Twang is in right now.

Banjos and beards, harmonies and hats. You know what I’m talking about.

The Avett Brothers pull it off. Because they’re from North Carolina.

Others do not. That’s enough said about that.

The Black Lillies also pull it off. They’re from Knoxville, Tenn., a college town situated on the western side of the Appalachian mountains, where the arts-friendly environment of a large university mingles with Southern/country culture on a daily basis.

Thirty miles separates downtown Knoxville from an amusement park themed around Dolly Parton.

From this place comes Cruz Contreras, a talented singer and songwriter who leads the Lillies, an up-and-coming roots-music band that has played the Grand Ole Opry around 20 times.

That does not mean The Black Lillies are a country band, though country is a major influence on their sound. No, this band is a regular smorgasbord of twangy influences; their new album “Runaway Freeway Blues” encompasses mellowed folk and bluegrass, big-rig roots-rock for the road, Mavericks-style countrypolitan, Southern gospel and traditional honky tonk. And Contreras’ voice is darn near perfect for each of those styles.

“Runaway” is the band’s third studio album, and it’s gaining the band some serious kudos: “American Songwriter” magazine called it “strong and diverse” and said it should establish The Black Lillies as “one of roots music’s most talented outfits.”

Wednesday’s free show at McMenamins Old St. Francis School in Bend feels like one of those gigs you don’t want to miss because you might be paying a hefty price to see this band in a year or two.

The Black Lillies; 7 p.m. Wednesday; free; McMenamins Old St. Francis School, 700 N.W. Bond St., Bend; www.mcmenamins .com.