dunnigan (dobro), Scott Parker (upright bass), Cameron Wilson (mandolin), and Jesse Brown (Fiddle). The progressive bluegrass sextet has succeeded in growing a Montana following while getting recognized on a national level as well. The Lil’ Smokies were honored most recently by the International Bluegrass Music Awards (IBMA 2014) with a nomination for the Momentum in Bluegrass Band Award. The Lil Smokies, 10 p.m. Wednesday at Town Square Tavern. $5. 733-3886.