ROLAND, Okla. (May 6, 2026) - Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland will welcome country singer-songwriter Canaan Smith at 8 p.m. Friday, June 5, at Lee Creek Tavern inside the casino.

 

Known for songs such as “Love You Like That,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart, and the albums “High Country Sound” (2021) and “Bronco” (2015), Smith has firmly established himself as a reliable hitmaker in the genre. Now he’s back on the road after making his latest album, “Chickahominy,” a musically adventurous and relentless album of catchy tunes and artistic evolution that represents a turning point in both his creative direction and personal growth.

 

The album reflects a shift away from commercial expectations and toward a more authentic, self-expressive approach. Across 11 tracks — each written or co-written by Smith and produced by Anthony Olympia — “Chickahominy” showcases a raw, unfiltered perspective, peeling back layers of perfectionism and giving listeners a deeper look into Smith himself.

With an emphasis on songwriting and emotional honesty, the album explores a wide range of moods and experiences, mirroring the complexities of Smith’s inner world. Sonically, the project embraces a more organic and experimental style, allowing the music to flow naturally without rigid production constraints.

Named after a river in Smith’s hometown of Williamsburg, Virginia, “Chickahominy” highlights his willingness to push beyond previous creative boundaries, both musically and thematically. Through vivid storytelling, the album examines the contrasts in the human experience, blending light and dark elements in a compelling, relatable way.

 

The show is free to those 21 and older.

For more information on Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland, call 800-256-2338 or visit www.cherokeecasino.com/roland.

 

Serving the River Valley for 35 years, Cherokee Casino & Hotel Roland is the ultimate entertainment destination just minutes from downtown Fort Smith. What began as a small bingo hall in 1990 has grown to more than 300,000 square feet of award-winning gaming, dining and nightlife that’s been recognized by the Southwest Times Record and Arkansas Democrat Gazette, among many others. The resort, along with the Cherokee Travel Plaza and Gaming Parlor are located on Cherokee Blvd. in Roland, just off the intersection of I-40 and Highway 64. For more information, visit www.cherokeecasino.com and click on the Roland tab, or call 800-256-2338. More information about One Star Rewards® is available at www.onestarrewards.com.

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About Cherokee Nation Entertainment

Cherokee Nation Entertainment is the gaming and hospitality company of the Cherokee Nation. What began as a small bingo hall in Roland, Oklahoma, has evolved into one of the region’s largest and most dynamic gaming and hospitality enterprises, generating more than $1 billion in annual revenue, employing over 4,000 people, and welcoming more than 10 million visitors each year. With more than three decades of experience delivering world-class entertainment, CNE owns and operates the renowned Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tulsa and nine Cherokee Casinos throughout Oklahoma, including a racino, three resort hotels, a championship golf course, and a variety of dining, retail and entertainment venues. CNE also operates Gold Strike Casino Resort in Tunica, Mississippi, one of the most recognized gaming destinations in the Mid-South. As a key economic engine for the Cherokee Nation, CNE is deeply committed to improving the lives of Cherokee citizens and strengthening communities through job creation, cultural preservation and reinvestment in vital services. For more information, visit HardRockCasinoTulsa.com, CherokeeCasino.com and GoldStrike.com.