Not always, but sometimes, grabbing the supporting set for a bigger act can be the key that opens doors of opportunity. I got that sense on Friday at the Midland Theatre when Sam L Smith took the stage with his acoustic duo accompaniment and unlocked a treat for the ears for the seasoned country crowd belting out a short but powerful set of heartfelt originals.

Smith, hailing from Nashville via Mt Sterling, KY, grew up playing Bluegrass music and listening to the pure country sounds of George Strait and Alan Jackson. Eventually, he found himself pulled to more modern country sounds and began churning out original anthems including “The Way You Make Me Feel,” “Promised Land,” and “Blue Jackets,” a tribute to the Future Farmers of America which reflects on his agricultural background and passion for barrel racing. Folks may also recall Smith from his feature on Season 21 of American Idol.

Friday’s show at the Midland found Smith and his band opening the evening for The Oak Ridge Boys, currently on their 50th Anniversary American Made Tour. On Saturday, Smith will support Randy Travis‘ More Life Tour as it swings through Ashland, KY. Clearly at home on the stage, Smith has played venues ranging from churches and country fairs to Arenas and beautiful, historic small town theaters like the Midland. Catch him while you can on tour this spring and when you meet him at the merch stand he’ll greet you with a firm and friendly handshake or a tip of the hat. But don’t also grab a T-Shirt or Trucker Hat without saying hi Smith’s mom. She’ll be the one beaming with pride as she too knows that those doors of opportunity appear to be opening wide for her boy!