In this episode of The SML Buzz Podcast, PJ Belle sits down with Matt Karris, President of the Board of Directors for the Smith Mountain Lake Center, to talk about his inspiring journey from New York City to the calm beauty of Smith Mountain Lake. Matt shares how a vacation home turned into a permanent move during the pandemic, the serendipitous family connections that brought him closer to the lake, and his passion for the arts that led him to champion the transformation of Westlake Cinema into a regional hub for arts, culture, and community life.

We dive into the exciting upcoming production of The Addams Family Musical (September 18–21), a project that not only entertains but also serves as a test case for future live performances, concerts, and community events at the SML Center. Matt discusses the feasibility study underway, the importance of community involvement, and how volunteers and supporters can help make this vision a reality.

This episode is packed with local pride, community spirit, and the promise of an even brighter cultural future for Smith Mountain Lake.

👉 Visit smlcenter.org to learn more, get tickets, or get involved.

Join the SML Buzz Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/smlbuzz

Learn more about PJ Belle: https://www.pjatthelake.com/

If you have episode suggestions, send us an email! PJ@PJatTheLake.com