The Smokin’ Country Concert was held Aug. 5-7 in Bloomville, Ohio, at Cole Farms.
According to The Advertiser-Tribune, a fight between Lawrence and promoter Elmer Cole Jr., took place on the venue grounds Saturday night. The newspaper notes that Cole owns the land at Cole Farms.
Lightning on Saturday night forced Lawrence to cut one song from his set and Randy Houser to cancel his show. The rainy night also brought mud, which caused some issues getting vehicles in and out of the venue.
Seneca County Sheriff Bill Eckelberry told the newspaper that there was a “misunderstanding” between Lawrence and Cole. Eckelberry explained that “it sounded like” a couple of buses had been pulled out of the mud but people couldn’t assist with Lawrence’s bus right away.
After exchanging words, a fight reportedly broke out between the singer-songwriter and promoter.
Cole and Lawrence were charged with disorderly conduct and a minor misdemeanor. They were also issued a summons to appear in Tiffin Municipal Court in nearby Tiffin, Ohio. The singer-songwriter and promoter were both treated at Mercy Tiffin Hospital. They’ve since been released.
In addition to Lawrence’s set, the Smokin’ Country Concert featured Rhett Akins, Matt Stillwell, Blackberry Smoke and The McClymonts.
The Advertiser-Tribune reports that there are plans to hold the concert again next year.
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