Clearwater On Fire

Country star Nate Smith knows a thing or two about fire.

In 2018, he lost everything he owned in the wildfires which whipped through Paradise, California, the deadliest and most destructive wildfire in California's history. Despite being safe, Smith found it difficult to adjust to the devastation and turned to music.

He wrote "One of These Days," about his experiences, hoping it would resonate with others.

The song caught on, going viral. Soon, Smith found himself singing at benefit concerts and appearing on television.

That's when it dawned on him how the song was a guiding beacon, beckoning him to return to Nashville.

By 2020, Smith's breakout single, "Wildfire," took TikTok by storm and catapulted Smith's career.

This year, "World on Fire" spent 10 weeks at the top spot on "Billboard's" country airplay chart, tying the record for the chart's longest run since it debuted in 1990.

In May, Smith received the Academy of Country Music's best new male artist award.

His interest in music began when he was 13. He learned to play guitar and served as a worship leader at his church. At 23, he headed to the country music capital and landed a recording contract with Word Records.

By 2011, Smith left Nashville, heading home. Seven years later, the fateful wildfires hit.

It's been a curvy, fateful ride for the singer who describes some of his music as alt-rock.

His current hit, "Bulletproof," is making its way toward the top spot on the country airplay chart. Smith partners with pop star Avril Lavigne on the song, which appears on Smith's latest EP, "Through The Smoke."

Area residents will be able to listen to Smith sing his string of hits live, this Saturday, at 10 p.m., during the Clearwater Rodeo Concert on Main Street.

Tickets will be available until noon, Friday, at local vendors. Concert tickets will also be available Friday and Saturday evening, at the Double P Tack Room on the rodeo grounds.