The unofficial start of summer was Memorial Day, but since we’ve received enough rain to land just short of biblical flooding since then, the warm and dry weather projected for this weekend is the perfect chance to kick off summer for real at the inaugural Smoky Run Music Festival outside of Columbus.

The music and camping festival will bring a select group of the best live music acts on the festival scene to Clear Fork Adventure Resort in Butler, OH, like Govt Mule, Trampled by Turtles, Railroad Earth and the Travelin’ McCourys — intertwined with intriguing acts that are less common at festivals such as Sierra Hull, Sun Volt, and Deer Tick, and many more.

Unfortunately, the festival will also be a celebration of the life of Jeff Austin (founder of Yonder Mountain String Band and Jeff Austin Band). The Jeff Austin Band announced late last week that all remaining shows would be canceled, and the family’s follow-up statement yesterday announced that the beloved jamgrass pioneer and father of 3 had passed. Personal favorite Larry Keel Experience will fill in the Jeff Austin’s Band Sunday spot, with guitarist extraordinaire and namesake Larry Keel joining with the Travelin’ McCourys to close out the festival Sunday night with the Grateful Ball- a bluegrass celebration of the Grateful Dead’s music.

The festival gods have spoken by finally bringing us warm weather, so let’s heed their call and embrace it while it lasts at Smoky Run! Last minute online and gate ticket information can be found here.